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Ōtautahi Christchurch is projected to receive $16 million in visitor spending from two major back-to-back sporting events, as the city looks to strengthen its position as a leading events destination.
The city’s “Super Season” follows the recent Supercars event at Ruapuna Raceway and concluded last weekend with the inaugural DHL Super Rugby Pacific Super Round at One NZ Stadium.
The rugby event ran from April 24 to 26, featuring five matches and 10 teams from New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific.
Autumn events boost occupancy
ChristchurchNZ says the major events have extended the city’s traditional summer calendar deeper into autumn, helping maintain strong hotel occupancy and visitor spending.
ChristchurchNZ head of major events Karena Finnie says the city is benefiting from a packed events programme.
“Running hot off the success of the Supercars event at Ruapuna, last weekend cemented Christchurch as a major events capital.
“Between the 65,000 attendees at the sold-out Supercars event and the 75,000 attendees at Super Round last weekend, we are projecting a total visitor spend of $16 million from these major events ChristchurchNZ attracted to Ōtautahi Christchurch.”
ChristchurchNZ says the Supercars round alone attracted about 14,000 visitors, including 11,000 from outside the region and more than 3000 international visitors, generating $6 million for the local economy.
City businesses report strong trade
ChristchurchNZ chief executive Ali Adams says major events help reshape perceptions of the city and build long-term momentum.
“Visitors leave with a changed view of the city. Some return, some choose to study, work or invest here.”
Riverside Market general manager Jo Southen says the events created strong foot traffic for city businesses.
“Major events like Supercars and Super Rugby have created an incredible energy across Christchurch and Riverside Market.”
The city’s Live Site on The Terrace also drew crowds, with screenings, merchandise, signing sessions and activations.
Craft Embassy co-owner Seth Hamilton says it was one of the busiest school holiday weekends the precinct had seen.
“The Terrace was heaving, and the feedback from punters was overwhelmingly positive.”
Attractions see uplift
Christchurch Attractions chief executive Marty Byrne says visitor numbers also lifted across tourism attractions including the Christchurch Tram, Punting on the Avon and the Christchurch Gondola.
