Fact Sheet

Queens Wharf – Giant Rugby Ball Homecoming

What is the Giant Rugby Ball?
The Giant Rugby Ball is a unique venue that has gained huge international exposure for New Zealand as a visitor destination in the lead up to Rugby World Cup 2011. Since being unveiled in 2007, the Ball has appeared in Paris, London, Tokyo and Sydney, showcasing New Zealand to more than 75,000 visitors and an estimated media audience of many millions around the world.

The Ball itself is a temporary inflatable venue that measures 25 metres long, 17 metres wide (at its widest point) and 13 metres high. It can hold up to 220 people. The Ball can house an estimated 600,000 conventional rugby balls. The venue takes five days to construct.

What happens in the Ball?
A key feature of the Ball is a 10-minute audiovisual show that takes visitors to New Zealand for a journey through the country. The interior of the Ball transforms into a variety of New Zealand environments from the depths of the ocean, beaches, volcanoes and bush walks, to the sidelines of rugby games. New Zealand’s Inside Out Productions created the Ball and both the ball itself and the audiovisual show inside have won acclaim around the world.

Will the Ball be open to the public?
Yes. During the day, the Ball will be open free to the public, giving visitors a stunning audio-visual experience of New Zealand, our heritage, landscapes, culture and tourism offerings. Since launching in Paris during Rugby World Cup 2007, New Zealand's Giant Rugby Ball venue has hosted more than 75,000 visitors including royalty, dignitaries, sports stars and celebrities.

When will the Ball be at Queens Wharf?
The ball will be at Queens Wharf for the duration of RWC 2011.

Does it cost anything to go into the Ball?
Admission will be free of charge.

Has the Ball been set up in New Zealand before?
No. This is the first and last time it will be seen on New Zealand shores. The Ball was designed to maximise the benefits to New Zealand of hosting the Rugby World Cup in 2011. Appearing in some of our key visitor markets, it has been part of Tourism New Zealand's strategy to raise awareness of New Zealand as the host country of RWC 2011 and encourage visitors to travel here in 2011. Tourism New Zealand has provided the Ball to Auckland for its homecoming in New Zealand to be experienced one final time with international Rugby fans and Kiwis side by side.

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