Painful sport entertains overseas visitors

The House of Pain may soon be known not only as a sportsground but as a tourist attraction. Overseas backpackers at Queenstown are being brought to Carisbrook on a trip to give them insight into New Zealand's sporting culture.

Dunedin-based Bottom Bus managing director Ralph Davies says visitors are keen to not only see New Zealand's main tourist icons but to experience as much local culture as possible.

"We see the rugby experience that evolves from the terraces at Carisbrook to the lively after-match atmosphere downtown as unique in New Zealand," Davies says.

Tourists are taken to a student pub before and after the match so they can take part in the complete "scarfie" experience.