Stadiums
AUCKLAND – EDEN PARK STADIUM
- Location: Less than three kilometres from Auckland’s central business district
- Capacity: 60,000 (for RWC 2011)
- Access: Disabled parking, access and seating is available
- Address: Reimers Ave, Kingsland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Phone: +64 (0)9 815 5551
- Website: www.edenpark.co.nz
Eden Park is New Zealand’s largest and most hallowed Rugby stadium. It is the place where Rugby World Cup began, when the inaugural Tournament kicked off on May 22, 1987 and where New Zealand became the first team to win the Webb Ellis Cup.
Every year the stadium hosts almost half a million sports fans and patrons who attend matches and events. Eden Park has been a sports ground since 1900 – the home of Auckland Cricket since 1910 and Auckland Rugby since 1925.
The stadium’s proud history boasts some of New Zealand’s greatest sporting moments, including the 1950 Empire Games, the inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987 and the 1992 Cricket World Cup. It has also played host to many of Rugby’s most famous test matches.
The stadium is currently being redeveloped to a permanent 50,000 seat capacity to give spectators a world-class experience beyond RWC 2011. The capacity will extend to 60,000 during RWC 2011.
GETTING TO EDEN PARK STADIUM
Walking
The stadium is conveniently located only three kilometres from the central city and pedestrian lanes provide access from Eden Park to the central city and surrounding suburbs.
Public Transport
Eden Park is well served by arterial road, bus and rail links to the central business district and other parts of Auckland. Kingsland Rail Station is located immediately opposite the stadium while dedicated buses use special stops within walking distance and a purpose built transport facility within the stadium itself.
Car
Parking restrictions apply around the venue on match days; however special shuttles will take patrons to and from Eden Park from remote parking locations.
STADIUM CHRISTCHURCH
- Location: Four minutes from the city centre or twenty minutes from the airport
- Capacity: 45,000 (for RWC 2011)
- Access: Wheelchair ramps and lifts are situated at all main entrances
- Address: 30 Stevens Street, Phillipstown, Christchurch
- Phone: +64 (0)3 371 1000
- Website: www.amistadium.co.nz
Stadium Christchurch was founded in 1880 when the Canterbury Cricket and Athletics Sports Company purchased ten acres from the estate of Benjamin Lancaster of Bournemouth, England. The new sports ground adopted the name Lancaster Park and was officially opened in 1881.
In its early years Lancaster Park hosted a variety of sporting events including trotting, cycling, swimming, tennis and hot air ballooning. Other notable events include visits by Pope John Paul II (1986) and Queen Elizabeth (1963). During World War I the ground was dug up to grow potatoes to support the war effort. More recently it has staged concerts by international artists.
But it is Rugby and cricket that have built the stadium’s reputation. It has been the stage for some of Rugby’s most memorable encounters for Canterbury and the All Blacks, as well as hosting some of New Zealand cricket’s finest moments.
In 2009 a major upgrade of the stadium was completed bringing it up to true international standard with a permanent capacity of almost 40,000.
GETTING TO STADIUM CHRISTCHURCH
Walking
Stadium Christchurch is within a 30-minute walk of the city centre (2.5 kilometres) along Moorhouse Avenue or diagonally along Ferry Road.
Public Transport
Buses service the stadium via routes across the city. The central hub is the Bus Exchange located in Lichfield Street. To get around the central city, a shuttle bus operates on a circuit through the city approximately every 10-minutes. Another option is the Christchurch Tramway, which offers a hop-on, hop-off service around the central precinct.
Taxi
Taxi services run to and from the stadium. If you require a taxi to the stadium on a match day, it is advisable to book in advance.
Car
There is limited parking on match days so patrons are encouraged to use public transport. A number of disability car parks are available on Stevens Street.
DUNEDIN – CARISBROOK
- Location: Approximately three kilometres southwest of Dunedin’s city centre
- Capacity: 29,000
- Address: Burns St, Dunedin
- Phone: +64 (0)3 479 2823
- Website: www.carisbrook.org.nz
Carisbrook is Dunedin’s main domestic and international Rugby Union venue but it has also been used for other sports such as cricket, football, rugby league and motocross.
Floodlit since the 1990s, it can cater for both day and night fixtures. Known locally simply as “The Brook”, it is also often known around the world by the name “The House of Pain”, due to its solid reputation as a difficult venue for visiting teams.
Developed during the 1870s, it was first used for international cricket in 1883. It has been hosting Rugby Union internationals since 1908 and full cricket internationals since 1955.
The ground’s current capacity is around 29,000, but has hosted crowds as high as 42,000 in the past.
The demands of modern international sport have meant that the ground needs to be significantly upgraded or replaced to continue as an international venue.
In June 2009, work commenced on a new covered Otago Stadium which is scheduled for completion in 2011.
* Matches for RWC 2011 have been awarded to Carisbrook. A decision will be made in 2010 if these matches are to be transferred to the new Otago Stadium, currently under construction.
GETTING TO THE CARISBROOK
Walking
From the Octagon in central Dunedin to Carisbrook stadium is an easy 40-minute walk along Princes Street.
Public Transport
Charter and shuttle bus services operate for all international Rugby fixtures. Shuttle buses operate a circular route from Dunedin’s north end (University area), through the Octagon at the heart of Dunedin, to Carisbrook and back.
Car
The Octagon to Carisbrook is a short 10-minute drive. Streets around Carisbrook are closed prior to international Rugby fixtures to manage coach and pedestrian traffic so parking is restricted.
HAMILTON – WAIKATO STADIUM
- Location: Situated an easy 15-minute walk from central Hamilton
- Capacity: 30,800
- Access: Disabled parking and seating is available
- Address: 128 Seddon Road, Whitiora, Hamilton 3240
- Phone: +64 (0)7 958 5800
- Website: www.waikatostadium.co.nz
The site of Waikato Stadium has been the home of Rugby in Waikato since Rugby Park first opened on the site in 1925.
Rugby Park hosted its final international match in 1987, the match between Fiji and Argentina in the inaugural Rugby World Cup.
By 1996 Rugby Park was showing its age and had not hosted an international Rugby match for nine years. A Trust was formed and the new Waikato Stadium design was commissioned.
Waikato Stadium has hosted an international Rugby fixture every year since its opening in 2002, cementing its reputation as a world class stadium, regularly rated by the New Zealand Rugby Union as test venue of the year.
GETTING TO WAIKATO STADIUM
Walking
From central Hamilton, it is an easy 15-minute walk through city parklands and along Seddon Road to reach Waikato Stadium.
Public Transport
A range of bus and taxis provide regular services to Waikato Stadium. The journey is approximately 13-minutes from Hamilton International Airport, three-minutes from the Frankton Railway Station and around one-minute from the Hamilton Transport Centre located in the city centre.
Car
Access to the stadium from both north and south is via State Highway 1.
INVERCARGILL – RUGBY PARK
- Location: Located an easy 20-minute walk south from central Invercargill
- Capacity: 20,000
- Access: Disabled access through Gate 3, seating available in main grandstand
- Address: Rugby Park Stadium, 278 Tweed Street, Invercargill
- Phone: +64 (0)3 216 8694
Rugby Park Stadium has an established history and is a focal point for Rugby in Southland. Established in the early 1900s, Rugby Park is the home base of the Southland Provincial Rugby team that competes in New Zealand’s premier domestic competition.
In 2001, the Stadium was redeveloped and the dilapidated South Stand, which was built in 1923, was replaced with brand new facilities.
The refurbished stand boasts seating for 5,000, modern changing, player, official and media facilities, hospitality lounges and offices.
GETTING TO RUGBY PARK
Walking
Rugby Park is located an easy 20-minute walk south from central Invercargill.
Public Transport
Invercargill is flat and easy to get around regardless of your choice of transport. A public bus service operates regularly covering the inner city and outer suburbs. Stops are Purple Circle, Newfield, Heidelberg & Clarendon (Princess Street).
Car
To reach the stadium by private vehicle, head towards the corner of Elles Road (continuation of Queens Drive) and Tweed Street. Limited street parking is available in the area around the Stadium.
NAPIER – MCLEAN PARK
- Location: McLean Park is just a short 10-minute stroll from Napier’s city centre
- Capacity: 18,700
- Access: Harris and Graeme Lowe Stands have disabled access and seating
- Address: Latham St, Napier
- Phone: +64 (0)6 835 7617
- Website: Click here
In 1905 Sir Douglas McLean and a syndicate of Napier men established a trust to raise money to buy land for public recreation. In 1910, ten acres of land was gifted by Sir Douglas as a memorial to his father. The land was officially named the ‘Sir Donald McLean Park’ by an act of Parliament in 1911. Today it is simply known as ‘McLean Park’.
McLean Park is now home to all major representative and international Rugby, and cricket, played in Hawke’s Bay and has also hosted fixtures for the FIFA World U17 Women’s World Cup.
The last four years have seen an upgrade to the stadium match lighting and one entire grandstand has been removed and a stunning new stand, complete with a corporate entertainment complex built in its place.
GETTING TO MCLEAN STADIUM
Walking
The walk from Napier’s central city to McLean Park is only about 10-minutes providing a pleasant stroll to the match and, after the game, to the hospitality venues of the city.
Public Transport
All local bus services terminate in Napier’s city centre at the central terminus outside the Napier Library on Dalton Street. From here it is a 10-minute walk south to the stadium.
Taxi
There are several efficient taxi companies in the region which can pick up and deliver you door to door, or you can pick up a taxi from the ranks in the city centre.
Car
Limited parking is available around McLean Park in suburban streets.
NELSON – TRAFALGAR PARK
- Location: The stadium is a five-minute walk from Nelson’s city centre
- Capacity: 20,080 (after planned upgrades, completion targeted Sept 2010)
- Access: Disability access and seating is available in the Pavilion
- Address: Trafalgar Street, Nelson
- Phone: +64 (0)3 546 0200
Although Trafalgar Park had been used for cricket as early as the 1880s, with other sports added over the years, the land was formally purchased in 1891 to be held upon trust “for use for ever for such purposes of athletic sports and other recreations as to [the Council] may seem proper and convenient”.
Throughout the years Trafalgar Park has undergone many upgrades to allow the facility to showcase more and more sport and recreation activities and to seat more people. In recent years the Park has been used for music concerts and other entertainment as well. One of the most attractive aspects of Trafalgar Park is its proximity to Nelson’s city centre.
Perhaps the Park’s most notable visitor did not come to play any sport. The visit from Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in 1954 was Nelson’s first from a reigning monarch.
Upgrades are being made to Trafalgar Park in 2009 and 2010 that will provide ongoing opportunity for many large venue events – including Rugby World Cup 2011.
GETTING TO TRAFALGAR PARK STADIUM
Walking
Trafalgar Park is less than a five minute walk from the city centre, straight up Trafalgar Street.
Public Transport
Coach services arrive and depart from the Travel Centre in Wakatu Square in Nelson’s city centre.
Taxi
Taxis can be ordered from any location and drop passengers right outside Trafalgar Park’s gates.
Car
Limited car parking is available outside Trafalgar Park.
NEW PLYMOUTH – STADIUM TARANAKI
- Location: The stadium is located a 30-minute walk from central New Plymouth
- Capacity: 25,500
- Access: Disabled parking, access and seating is available
- Address: Stadium Taranaki, Maratahu Street, New Plymouth
- Phone: +64 (0)6 759 6060
Stadium Taranaki is the Taranaki region’s home of Rugby, and has a proud history of hosting major matches. The venue was first developed as a Rugby ground in 1931, with the first stadium completed in 1947.
A major redevelopment saw two new grandstands added and considerable modernisation in 2002, and further enhancements to the venue will be completed in 2010, raising the capacity to more than 25,500.
The stadium is a personal legacy of the late Noel Yarrow, a pioneering Taranaki baker and businessman, and active philanthropist. Noel was a passionate Rugby supporter and the major grandstand overlooking the field’s western sideline is a tribute to his ongoing support.
The stadium has hosted all levels of Rugby from All Black games down to club and school matches, and will continue to shape the face of Rugby in the region for years to come.
GETTING TO TARANAKI STADIUM
Walking
To walk from central New Plymouth to the stadium takes approximately 30-minutes. Follow Devon Street West to the Morley Street intersection, and then walk up Morley Street to Tukapa Street. From there, Maratahu Street is the first road on the left.
Public Transport
Shuttle buses travel between the Bus Centre on central New Plymouth’s Ariki Street and the stadium on nominated major event days, taking about five-minutes each way.
Taxi
Taxi stands are located in the central city on Brougham Street and Powderham Street (near the Curry Street intersection), with an easy walk to the stadium from designated drop off zones on Tukapa Street.
Car
Stadium Taranaki is a convenient five-minute drive from the city centre with entrances off Maratahu Street, Tukapa Street and Clawton Street. Limited parking is available so patrons are encouraged to travel to the Stadium using public transportation.
NORTH SHORE AUCKLAND – NORTH HARBOUR STADIUM
- Location: Located in the centre of Albany, 19-kilometres from Auckland city
- Capacity: 30,000
- Access: Disabled access is available via Gates A and H
- Address: Stadium Drive, Albany, North Shore, Auckland
- Phone: +64 (0)9 414 0150 or 0800 STADIUM (0800 782348)
North Harbour Stadium is a modern multi-purpose stadium which opened in March 1997. It has proven its versatility by hosting matches as part of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, Rugby Union and rugby league internationals, and major international concert acts.
The stadium was designed with Rugby codes in mind to ensure fans enjoy the best possible view of the action. It is also home of North Harbour Rugby.
The stadium is set within 24-hectares of grounds with five fields adjacent to the main stadium.
North Harbour Stadium will have a seating capacity of 35,000 for Rugby World Cup 2011.
North Harbour Stadium is accessible by State Highway (northern motorway) and bus (via the North Shore Busway). On-site transport hubs will be created for RWC 2011.
GETTING TO NORTH HARBOUR STADIUM
Bus
Regular Northern Express bus services depart to the stadium from the Britomart Bus Station in the centre of Auckland, passing through all Northern bus stations. Services take approximately one-hour.
Car
To reach North Harbour Stadium via the Northern Motorway take the Oteha Valley Road exit. As parking will be limited, drivers can also utilise the Northern Busway’s park and ride stations.
PALMERSTON NORTH – ARENA MANAWATU
- Location: Located seven-minutes walking distance from the central city
- Capacity: 18,300
- Access: Disabled parking, access and seating is available
- Address: Arena Manawatu, Pascal Street, Palmerston North 4410
- Phone: +64 (0)6 356 1505
- Link: www.arenamanawatu.co.nz
Arena Manawatu was originally established as Palmerton North Showgrounds and used during World War II to train troops.
Situated right in the heart of Palmerston North city, just seven-minutes walking distance from the central city, the park- like environment boasts 33 individual indoor and outdoor venues within the 18 hectare site.
Overlooking the stadium’s Oval, the redeveloped Grandstand was completed in March 2005.
The Stadium was home to the first ever Super 12 Rugby match in 1996 which was played between the Wellington Hurricanes and the Auckland Blues.
GETTING TO ARENA MANAWATU
Walking
Arena Manawatu is located right in the heart of Palmerston North, just seven-minutes walking distance from the central city.
Car
Access is by way of Cuba, Pascal or Waldegrave Streets. Limited parking is available inside the complex and in the surrounding streets.
ROTORUA – ROTORUA INTERNATIONAL STADIUM
- Location: Located just a 10-minute drive from the heart of downtown Rotorua
- Capacity: 34,000
- Access: Disabled parking in North car park with disabled access via Gate 2
- Address: Rotorua International Stadium, Devon Street West, Rotorua
- Phone: +64 (0)7 349 5141
Rotorua International Stadium is used mainly for Rugby matches, being one of two home stadiums for the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union (the other being Baypark Stadium in Tauranga) but it has also hosted football matches and has a softball field at the northern end.
The stadium was originally built in 1911, and renovated several times since. The stadium features a covered stand seating up to 4,000 with uncovered seating area on the western side of the field.
The Rotorua International Stadium has held many events in its time including acts from New Zealand opera singer Dame Kiri Te Kanawa to UB40, the Raggamuffin Music Festival and has hosted the RWC 1987 Bronze Final, along with other test matches and British and Irish Lions matches.
GETTING TO ROTORUA STADIUM
Walking
The Rotorua International Stadium is just a 20-minute walk from downtown Rotorua and the hub of Rotorua’s accommodation facilities.
Public Transport
Rotorua has an excellent public transportation network. The majority of bus services leave from the i-SITE Tourism Rotorua Visitor Information and Travel Centre in Fenton Street.
Car
Located just a five-minute drive from the city centre, the stadium is easily accessible by car. Parking is available via Malfroy and Devon Streets. Alternatively a Park and Ride service operates from the city centre to the Stadium.
WELLINGTON REGIONAL STADIUM
- Location: Located a short walk from the central Wellington Railway Station
- Capacity: 40,000 (with temporary seating)
- Access: Disabled parking, access, seating and toilets are available
- Address: Wellington Regional Stadium, Waterloo Quay, Wellington 6140
- Phone: +64 (0)4 473 3881
Wellington Regional Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium for major sporting events, including New Zealand Rugby tests and international football and cricket matches.
It was built in Wellington’s rail yards close to the city centre and opened in January 2000, nine years after Wellington Rugby first decided to redevelop the ageing Athletic Park. The stadium also serves as a large-capacity venue for concerts.
In 2000, the stadium hosted the Edinburgh Military Tattoo – the first time the event was held outside Edinburgh, Scotland. During a cricket match, film director Peter Jackson recorded 30,000 fans chanting for a battle scene for his film The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.
GETTING TO WELLINGTON REGIONAL STADIUM
Walking
The stadium is a short 15-minute walk from Wellington’s Central Business District. Join the 680-metre elevated walkway from the Wellington Railway Station that takes you directly to the stadium entrance.
Public Transport
All local bus and rail services terminate at Wellington Railway Station. From here it is a 10-minute walk via the elevated walkway to the Stadium entrance. On match days a special shuttle bus runs every 10 to 15-minutes from the city to the stadium.
Car
Vehicle access is off Waterloo Quay, however parking is limited so patrons are encouraged to make use of the public transport options available.
WHANGEREI – NORTHLAND EVENTS CENTRE
- Location: Centrally located less than two-kilometres from the central city
- Capacity: 20,000
- Address: Okara Park, Okara Drive, Whangarei
- Phone: +64 (0)9 438 4743
The Northland Events Centre is a brand new multi-function events centre under construction at Okara Park in Whangarei. It will have a larger capacity than the previous facility as well as a conference and function centre and changing rooms, food and retail facilities.
Okara Park is the traditional home of Rugby for Northland. In 1979, the stadium held an infamous match attended by a record breaking crowd of 40,000 as local side North Auckland defended the prized Ranfurly Shield against rivals Auckland.
The stadium has held several international games such as the 1998 test between the New Zealand Māori and Tonga and has seen Northland take on a number of touring international sides such as the British and Irish Lions, and Tonga, Samoa and Fiji in the mid 1990′s.
GETTING TO NORTHLAND EVENTS CENTRE
Walking
The Events Centre is located an easy 15-minute walk (1.5-kilometres) from the central city and is clearly signposted.
Public Transport
The Route 1 bus departs regularly from the Rose Street terminus in central Whangarei and takes approximately eight-minutes. The Okara bus stop is the closest to the stadium.
Car
Travelling to the stadium by car will take approximately eight-minutes from the city centre, 20-minutes from Whangarei Airport or two-hours from Auckland. Limited parking is available at the ground and in the surrounding area.
