Scoot, bus, walk, drive: How can punters get to One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha this weekend

Wednesday, 22 April 2026

Come 4.30pm on Friday streets around Christchurch’s new stadium will close, so if you have tickets to the Super Round matches but haven’t got your transport sorted - we’ve got you covered.

About 25,000 people a day will descend on One New Zealand Stadium this weekend for the Super Rugby Pacific tournament, which kicks off on Friday night with the Crusaders battle against the Waratahs.

Venues Ōtautahi modelling data from 2022 suggests just one in 100 are expected to bus to the rugby, even though the Bus Interchange is just a 500m walk from the stadium.

About three out of five people are likely to travel by car, one in five will take rideshares like Uber, and one in 10 will walk. Others will take taxis and private shuttles, bikes, scooters or the train.

Walk

Those walking to the stadium could choose to follow the city’s “fan trail” running from the Bridge of Remembrance along Cashel St all the way to the stadium.

The eight-minute trail is the gateway to the festivities of the Super Rugby weekend, starting at the free fan zone on The Terrace where all matches will be screening.

Buskers, dancers, and musicians will line the route from two and a half hours before every kick-off, turning the walk to the ground into part of the occasion.

Drive

Roads around the immediate stadium, including parts of Cashel, Lichfield, Tuam, High, Worcester, Barbadoes and Madras streets, will be closed from 4.30pm on Friday until midnight, due to terrorism concerns raised by police and public safety. The closures will be in place on Saturday from about 2pm until midnight, and Sunday from about 11am to 9.30pm.

Venues Ōtautahi chief executive Caroline Harvie-Teare said there would be some congestion, but it should not be too disruptive.

Being in the heart of the city the stadium was built for foot traffic, and its proximity to the Bus Interchange could sway some would-be drivers, she said.

The roads highlighted red are closed and yellow indicates authorised vehicles only. Pink shows the designated rideshare pick up and drop off area. Dark blue shows direct shuttle drop offs, and light blue is for private bus parking. Dark purple shows the accessibility drop off and prepaid mobility parking area.

“With the city centre so close, it’s a great opportunity for fans to explore the bars and restaurants before and after the game. If you plan on drinking, please be responsible and don’t drink and drive.”

Scooter and cycle

Rental scooters, such as Lime, can be used around the stadium, but there are some slow zones of about 10kph maximum speeds at Te Kaha itself and surrounding areas to the west.

Purple markers show Locky Docs, yellow markers show covered bike racks, and blue are other bike racks available near the stadium.

There are 62 spaces in Locky Docks, free-to-use, secure parking stations of bicycles and e-scooters that can charge batteries while they are locked up, within 1km of the stadium, and space for almost 200 covered bike stands.

And that’s not including the 220 bike stands scattered around the immediate area for cyclists to chain their bikes too.

Rideshares and taxis

Scooters are one mode of transport available to get to the new One NZ Stadium Te Kaha in the Christchurch central city.

The official pick up drop off point for rideshares is on Lichfield St, between Barbadoes and Duke streets meaning a less than10-minute walk to the stadium.

Uber driver Bitto Chemoli said he was aware of the road closures, but had scoped out a secret spot to drop people off during the event. He expected a surcharge would be applied to rides during events, but did not know how high the prices would get hiked as that was a company decision.

Bus

Environment Canterbury introduced direct event shuttle buses from 11 locations across the city, including The Palms shopping centre, Northwood Supa Centa, and The Hub Hornby. Passengers will be dropped at Latimer Square, a short walk from the stadium.

Crusaders chief executive Colin Mansbridge tries out the Crusaders Express. (File photo)

Tickets are $6.25 each way, and children under 2 can ride for free.

Those who choose to take the usual city bus network will be able to get off at the Bus Interchange, or any other surrounding bus stops that are not on closed roads.

Train

For those further afield, a train may be the mode of choice.

The Crusaders Express passenger train, organised by Mainland Rail, will take passengers from Rolleston to the city for $49 for an adult.

Riders will disembark at Pilgrim Place, opposite Pak’nSave on Moorhouse Ave, using a ramp similar to those used on Air New Zealand planes, then make the kilometre-long journey to the stadium.

Those who choose to drive will have more than 30 paid car parking options within 1km of the stadium.