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Ōtautahi Christchurch is preparing for another major visitor weekend, with Super Rugby Pacific’s Super Round set to officially open One NZ Stadium.
Super Round 2026 will feature 10 teams across three days, with fans expected from New Zealand, Australia, Fiji and across the Pacific.
The event follows last weekend’s sell-out Supercars meeting at Ruapuna Raceway, where more than 65,000 people attended over three days.
Strong bookings for hospitality sector
Hospitality New Zealand chief executive Kristy Phillips says accommodation and hospitality operators are looking forward to welcoming visitors for the first of what is expected to be many large events at the new stadium.
“Major events are a huge boost for food and beverage and accommodation businesses. They bring people into a region, and they get locals out and about too.
“We’re hearing from our members that bookings are strong heading into the weekend. It’s meant that April, which is often a month where things quieten down after a busy summer, has continued to see good numbers of guests through.”
Kristy says Christchurch is building momentum with its events calendar and a stronger pipeline of future events.
ANZAC weekend timing helps trade
The tournament also falls across ANZAC weekend, with recent law changes expected to assist hospitality operators.
Hospitality New Zealand says it has long advocated for easing restrictions that previously required bars and restaurants to close on some public holidays unless certain conditions were met.
The Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Sales on Anzac Day Morning, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Christmas Day) Amendment Bill received Royal Assent on April 2.
Kristy says the change removes confusion for operators and guests, while giving businesses greater flexibility to meet demand during major events and holiday weekends.
