ICC CRICKET WORLD CUP 2015 UK TROPHY TOUR MARKS COUNTDOWN TO TOURNAMENT

Over in New Zealand, the joint ICC 2015 World Cup hosts are gearing up to welcome fans to a nationwide festival of cricket, with 23 games of the tournament being held across seven New Zealand cities between 14 February and 29 March 2015. With more tickets just released from just NZ$20 per adult, now is the time to book to ensure visitors get a slice of the action.

For those keen to find out what to expect beyond the cricket pitch, Tourism New Zealand has selected its pick of the activities and adventures in and around the matches. Visitors can also get inspiration via the Driving Itineraries section of www.newzealand.com where a newly created ‘English Fan 11 day itinerary’ gives top tips for taking in all of the matches and a wealth of activities and landscapes along the way.

NORTH ISLAND

AUCKLAND – NEW ZEALAND’S INTERNATIONAL GATEWAY
On the pitch: Auckland’s iconic Eden Park stadium hosts four matches during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, including the big-clash between tournament hosts Australia and New Zealand on 28 February 2015 and a semi-final on 24 March 2015.

Off the pitch: The waterfront harbour city combines a buzzing mix of culture, events, nightlife and restaurants with native rainforest, wild beaches and wineries all within half an hour of downtown. For an exciting day trip, explore the magnificent Hauraki Gulf and her islands. Discover the history and sandy coves of Rotoroa Island, explore the open wildlife sanctuary of Tiritiri Matangi Island or climb the volcanic cone of Rangitoto Island for incredible views from the summit. A little more time could include a light plane flight to Great Barrier Island, renowned for its rugged beauty and unspoilt wilderness, or a stay on Waiheke Island, a haven of vineyards, olive groves and art and sculpture just 35 minute ferry ride from the city.

Don’t miss: Joining the locals in Auckland’s City Work Depot area for great Food Truck street food and boutique coffee; hot-footing it to the new Xuxu Dumpling Bar in the cool Britomart area or heading high to Peter Gordon’s latest Sugar Club restaurant at the top of the SKY Tower.

HAMILTON – GATEWAY TO MYSTIC AND MAGIC
On the pitch: Just over an hour and a half south of Auckland, Hamilton will host three matches at the ICC Cricket World Cup, including New Zealand, South Africa and India in separate matches.

Off the pitch: Gateway to the rolling green hills and vast underground caves of the Waikato region, Hamilton is the perfect base for adventurers. Try caving, tubing and black water rafting at the mystical, glow worm lit Waitomo caves or head to a unique slice of Kiwi paradise at the iconic Raglan beach, just 45 minutes from Hamilton city and the perfect spot for a surf or paddle board.

Don’t miss: The chance to explore the permanent film set of Hobbiton in nearby Matamata on a newly launched Evening Dinner Tour. With Hobbit Holes brought to life with chimney smoke and lights, visitors can enjoy a unique after dark tour followed by a banquet fit for a Hobbit served in the iconic Green Dragon Inn.

NAPIER – ART DECO AND GOURMET CYCLING CAPITAL
On the pitch: Further south on the North Island’s east coast, Napier will host three ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 matches, including New Zealand versus Afghanistan on 8 March 2015.

Off the pitch: One of the world’s purest examples of Art Deco architecture, Napier is a unique New Zealand destination.  Blessed with a Mediterranean climate and great beaches it also forms part of the Hawkes Bay region gourmet New Zealand Cycle Trails, with over 200km of road and off road trails taking in sweeping coastline, mountain lookouts, wildlife and of course a cellar door and farmers market or two.

Don’t miss: The Napier Art Deco weekend (19-22 February 2015) is an annual calendar highlight attracting upwards of 30,000 visitors to over 200 events including steam train rides, Gatsby picnics, vintage car parades and concerts.

WELLINGTON – ‘NEW ZEALAND’S COOLEST LITTLE CAPITAL’
On the pitch: Nestled at the bottom of the North Island, Wellington will host four ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 matches, including the blockbuster New Zealand-England clash on 20 February 2015 and the New Zealand quarter final on 21 March 2015.

Off the pitch: Famous for its arts, film, coffee and craft beer, the capital has a fantastic waterfront location. Head up the cable car and take in the views from the Mount Victoria Lookout; learn about New Zealand’s Maori history at the Te Papa museum; take a swim and soak up the sun at Oriental Bay and spot native Kiwi on a night tour at the Zealandia conservation project – just 10 minutes from the city. Quench your thirst with a boutique brewery tour or head out of town to the Wairarapa, one of the country’s finest wine regions.

Don’t miss: February and March are festival season in Wellington. Combine the cricket with New Zealand’s largest Kiwi music festival, Homegrown, held on the Wellington Waterfront on 7 March 2015.

Sample package: Thomson Sport (www.thomsonsport.com / 0845 004 2109) has a two-night stay at the four-star Amora Hotel in Wellington from 19 – 21 February and Category C match ticket to England v New Zealand on 20 February from £289 per person.

Gullivers Sports Travel (www.gulliverstravel.co.uk / 01684 878758) has a two-night package staying in a Wellington 3-star hotel with breakfast from 28 February – 2 March and Category C match tickets to the England v Sri Lanka match on 1 March from £299 per person.

SOUTH ISLAND

NELSON – THE SUNNIEST STATE, NATIONAL PARKS AND BEACH LIFE
On the pitch: Across the Cook Strait at the top of the South Island, Nelson will host three ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 matches, including the exciting West Indies-Ireland clash on 16 February 2015 and Scotland versus Bangladesh on 5 March 2015.

Off the pitch: With three national parks within 90 minutes of the city, it’s the ideal spot to soak up the full array of New Zealand landscapes – from the walking, sailing and kayaking Mecca of the Abel Tasman National Park with its tropical beaches and clear coastline, to the majestic mountains and lakeside walks of the Nelson Lakes National Park and the pristine Kahurangi National Park, home to the iconic Heaphy Track one of New Zealand’s ‘Great Walks.’

Don’t miss: A ‘Food Source’ cuisine-heli adventure with Michelin trained Chef Matt Boutery, flying to collect the region’s finest produce before cooking up a storm in a wilderness setting. Or for something more adrenalin charged take on a U Fly Extreme adventure, learning to pilot a stunt plane.

Sample package: Sports Tours Plus (01638 717850 / www.sportstoursplus.com) has a two-night stay at the four-star Rutherford Hotel in Nelson from 4 March and General Admission match ticket for Scotland versus Bangladesh on 5 March from £205.00 per person.

CHRISTCHURCH – THE SOUTH ISLAND GATEWAY
On the pitch: Kicking off proceedings with the tournament’s opening match on 14 February in the newly built Hagley Oval, Christchurch will be a key base for England and Scotland fans for their game on 23 February.

Off the pitch: A city in the midst of reinvention, Christchurch has established itself as a creative hub. Check out the Cardboard Cathedral, strut your stuff on the ‘Dance O’Mat’ and shop ‘til you drop at the Restart Shopping Mall made out of shipping containers. Beyond the city centre, explore the Canterbury region by foot, bike or even on a white water rafting trip. The Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail showcases some of the country’s most spectacular scenery and can be explored in whole in between four to six days or on an easy day trip.

Don’t miss: Relieving the inevitable tension of being an England or Scottish cricket fan with a soak in the natural hot pools of Hamner Springs, just 90 minutes from Christchurch set amidst a beautiful Alpine backdrop.

Sample package: The Sporting Traveller (www.thesportingtraveller.com / 01737 244398) has a two-night stay at the four-star Rendezvous Hotel in Christchurch from 22-24 February and Category C match ticket for England v Scotland on 23 February from £242 per person.

DUNEDIN – A WILD SLICE OF SCOTLAND IN NEW ZEALAND
On the pitch: Scottish fans will feel at home in Dunedin (the Gaelic name for Edinburgh) set on dramatic hills above a natural harbour on the east coast. The city will host three matches including the highly anticipated Scotland versus New Zealand clash on 17 February.

Off the pitch: A slice of Scotland in New Zealand, the University City is home to the world’s steepest street, as well as New Zealand’s only castle. Beyond the city, explore on the Taieri Gorge Train, one of the world’s great train trips hugging a narrow river gorge and cliff hugging tunnels and viaducts.

Don’t miss: The Otago peninsula is a rugged wildlife haven home to rare yellow-eyed and blue penguins, Albatross and more, with world-leading conservation projects in place. Hop on an 8-wheel drive all terrain vehicle with Nature’s Wonders and explore breeding colonies of Cormorants, New Zealand fur seals and Penguin Beach.

Sample package: Sports Tours Plus (01638 717850 / www.sportstoursplus.com) has a two-night stay at the four-star Cargills Dunedin Hotel from 16 February and General Admission match ticket for Scotland v New Zealand on 17 February from £199.00 per person.

GET ME THERE:

Individual match tickets: ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 tickets are available to buy online from just $20 per adult for pool matches at www.cricketworldcup.com

England in New Zealand 14-night Tour – The Sporting Traveller offers a 14-night package from £4,825 per person including return economy class flights and domestic flights within New Zealand; two-nights B&B in Auckland; six-nights room only in Wellington; three-nights room only in Christchurch and three-nights B&B in Queenstown all in top hotels; a full-day Milford Sound Tour; a Whale Watching Tour in Kaikoura; official Category B tickets for three England pool matches (Category A in Christchurch). www.thesportingtraveller.com / 01737 244398.

UK specialist operators selling ICC Cricket World Cup packages are Howzat; Sports Tours Plus; The Sporting Traveller; Thomas Cook Sport; Gullivers Sports Travel; Thomson Sport and Glory Days. In Ireland Abbey Travel is the ICC Cricket World Cup appointed agent.