While New Zealand is known as a great rugby nation, there are more registered football (soccer) players here than rugby players! The popularity of football in NZ is why we’re hosting the first-ever FIFA Under-17s Women’s World Cup. This will be at one of the biggest sporting events ever witnessed here in New Zealand. A chance to see the future superstars of world football in a stadium near you.

The inaugural FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup is on from 28 October to 16 November 2008. A total of 32 matches will be played at four fantastic venues: Auckland's North Harbour Stadium, Hamilton's Waikato Stadium, Wellington Stadium and Christchurch's QEII Stadium.

Our ‘Young Football Ferns’ are hoping to build on New Zealand’s 2007 football success; last year New Zealand was represented at three FIFA world finals. More then 100 countries competed in the qualifying rounds. 16 teams representing the world's best footballing nations will be arriving later this month, with family and supporters.

Football is now the largest female sport in the world and this event provides a great opportunity to showcase New Zealand. At least 150 territories will take the broadcasting rights and millions of people are expected to watch the event worldwide.For those who are planning to combine a passion for women’s football with a lifelong desire to see New Zealand, this international sporting event is right on target.  When you’re not in the stadium cheering, you can be making the most of our amazing landscapes.

If you come here to follow the cup, you can combine your football fanaticism with adventurous times in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch.

Auckland - North Harbour Stadium, volcanoes, vineyards and islands

North Harbour Stadium will host group matches at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup; it will also have the honour of staging the tournament's final and third place play-off.

Auckland is a memorable city that folds itself around two huge harbours. Extinct volcanic cones are dotted across the urban landscape, which is pleasantly green and leafy all the year round. Off the city’s eastern coast, the Hauraki Gulf islands have created a boating paradise. Whether you catch a ferry, join a whale and dolphin safari or crew for a few hours on a retired America’s Cup racing yacht, getting out on the water is compulsory fun.

West of the city, the native forests of the Waitakere Ranges tempt you with wilderness hikes to beaches, rivers, waterfalls, lookouts and picnic spots. To the north, a journey through the Matakana region leads to wineries and surf beaches. The Goat Island marine reserve is a mecca for snorkellers and scuba divers.

Hamilton - Waikato Stadium, Waitomo Caves and Rotorua

Originally built in 1925, Waikato Stadium was fully refurbished just a few years ago and is now one of New Zealand’s major sporting venues. This stadium will be hosting six group matches as well as two quarter-finals at the 2008 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.

South of Hamilton is the Waitomo District, where the ancient limestone landscape has been shaped and hollowed by water for many millions of years. In Hamilton you can walk into the largest free flight aviary in the southern hemisphere or catch a paddlesteamer cruise on the Waikato River. The city’s museum has an exceptional Maori collection.

Adjacent to the Waikato region is Rotorua, where you can visit the geothermal parks and enjoy live Maori cultural experiences ranging from kapa haka concerts to an authentic pre-European village experience. If you have energy to burn, hire a mountain bike at the redwood forest and blast along the trails. Afterwards, you can sooth sore muscles with a soak at the famous lakeside hot pools.

Wellington - Wellington Stadium, art and culture, dining and shopping

Wellington Stadium will host six group matches and two quarter-finals at the 2008 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup. Known locally as ‘The Cake Tin’, this state-of-the-art stadium is hugely popular with spectators. It’s a comfortable walk from the CBD, where most of the large hotels are situated.

While in Wellington you’ll have an illuminating time visiting museums, art galleries and historic buildings. You can walk to the Cuba Quarter for quirky shopping and ethnic restaurants; or roam the Lambton Quarter for designer shopping and upmarket dining. From Lambton Quay it’s fun to catch the cable car up to the Botanic Gardens.

Over the hills from Wellington is the Wairarapa region, where you’ll find the wine village of Martinborough. Here you can explore wineries on foot or hire a bike and pedal the vines. Nearby, the historic towns of Carteron and Greytown are delightful for dining and shopping.

Christchurch - QEII Stadium, historic trams, Akaroa, Hanmer Springs and country life

QEII Park was constructed as the core venue for the 1974 Commonwealth Games and remains New Zealand's premier athletics stadium. During the tournament, the stadium will host six matches in addition to staging both semi-finals.

Christchurch in the spring is a beautiful sight. The city’s tree-filled parks are bursting with blossom and alfresco dining is on the menu around the elegant town squares. You can ride the historic tram around the main attractions or take a punt ride on the Avon River.

Just south of Christchurch is the historic seaside village of Akaroa, a charming place to discover boutique wineries, cheese makers, restaurants and cafés. Drive a couple of hours north of the city and you can discover the Waipara region for wine experiences, Hanmer Springs for hot pools and Kaikoura for whale watching.

West from Christchurch, the rural road tour known as Inland Scenic Route 72 takes you through Canterbury’s heartland. Look for horse treks, farm stays, 4WD adventures and fantastic country golf courses. The magnificent braided rivers that run down from the mountains are great for jet boating, kayaking and trout fishing.

Making the most of your travels

Remember to check NZLive.com for information on events, activities and attractions wherever you are in New Zealand.

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Article adapted from Tourism New Zealand.