Getting ready to hear Lions roar

A working party - comprising everyone from accommodation industry members to police and council staff - is confident the upcoming Lions rugby tour will be a roaring success.

Tourism Auckland chief executive Graeme Osborne said the group had been meeting monthly to plan everything from transport hassles to street decorations in the build-up to the June-July tour.

The Lions will play two matches at Auckland's Eden Park - against Auckland on July 5 and the All Blacks on July 9.

A report to the Auckland City Council's economic development committee predicts anywhere from 15,000 to 20,000 touring supporters to stay in Auckland for at least six days between July 2 and July 10.

Auckland Motel Association president Pat Taylor says there has been heavy pre-booking, with most motels "pretty well full" while the Lions are in town.

But finding a motel room in South Auckland could be a little difficult as a national darts competition is due to be held in the city at the same time.

The Lions tour would provide a financial shot in the arm for Auckland moteliers, as it comes in a traditionally quiet time of year.

The tour, despite falling in midwinter, would still put pressure on the city's available beds.

"It's certainly going to put pressure on accommodation in Auckland, there's no doubt about that."

Tourism Auckland's media manager, Sheryl Takayama, says the organisation has compiled a database of commercial accommodation and has undertaken a preliminary audit to check availability for the period before the Auckland match and the week of the Auckland matches.

Initial indications show most hotels are already booked for the peak time but other types of accommodation are available, including motels and B&Bs

More than 800 campervans had booked berths as of December 6, but this number is now approaching 1000, according to Tourism Auckland.