‘It’s going to be huge’: Super fans expected to pour millions into city coffers

Tuesday, 12 August 2025

Te Kaha One NZ Stadium is due to open in Christchurch’s CBD in April 2026.

Next year’s Super Rugby “Super Round”, scheduled for Christchurch’s new stadium at Anzac weekend, will delight more than just rugby fans.

With 10 teams, five big matches and 13,000 out-of-town visitors expected over the long weekend next April, the event at the One NZ Stadium at Te Kaha is estimated to be worth $6.1 million to the city hotels, motels, bars and eateries.

Caroline Harvie-Teare, chief executive for stadium operator Venues Ōtautahi, said as well as that direct benefit, the TV broadcast to more than 40 countries would promote the city and stadium.

The Crusaders in action against the Chiefs in the Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final match at Apollo Projects Stadium in June. Both teams will be part of the Super Round to be held at Christchurch’s new stadium in April 2026.

The Super Rugby weekend is the first sporting fixture announced for the stadium, which is under construction and due to open in April.

Alongside the Crusaders, the matches will showcase fellow Kiwi sides the Hurricanes, Blues, Chiefs and Highlanders, plus Pacific sides Moana Pasifika and Fijian Drua and Australian sides the Brumbies, Waratahs and Reds.

It will be the second big sporting weekend in a row for Christchurch.

The previous weekend will see Ruapuna Raceway host the first ever double-header first three-day Supercars championship, an event expected to draw big number of both Kiwi and international motorsport fans.

“What a fantastic thing for Christchurch,” bar owner Craig Ling, who runs Little Fiddle and Whisky Fiddle on The Terrace, said.

“This is what the city is needing, to have more people come into the central city.”

Ling said it was not just bars and restaurants, but retailers and others such as tourist operators who would benefit.

Little Fiddle and Whisky Fiddle owner Craig Ling says the whole central city will benefit from the Super Round of rugby at Anzac weekend.

“It’s not just the days of the events, but people coming in early, and staying longer. It’s going to be huge.“

Jeremy Stevens, Canterbury president of Hospitality New Zealand, which represents accommodation and hospitality providers, said the Super Rugby announcement on top of the Supercars news was “amazing” for Christchurch.

“Every operator in the central city is going to be elated to have so many people in town. It’ll be a massive event to kick off the sporting calendar for the new stadium.”

Crusader Noah Hotham, left, joins Christchurch mayor Phil Mauger, Crusaders chief executive Colin Mansbridge and Super Rugby Pacific chief executive Jack Mesley outside the new Christchurch stadium on Monday for the announcement of the Super Round.

Stevens said as well as the players coming, there would be management, staff, partners, and all the fans.

“Accommodation is going to see a real surge of demand. People will have to book early.”

Stevens said the country’s “outdated” liquor laws will affect fans wanting to drink on licensed premises from midnight Friday to 1pm Saturday at Anzac Weekend, as well as during Easter weekend a few weeks earlier.

Punters enjoying outdoor hospitality in Christchurch.

The Sale and Supply of Liquor amendment Bill now before Parliament would allow licensed businesses already permitted to open on Anzac Day morning, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Christmas Day to sell alcohol under their usual licence conditions.

Stevens said under current law people would still be able to buy liquor and drink outside of licensed premises, but not inside them during the big rugby weekend.

Christchurch hotels will be in demand in April, with two big sporting weekends already scheduled.

“Fingers crossed, there’s some common sense from the Government,” he said.

Corporate and community bookings are already under way with the Māia Health Foundation Feast Event the first announcement made back in March.

The $375-a-head black tie fundraising feast will be held at the stadium in May,

Venues Ōtautahi also holds hosting deals with the One NZ Warriors and the Wellington Phoenix, but has not yet locked in any international fixtures for them at the new stadium.

No concerts have been announced yet.