After a four year international tour, Tourism New Zealand today announced that Sydney's iconic Circular Quay has been chosen as the fourth and final overseas destination for New Zealand's world-renowned Giant Rugby Ball experience.

Tourism New Zealand's Giant Rugby Ball is a state of the art venue created to inform and excite people about New Zealand and the upcoming Rugby World Cup to be held in New Zealand next year. Measuring 25 metres long, 17 metres wide and 13 metres high, the Ball will be open from 3 to 12 September, 2010, showcasing New Zealand's culture, landscapes and people through a stunning multi-media experience inside the inflated structure.       

Following in the footsteps of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Tower Bridge in London and Tokyo Tower in Japan, the Giant Rugby Ball will appear at Sydney's Circular Quay beside the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. The installation coincides with the Bledisloe Cup match on 11 September and kicks off the one year countdown until Rugby World Cup 2011. 

Tourism New Zealand CEO, Kevin Bowler, said Sydney's Circular Quay was the perfect location to host the Ball due to its global appeal and stunning surrounds.

"Iconic locations from around the world have been chosen to host the Ball to help raise awareness of New Zealand as host country of the Rugby World Cup and to showcase all the amazing and diverse experiences we have to offer.

Sydney's Circular Quay, encompassing the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, is one of Australia's most spectacular landmarks and with the Ball will form one of the most striking landscapes yet," Mr Bowler stated.

Outside the Ball, visitors will be entertained with a music and cultural festival during the day and eye-catching imagery projected onto the outside of the Ball at night. 

Festivities around the Ball will reflect the nationwide festival which will run throughout New Zealand during Rugby World Cup 2011.  Festival Director Briony Ellis says the programme will showcase some of the best of New Zealand, including a line-up of top New Zealand bands who are scheduled for guest appearances at the Ball.

"The festival for Rugby World Cup 2011 will offer Australians a chance to engage with real New Zealand - our arts, culture, stories and people - with reasons to take the long way round to get from match to match throughout the country, and even to stay a bit longer to experience 'our place'." 

Up to 18,000 Australians are expected to go through the Giant Rugby Ball.  Royalty, dignitaries, sports stars and celebrities are some of the 40,000 international visitors who have already enjoyed the experience.  

The Giant Rugby Ball is a spectacular venue, as well as a unique and exciting attraction for Sydney - following the iconic locations it has already appeared in. 

The Giant Rugby Ball is expected to draw substantial international attention to Sydney and its iconic landmarks.