A section of George St would undergo a transformation from main drag to "piazza" for the evening, Dunedin City Council events team leader Marilyn Anderson said.
To create a relaxed ambience, George St would be closed to vehicles between Frederick and Hanover Sts from 8pm on Saturday, June 13 until 4am the next day.
"We wanted to create a nice atmosphere around the bars and restaurants," she said, "[They] will stay open until midnight, to allow residents and visitors to come into town after the match and have a meal".
It is not very French but the area is known as New Edinburgh Way. Of course, it would not be Dunedin without a Scottish twist.
It is hoped the initiative will enhance Dunedin's reputation as a great place to stage a rugby test.
Anderson said the Octagon had traditionally been closed off, and the council had decided to extend the party to include George St, after some businesses in the area approached the DCC with the idea.
"They wanted to be involved in what is a huge weekend, so this is being trialled."
Anderson believes the closure will not prove too much of an inconvenience for people.
Otago Rugby Football Union marketing manager Chris Green said the test was close to being a sell-out, with fewer than 2000 tickets remaining.
The All Blacks were due to arrive in the city on Sunday and the public would have an opportunity to meet some of the players at the Wall Street mall from 5.15pm on Tuesday.
Some players would attend a rippa rugby tournament at the Edgar Centre the same day.
A training session would also be open to the public, Green said.
Despite being kept out of the All Black squad by a knee injury, Richie McCaw has confirmed he will speak at the winter leaders breakfast at the North Ground in Dunedin next Tuesday morning.
• The lower Octagon, between George and Princes Sts, will be closed to vehicles from 7am on June 12 until 3pm on June 14, as will lower Stuart St, between the Octagon and Moray Pl.
