Wellington is preparing for a busy Matariki long weekend, with a sold-out All Blacks test and major waterfront events expected to draw thousands of people into the central city.
The All Blacks will face Italy at Hnry Stadium on Saturday, July 11, as part of the inaugural Nations Championship.
The 32,450-seat test is sold out. Stadium gates open at 3pm ahead of the family-friendly 5.10pm kick-off, while all parking at the venue has also sold out.
Fans can meet selected All Blacks at Rebel Sport on the corner of Cuba and Manners streets from 10.30am to 11.30am on Saturday.
From 2pm, waterfront lighting will support fans walking towards the stadium. The Cable Car tunnels will also be lit with the New Zealand flag in one tunnel and the Italian flag in the other.
Extra public transport
Extra trains will run on the Hutt Valley, Kāpiti and Johnsonville lines before and after the match.
People with match tickets or stadium membership passes can travel on Metlink buses and trains at no extra cost throughout Saturday. Tickets must be shown to the driver or onboard staff.
The offer does not include harbour ferries, Airport Express buses or Te Hunga Whaikaha Total Mobility taxis.
An additional harbour ferry sailing will leave Queens Wharf at about 7.30pm after the match, but bookings are required. Metlink is advising passengers to travel early and expect busy services.
Matariki on the waterfront
Matariki Ahi Kā is also scheduled along the Wellington waterfront from 6pm to 9pm during the long weekend.
The free, whānau-friendly celebration features fire installations, projections, live performances and kai.
Thursday night’s programme was cancelled because of bad weather. People planning to attend the remaining sessions should check Wellington City Council’s event updates before travelling.
Other school holiday attractions include the pop-up ice rink at Queens Wharf and LEGO Star Wars: The Exhibition at Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Drivers are encouraged to consider other routes or forms of transport because of the large crowds. Pedestrians, cyclists and e-scooter riders should also take extra care around the waterfront and stadium area.
