Rugby World Cup 2011 will be staged in eleven cities spread across New Zealand's North and South Islands. Following is an overview of the host cities.

Whangarei is the Northland region's capital city, and is also the largest city in the region. Nearby sights include Mount Parihaka, a volcanic dome with a height of 241 meters, and Whangarei Falls, found 6 kilometers north of the city.

With 438,000 residents, Auckland is New Zealand's largest and most famous city. The Greater Auckland area is home to 1.4 million residents of more than 100 ethnicities. Top sights include Auckland Domain and Mount Eden, a volcanic mountain. Jump in you camper or car hire and set off to the next venue.

Hamilton is 130 km south of Auckland, and is the hub of the country's dairy industry and a key export center. Hamilton Gardens is the city's most popular attraction, drawing some 600,000 visitors each year.

Rotorua is a popular with tourists from other parts of New Zealand as well as those from other cities. Because of its geothermal activity, Rotorua is home to many geysers and hot mud pools.

New Plymouth is primarily a farming community that also features many public gardens. Its most popular attraction is the Te Rewa Rewa Bridge, known for its unique shape and spectacular view.

Napier is known for its art deco buildings, many of which were built after an earthquake leveled much of the city in 1931. Napier's unique spin on art deco draws architecture enthusiasts from all corners of the globe.

Palmerston North is an inland city on the north island nicknamed "Student City," since a third of its residents are between the ages of 15 and 30. It is home to Massey University, Universal College of Learning and International Pacific College.

Wellington is New Zealand's capital city, also known for its vibrant cultural community, made popular by filmmaker Peter Jackson. Wellington also has a thriving nightlife, particularly along Quartenay Place.

Nelson lies at the top of the South Island. An arts and crafts center, Nelson hosts the popular Nelson Arts Festival each year. During the Saturday Nelson Market, visitors can buy direct from local artists.

Jump in your campervan hire and head on down to Chirstchurch is the largest city on the South Island, and is nicknamed the Garden City because of its many parks and gardens. Your world could shake when you go to Christchurch which was rocked by a r7.0 earthquake in August 2010.

Dunedin is best known as a center for higher learning. Found there is New Zealand's oldest university, the University of Otago. The city's primary art collection is found at the Dunedin Public Art Gallery.

At the base of the South Island, Invercargill sits among rich farmland and is home to New Zealand's only indoor velodrome. Southland Museum and Art Gallery is the region's largest cultural and heritage institution.

About the Author

Like all rugby union fans Hugh is looking forward to the rugby in New Zealand in 2011, but where will you stay and how will you get there? Booking a rugby word cup campervan rental is one of the best ways to see the matches and the country.