The much anticipated Rugby World Cup in 2011 is expected to welcome 85,000 visitors and $55 million in confirmed hotel bookings and likely to act as the catalyst for recovery of the tourism and hotel market, catapulting New Zealand into the global stage. This paper estimates the likely impact of the Rugby World Cup (RWC) 2011 on New Zealand’s major hotel and tourism markets, having regard to recent major international rugby tournaments including RWC 2003 in Australia and the 2005 DHL Lions Series in New Zealand. It also highlights some of the potential challenges and opportunities which may arise.