New Zealand's southern pride

As the British & Irish Lions tour of New Zealand moves to the South Island ahead of the first test match in Christchurch next week, Travelbite explores ways in which Lions' fans can spend their time:


Dunedin

On Saturday June 18 the British & Irish Lions play Otago in the east-coast city of Dunedin - a place where the Scottish players and supporters should feel particularly at home.

Dunedin is a university city with a distinctly Scottish flavour - epitomised by the statue of the poet Robert Burns in the city centre - and is often described as the "Edinburgh of the South".

The city itself will be hosting a range of activities, including 'painting the town blue and gold' in the colours of the local Highlanders' rugby team, whose stadium the match will be staged in. But for those seeking a break from the rugby, Travelbite suggests the following:

World's Steepest Street

Those fans who choose to walk around - or should that be up and down - the city of Dunedin will not be surprised to learn that it is the home of the World's Steepest Street, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Visitors to Baldwin Street are sometimes underwhelmed by its steepness when they first see it ... then they try walking up it!

Speight's Brewery

As a beer, Speight's is something of an institution in New Zealand's South Island. The self-styled 'Pride of the South' is closely associated with the island's Southern Man - "the types of men (and their dogs) that made this country great". A tour around one of the world's last remaining "gravity fed" breweries is as much a lesson in the history of the South Island and Dunedin as it is about beer. And the best thing about it ... you get to pour your own free samples at the end.

For more information see: www.speights.co.nz.

Otago Peninsula

Located a short drive from Dunedin, the Otago Peninsula - with Otago Harbour to the North and the Pacific Ocean to the South - is home to an abundance of wildlife including Royal Albatross, Yellow Eyed Penguins, Little Blue Penguins and the Stewart Island Shag. Hooker's Sealions and the occasional Sea Elephant can also be found here.

For more information see: www.albatross.org.nz.


Invercargill

The Lions moves to Invercargill on the south coast of the South Island to play Southland on June 22. Invercargill is a pleasant city with wide and easy-to-navigate streets, but it is the beauty of the surrounding area that it really worth seeing.

Bluff

Bluff, situated on the coast 20 kilometres to the south of Invercargill, is best known for its oysters - a fact celebrated every April by the Bluff Oyster Fest. The view from the top of Bluff Hill provide panoramic views of Southland, Foveaux Strait and Stewart Island. Bluff is also the place for ferry services to Stewart Island.

For more information see: www.bluff.co.nz.

Stewart Island

Stewart Island is a 20-minute plane ride from Invercargill, or an hour by ferry from Bluff. Much of the island was recently declared a national park called Rakiura - meaning 'the Land of Glowing Skies'. It offers the best opportunity to see New Zealand's national bird - the Kiwi - in the wild.

For more information see: www.stewartisland.co.nz.

Christchurch

By the time fans arrive in Christchurch, their attention will almost certainly be on the first test between the British & Irish Lions and New Zealand, which takes place on June 25. Fans without tickets will be able to watch the game in the city's Cathedral Square, where a big screen will be installed.

For more information see www.Christchurch.org.nz.

Akaroa, Banks peninsula

For those seeking to settle the pre-match nerves, a trip to the Banks peninsula is well worth it. Just an hour's drive from Christchurch, the town of Akaroa is set against a backdrop of mountains and a large natural harbour. Settled by the French in the 19th century, before being claimed by the British, the town's buildings retain a Gallic feel - and all the road names are in French. It is an ideal place for an overnight stay, with plenty to do from walking in the hills, taking a cruise around the harbour, or for the really brave (given the temperatures at this time of year) swimming with Hector's Dolphins.

For more information see www.akaroa.co.nz.