The region's top rugby team has to travel just a little further.
It will be an exciting - but draining - week for the Highlanders as they prepare for their first appearance in the Super rugby playoffs in 12 years.
They face probably the longest playoff trip in world sport, a 10,500km long haul to Durban to play the Sharks on Sunday morning (NZ time).
The Highlanders did not muck around after a 34-8 loss to the Crusaders on Saturday night dashed any hopes of a home playoff game.
They flew to Sydney yesterday, and were staying overnight before pushing on to Africa today.
The distance, the opposition, the recent history - all seem to be working against the Highlanders transforming this season from marvellous to miraculous.
But consider these factors.
Ben Smith, the prince of fullbacks, is available again after his nasty leg infection.
The Highlanders beat the Sharks the last time the sides met in Durban, back in round 11.
And remember 1999. The Highlanders had to traipse all the way to Cape Town, where they beat the Stormers to earn a final, the immortal Party at Tony Brown's, back in Dunedin.
Keep daring to dream, Highlanders fans.
