What to know before heading to One NZ stadium this weekend

Friday, 24 April 2026

One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha opens for Super Rugby Pacific’s Super Round this weekend, with 25,000 people expected each day.

One New Zealand Stadium is open for business — and with 25,000 people expected each day for Super Rugby Pacific’s Super Round, a little preparation could save a lot of frustration at the gate.

Christchurch mayor Phil Mauger’s advice is simple: get there early “in case there are a few hiccups”. “The big trial run is tonight.”

Gates open two hours before the first game each day. For the best experience getting there, take the fan trail — starting at the Super Round live site at the Bridge of Remembrance then walking down Cashel St to the stadium, where buskers, dancers and musicians line the route from two-and-a-half hours before every kick-off.

Event Direct Shuttle buses run from 11 pickup points across the city but must be booked in advance. Roads around the stadium close from 4.30pm on Friday, 2pm on Saturday and 11am on Sunday - so leave the car at home.

Those travelling from further afield can also take the Crusaders Express passenger train from Rolleston to the city for $49 per adult, disembarking at Pilgrim Place on Moorhouse Ave — about 1km from the stadium.

The fan trail runs down Cashel St from the Bridge of Remembrance to the stadium, with buskers and musicians lining the route before each kick-off.

But don’t forget the central city-wide liquor ban in place across the four avenues — Fitzgerald, Hagley, Bealey and Moorhouse.

All tickets are digital, so have yours open and ready on your phone before you queue. Scanning a barcode? Use the bottom scanner. Using your phone’s wallet? Tap the top. Coming as a group? Share tickets so each adult has theirs ready to go. Download the One New Zealand Stadium app for your ticket wallet, digital maps and everything else you need before you go.

Gates open two hours before the first game each day — Venues Ōtautahi chief executive Caroline Harvie-Teare is urging fans to arrive early.

The stadium is entirely cashless - cards and digital payments only. Bags must be no bigger than 30cm x 30cm x 30cm and will be checked at every gate. The most common items confiscated at test events were metal drink bottles and umbrellas — both are banned.

Empty plastic bottles under 1L are fine and can be filled at water stations inside. Vaping and smoking are not permitted - plus there are no smokers areas. Prams and pushchairs, flags or signs with handles longer than 1m, chilly bins, flasks, thermoses and any full or unsealed drinks — including soft drinks — must also stay at home.

Homemade food and snacks are welcome, but commercial food — think McDonald’s or Subway — is not. As mentioned before, there are no pass-outs, so once you’re in, you’re in.

Know your gate before you queue— tickets only scan at the correct entry point. Gate A on Madras St is hospitality only. Gate C is on Tuam St, Gate E on Barbadoes St, Gate F at the corner of Hereford and Barbadoes, and Gate H is at the corner of Hereford and Madras for sections 301–303.

Venues Ōtautahi chief executive Caroline Harvie-Teare asked fans to be patient as the stadium finds its feet. “This is our first major event at One NZ Stadium so still much for our guests, staff and clients to learn. Please remember to be kind and give us any and all feedback so we can continue to improve.”

For the full conditions of entry, visit onenewzealandstadium.co.nz.