DHL New Zealand Lions Series 2017

The 12th British and Irish Lions tour comes to New Zealand in June 2017 much to the delight of rugby-loving New Zealanders the world over.

With rugby being a passion for so many New Zealanders, the much anticipated tour kicks off on Saturday the 3rd of June at Toll Stadium in Whangarei. The tour will conclude with the final game against the All Blacks at Eden Park on the 8th of July.

With 10 matches being played at 7 different venues across New Zealand, visitors to New Zealand following the rugby will experience the length and breadth of the country.

Unlike the last tour in 2005, this tour will take palce in New Zealand's winter season, so it's advised to pack your warmer clothes.

Match Schedule

New Zealand Barbarians vs British and Irish Lions
Date: 3 June Location: Toll Stadium, Whangarei
Whangarei:
Accommodation - Attractions and Activities - Tours - Transport - Events

Blues vs British and Irish Lions
Date: 7 June Location: Eden Park, Auckland
Auckland:
Accommodation - Attractions and Activities - Tours - Transport - Events

Crusaders vs British and Irish Lions
Date: 10 June Location: AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Christchurch:
Accommodation - Attractions and Activities - Tours - Transport - Events

Highlanders vs British and Irish Lions
Date: 13 June Location: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Dunedin:
Accommodation - Attractions and Activities - Tours - Transport - Events

Māori All Blacks vs British and Irish Lions
Date: 17 June Location: Rotorua International Stadium, Rotorua
Rotorua:
Accommodation - Attractions and Activities - Tours - Transport - Events

Chiefs vs British and Irish Lions
Date: 20 June Location: Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Hamilton:
Accommodation - Attractions and Activities - Tours - Transport - Events

New Zealand vs British and Irish Lions
Date: 24 June Location: Eden Park, Auckland
Auckland:
Accommodation - Attractions and Activities - Tours - Transport - Events

Hurricanes vs British and Irish Lions
Date: 27 June Location: Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Wellington:
Accommodation - Attractions and Activities - Tours - Transport - Events

New Zealand vs British and Irish Lions
Date: 1 July Location: Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Wellington:
Accommodation - Attractions and Activities - Tours - Transport - Events

New Zealand vs British and Irish Lions
Date: 8 July Location: Eden Park, Auckland
Auckland:
Accommodation - Attractions and Activities - Tours - Transport - Events

Travel Tips for Rugby Fans heading to New Zealand

Before you book your accommodation, bear in mind the following tips:

• Accommodation and transport such as rental cars and motorhomes will be keenly sought after, so early booking is recommended.
• If accommodation in the venue town or city is scarce, look at booking regional accommodation, within easy driving distance.
• Accommodation outside of the major centres (Auckland, Wellington and Hamilton) may need to be booked earlier as there will be fewer options.
• Venues may be literally different islands away, so check your maps, driving routes and journey times to be sure you can reach each venue in time for the game.
• Use the New Zealand Tourism Guide to find out about the region you want to visit.
• The smaller cities and towns in New Zealand hosting rugby games will be buzzing with World Cup fever, so don't discount them as venues to visit.
• Pack light, but pack right! View more information New Zealand weather, seasons and recommended clothing.

British Lions Tour History

The British Lions were formerly known as the British Isles. The team was nicknamed the Lions in the inter-war period after the emblem on the players' jersey and lapel badges. The Lions visit Australia, New Zealand and South Africa on a rotational basis. The tours are hugely popular with Lions fans traveling in their thousands to follow the fortunes of their team.

Out of a total of 38 Tests played between New Zealand and the Lions, New Zealand has won 29 to the Lions' 6 with 3 drawn. The Lions' only series victory in New Zealand was in 1971 when the tourists prevailed 2-1, with one drawn test match.

The All Blacks achieved their biggest winning margin against the Lions during their 1983 tour, beating the visitors 38-6. The Lions' biggest test match win was on the 1993 tour when they beat the All Blacks 20-7.

It's been 24 years since the Lions last defeated the All Blacks in a Test, and 113 years since the All Blacks and Lions first clashed.