Wales achieved one tour objective before a test match even kicked off – by getting to know the places they will be based for next year’s Rugby World Cup.

They will play their opening game in Wellington so the team management booked them into the hotel they will use in 2011 and trained at the same locations.

The move has also given the players, coaches and backroom staff the opportunity to make vital contacts who can help them achieve their strict pre and post match routines.

Wales will arrive back in Wellington next September for their World Cup opener against South Africa.

City officials met WRU Group Chief Executive, Roger Lewis, to assure the Welsh camp their arrival will prove an important milestone in its history.

But the people of Wellington also took the opportunity of the tour this year to state that Wales will be welcome in 2011.

The city boasts a Welsh Dragon Bar which is themed on Wales and plays host to crowds of ex partriot Welshmen and women who live in New Zealand or pay holiday visits.

Although the Welsh players were unable to break their strict training regimes to call in the locals gave a rousing welcome to visitors.

One New Zealand born local said:”We are a rugby nation just like Wales and the countries are similar in so many other ways as well.

“We know the Welsh are a proud nation and we know they take their rugby as seriously as we do.

“It’s great to have them in town.”

The tour squad accomplished their mission to acclimatise in Wellington before moving on to Dunedin to commence final preparations for the first test match against New Zealand on Saturday.