Sports fans should bear in mind that it's not too early to start making travel plans for the 2011 World Cup which will be held in New Zealand.
With the rugby authorities resisting considerable pressure to reduce the number of participating teams from 20 to 16, it is likely that venues such as Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington - all of which boast stadiums with capacities over 40,000 - could become a little crowded during the seven-week tournament.
New Zealand already receives two million visitors a year and tourism is the country's biggest 'export' earner.
People sampling the nation's delights are sure to receive a warmer welcome than that reserved for visiting rugby teams - who are greeted with a fierce tribal dance from the NZ players at the start of each match.
Popular locations in New Zealand include Waitomo Caves, the snow-capped mountains near Mitford Sound and Queenstown.
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