To some Bell Block residents, New Plymouth’s thin blue line was a necessary addition in 2011 that prevented many a tourist from wandering off-course during the 2011 Rugby World Cup. To many others, it was nothing more than a good way to ugly up the city’s pristine pavements. But like it or lump it, the visual guide that stretches from Ariki St to the Maratahu St entrance of Yarrow Stadium is being resurrected for the June 22nd 2013 test between the All Blacks and France. For those who choose not to walk, buses will link 11 towns around the mountain to the stadium, while shuttles will run continuously between Ariki St and the venue before and after the match. Bus services were very popular for previous All Black matches and the 2011 Rugby World Cup games at Yarrow Stadium – up to 25 per cent of rugby fans left their cars behind and jumped on a bus instead. On match day, all council car parks in the CBD will be free from 5pm and open for 24 hours. Centre City is also making its car parking free after 5pm, however, it will be locked at midnight. The district buses will have pick-ups from Hawera, Eltham, Opunake, Okato, Oakura, Stratford, Inglewood, Egmont Village, Urenui, Waitara and Bell Block. Bookings are essential and need to be made before June 7th 2013. Bell Block: Pick-up outside Parklands Supermarket and the bus stop on Nugent Street. Adults $5, children $3, families $10. Buy tickets from the Bell Block Library and Service Centre.
