A mass of people, the size of the population of Timaru, is expected to descend on Dunedin for the Rugby World Cup, a new survey reveals.
Numbers released to the Otago Daily Times show 28,900 New Zealanders aged over 18 will be travelling to Dunedin for the tournament, according to the latest Fly Buys/Colmar Brunton Mood of the New Zealand Traveller Survey.
Dunedin will host four matches, including three involving England.
The city ranks sixth, behind Auckland (72,900), Hamilton (61,000), Rotorua (45,800), Wellington (40,700) and New Plymouth (30,300), out of 11 tournament host cities.
It is estimated Invercargill will receive the least domestic visitors with 4500 for its three games.
Nearly three quarters of New Zealanders (71%) intend to watch World Cup matches either in person, on television or both, according to the survey.
Most of those travelling to matches intend to see one or two games, make an overnight stay, stay in private homes and use private transport.
Research also revealed only one in 10 New Zealanders was aware of the Real New Zealand Festival, the nationwide festival of events running alongside the tournament.
Tourism Dunedin chief executive Hamish Saxton said domestic visitors were likely to come from within a five-hour drive of Dunedin.
"Ex-Dunedinites and those with connections to Dunedin are attracted to the great games and the superb venue. Dunedin has a terrific reputation as a city that delivers a wonderful event experience."
