Picture by Josh Snee

PEOPLE coming to Wellington for the Rugby World Cup are urged to pack a decent set of walking shoes.

“We will be working to encourage fans to walk to and from matches where this is practical,” says tournament general manager Nigel Cass.

Rugby World Cup committee is working alongside Wellington City Council to promote walking to and from games at Westpac stadium.

“Each of Wellington, Christchurch and Auckland will support this by having walking routes signposted and supported with entertainers between venues and city centres,” he says.

Wellington City Council director of RWC 2011 and City Events Derek Fry says the council has yet to finalise its designated walking routes.

“We’re pretty lucky in Wellington because the stadium is so handily and visibly situated to accommodation, bars and restaurants, and the rest of the city,” he says.

With more than 5000 volunteers expected for the cup, there will be no shortage of Wellingtonians pointing people in the right direction.

There will be official volunteers around town as part of the nationwide programme, he says

They are also working to ensure council staff are excited and informed so they can also be friendly and trusted helpers during the tournament.

Having the fan zone on the waterfront ensured a safe environment where pedestrians will not have to compete with traffic.

“There will also be road closures and other traffic and pedestrian safety measures in place on match days,” he says.

Wellington’s unique city layout ensures fans will be able to walk from major transport hubs, such as the train station or ferry terminal straight to the fan zone, stadium or Courtney Place.

Public transport will also be available on match days, with ticketholders getting free rides on designated World Cup buses.

“Public transport is a big part of our planning,” says Mr Fry. “We’re planning special buses taking people from Courtenay Place to the stadium and back.”

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