In the nation's biggest city, it is hard to miss that the tournament is upon us. Every shop has some sort of placard mentioning the RWC. Cars and trucks are adorned with flags. A fire engine hurtling down Dominion Rd yesterday had an All Blacks flag flying.
In Otago, it is a similar story. Shops are awash with bunting, fans are showing their colours, and heated discussions are being held as fans count down the hours to the England-Argentina pool match at Dunedin's new stadium tomorrow night.
For the next seven weeks, the country stages the biggest event it has seen. The whole shebang begins tonight with an opening ceremony at 7.30pm, followed by the first game between the All Blacks and Tonga.
It seems a million miles away from the first World Cup game, staged in Auckland more than 24 years ago.
Then, on a rainy Friday afternoon, former All Black Waka Nathan ran around Eden Park as part of the opening festivities before the All Blacks smashed Italy.
That was the only RWC tournament the All Blacks have won. Most New Zealanders will be hoping that result is repeated in 44 days' time.
