Kiwi fans eye World Cup package deals

SUPPORTERS: Fans have a limited time to buy tickets to the 2010 World Cup.

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The dormant football fan in many New Zealanders is stirring, with growing interest in packages to next year's World Cup in South Africa.

Nearly three decades after the national football team last made a World Cup, their win against Bahrain in Wellington on Saturday has turned travellers' minds to the world's most popular sporting tournament.

Gilpin Travel corporate travel specialist Keith Sumner said it was not clear yet how the ticketing and package deals would be allocated for the June-July event, but people had started talking after the final whistle on Saturday.

He said corporate clients were looking for good value deals and the exchange rate for South Africa made the World Cup an attractive option. But it was the novelty that was really piquing interest.

"Straight away they said they'd be interested in something different."

Mr Sumner said the tournament would be an unplanned expense, but was such a special occasion businesses might shift funds from their planned budgets for the Rugby World Cup.

"The consensus is that it's not rugby, it's a global thing, it's exciting and we might not get this opportunity again in our lifetime. This might not be such a good thing for the Rugby World Cup to be honest."

House of Travel retail director Brent Thomas disagreed, saying most people would see the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand as a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Return flights to Johannesburg cost about $3000, and Mr Thomas expected World Cup packages would be around $13,000 to $20,000 all inclusive.

"It'll be an expensive trip," he said.

A mid-level match ticket for the early stages of the World Cup in South Africa costs about ZAR 840 (NZ$150), while a similar ticket to the final in Johannesburg costs ZAR 4800 (NZ$750).

The prices are similar to what is expected for the Rugby World Cup in 2011, which go on sale early next year.

However, Mr Thomas said given the fever pitch among supporters at Westpac Stadium on Saturday, it would be a popular destination despite the cost.

"It's such a big sporting event, people see it a bit like the Olympics. "This time it has real meaning."

- © Fairfax NZ News