HAKA’LL DO NICELY!
Martin Wheelan’s acceptance into a local Maori tribe was just one of the highlights in another incredible week for England fans at Rugby World Cup 2011.
As more and more fans flood into New Zealand as the competition reaches its decisive stages, the latest tours to arrive in Auckland were greeted by a traditional Maori Haka – and Martin leapt at the chance to get stuck into the local customs!
Clare Williams, who is part of the England Rugby Travel operations team in New Zealand, said: “We are getting many, many more fans arrive as the Tournament progresses and it has been great to combine tours this week with the north and south Islands.
“In Auckland we experienced a traditional Maori welcome when we arrived at our hotel and it was great – fans with us just dived into a spontaneous Haka and it summed up the whole tour so far – people getting involved, having a great time and discovering new experiences.”
The Auckland Rydges Harbourview Hotel is dedicated to England fans – with a huge cross of St George in lights above the entrance and flags hanging throughout the hotel – to create a feeling of ‘Twickenham on Tour’.
Between games, fans have also got the grips with the local golf courses, been fishing and toured out to Milford Sound and Glenorchy to get the authentic New Zealand experience.
Clare Williams, who is part of the England Rugby Travel operations team in New Zealand, said: “We are getting many, many more fans arrive as the Tournament progresses and it has been great to combine tours this week with the north and south Islands.
“In Auckland we experienced a traditional Maori welcome when we arrived at our hotel and it was great – fans with us just dived into a spontaneous Haka and it summed up the whole tour so far – people getting involved, having a great time and discovering new experiences.”
The Auckland Rydges Harbourview Hotel is dedicated to England fans – with a huge cross of St George in lights above the entrance and flags hanging throughout the hotel – to create a feeling of ‘Twickenham on Tour’.
Between games, fans have also got the grips with the local golf courses, been fishing and toured out to Milford Sound and Glenorchy to get the authentic New Zealand experience.
