World Cup visitors stay free - just bring beer

Garry Kitson has opened up his farm to visitors. Photo / Janna Dixon

Kiwis are world famous for their hospitality - but Garry Kitson is taking things to a whole new level.

While many New Zealanders are renting out their homes or rooms to travelling rugby fans, the Aucklander is offering free accommodation on his 3ha lifestyle block in Kumeu.

Tourists are welcome to bring campervans, but they can also stay inside the four-bedroom house, which overlooks a large pond and has sheep and recently born lambs.

Kitson, 63, says the idea came about in conversation with his wife Karen two weeks ago.

"We thought it would be nice to give people the chance to experience a bit of Kiwi lifestyle in the country for a few days," says Kitson, "especially those from big cities around the world".

Kitson has hosted travellers before - mainly friends of his adult children - and enjoys the cultural exchange.

"All we ask is that they bring some of their own tucker to share," says Kitson, "while liquid refreshments are always welcome. I like a beer - I don't mind which kind just as long as it comes in a bottle."

Kitson has listed his property on www.stayinnz.com, one of about five property rental websites catering for accommodation demand over the tournament.

"We thought Garry's idea was pretty neat," says StayinNZ director Hugh Calveley, "so we offered him a free listing."

More than 200 homes have been rented through the site, and inquiries are still coming in from all over the world.

"Just this week we had a French fireman casting about, while a South African chef and a Wellington banker were in a bidding war for the same Auckland property less than 1km from Eden Park."