Rugby-mad Kiwis open homes to Lions fans

It's a spectacle New Zealand hasn't witnessed since 2005.

Over 20,000 rugby fans from the legendary Barmy Army are storming the country for the Lions Tour.

And now, thanks to a rugby-mad West Coaster, they could be staying - at place like yours.

Some profiteers are hiking up accommodation prices during the national rugby tour - with some places charging $1000 a night.

Kiwi rugby fans are working together to open their homes to fans - for free.

Adam Gilshnan has been overwhelmed by the support for his Facebook campaign 'Adopt a Lion'.

"In the cities, people are offering to pick people up from airports, train stations, take them to games, offer them food, beverage," he says.

A thousand Kiwis homeowners have opened their doors. Leslanne Neas, from Christchurch, is one of them.

"The son in law has already suggested, that we line the place with All Blacks scarves, and all sorts of stuff," she says.

Some are going well above the call of duty.

Dunedin Airport CEO Richard Roberts is taking five Irishmen for the Highlanders game. He's even cooking them breakfast.

"Lorry Driver's breakfast, full monty, there'll be black pudding, bacon, sausage, beans, tomato and fried eggs," he says.

Just three days from kick off, there are still plenty of Barmy Army troops in need of a bed - particularly in Auckland and Wellington.

But the offers are still coming in.

"It's fantastic and I'm really hoping a lot of friendships will be formed through this," Mr Gilshnan says.

That famous Kiwi hospitality, still alive and kicking.

Newshub.