Over 15,000 British and Irish fans are due to follow the British Lions on their eagerly anticipated tour of New Zealand. The first match starts on 4 June in New Zealand�s North Island building to a climactic finale against the All Blacks on 9 July in the nation�s capital Aukland.

New Zealand regularly tops travel polls as the most beautiful destination in the world and the tour will travel the length and breadth of the country from Aukland in the North to Invercargill at the foot of the South Island. Each step of the tour has been planned to be a reasonable drive and allows fans the opportunity to enjoy the country�s spectacular scenery and picturesque towns.

From the hot springs of Rotorua, fans can travel the coastal road of the North Island enjoying the unspoilt beaches and sampling the wine in the vineyards that cluster around the foot of the North and top of the South islands. Anyone who has ever tasted a bottle of New Zealand white wine will know what a treat is in store.

The South Island is if anything even more stunning than the North and the tour gives plenty of opportunities to head off for a spot of white water rafting and bungee jumping in Queenstown, adrenalin capital of the world.

Some tickets for the games are still available and holiday packages at competitive prices, ideal to shout on the boys and have the holiday experience of a lifetime.

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26 May 2005 For Further Information and interviewees on New Zealand and the tour, please contact Sean Tipton or Frances Tuke on 020 7307 1900