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The Māori All Blacks performing the ‘Haka’ before the first test against the British & Irish Lions in Auckland. The ‘Haka’ is a traditional war dance performed by the Māori people (natives of New Zealand). It is typically performed before a rugby game to show the team’s dominance, strength and unity. It is usually accompanied by foot stamping and facial expressions designed to intimidate and terrify their enemies.

New Zealand
Rolls Out
Red Carpet
To Welcome
British Lions
At Rugby Festival

With craft brews, wine and seafood, a giant haka, special trains, rugby nostalgia, fan zones and opportunities to meet the rugby legends, New Zealand rolled out the red carpet to welcome the British & Irish Lions as part of their tour to the 2017 Rugby Festival this June and July 2017. 

The tour which happens only once every 12 years, will see the Lions play 10 rugby union matches (including three tests) against New Zealand’s top five Super Rugby teams as well as the mighty Māori All Blacks. The British & Irish Lions is a rugby union team with players from the national sides of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

And M&C New Zealand hotels are seeing themselves thick in the action as rugby supporters flock to the cities to soak in the spirited atmosphere. According to tourism sources such as Wairarapa Tourism, many hotels such as Copthorne Hotel and Resort Solway Park, Masterton’s most prominent hotel, is fully booked for the Wellington test weekends. Wellington is one of 10 cities across the country to host the matches.



The Copthorne Hotel and Resort Solway Park is set in 24 acres of landscaped parklands, native bush and fragrant gardens, on the outskirts of Masterton, Wairarapa's largest town. With 102 spacious guest rooms, leisure and business facilities including three restaurants, bars, swimming pool, tennis and squash courts, the hotel is one of Wairarapa’s most luxurious hotels.

The Rugby Festival celebrates the game nationwide with food, drinks, live entertainment, activities and special events such as fan meets, so fans get a chance  to rub shoulders with Kiwi rugby legends. It also showcases the unique features of the Kiwi culture.


The British & Irish Lions tackling the All Blacks in a match held in Rotorua, New Zealand.

Lions fans and staff at Copthorne Solway Park partying up at the hotel when the Lions won the second test against the All Blacks. The third and final test for the big win will be held on July 8 at Eden Park Stadium, Auckland.
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