Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
With Wellington set to host nine matches for the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, residents, fans, and drivers should plan how to best get in and out of the capital on game days.
Mark Owen, Regional Manager Lower North Island and Top of the South, says major sporting events can bring many fans into Wellington’s CBD.
“More people are likely to travel into Wellington from out of town to catch the action, particularly for the bigger matches. It’ll mean more traffic on the roads, more people on public transport, and a greater chance of queues and traffic congestion.”
Metlink buses and trains will be free to match ticket holders on game days and should be considered as a transport option.
Mr Owen says with nine matches between 21 July and 11 August, and six of them on weekdays, it is important fans get to the games and commuters get in and out of the city.
“Please, factor the events into your travel plans, and make sure you get to where you need to be on time.”
A complete list of the Wellington FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 games is below. Fans and commuters are urged to note the times and plan their travel appropriately. Games will typically end around two hours after kick-off.
| Date | Game | Kick-off |
| Friday 21 July | Spain vs Costa Rica | 7.30pm |
| Sunday 23 July | Sweden vs South Africa | 5.00pm |
| Tuesday 25 July | New Zealand vs Philippines | 5.30pm |
| Thursday 27 July | USA vs The Netherlands | 1.00pm |
| Saturday 29 July | Sweden vs Italy | 7.30pm |
| Monday 31 July | Japan vs Spain | 7.00pm |
| Wednesday 2 August | South Africa vs Italy | 7.00pm |
| Saturday 5 August | Round of 16 elimination | 8.00pm |
| Friday 11 August | Quarter Final | 1.00pm |
Important information for commuters and fans
- Expect there to be fewer carparks available in the city on game days.
- Commuter rail capacity is being increased on match days and bus capacity is also being increased with Metlink using larger buses on routes near Wellington Stadium.
- Game day ticket holders can travel for free on Metlink:
- Planned maintenance on rail lines has been deferred to avoid match days. This means trains will follow normal schedules with no services replaced by buses.
- Public transport passengers can stay up to date by checking the Metlink website:
