Capital of sport: Two weeks of international sporting action in Wellington

Wellington is a sports-lover’s dream this July, with three premier international sporting events taking place at Sky Stadium over the next two consecutive weekends.

This Saturday 12 July, the city hosts the only double-header rugby match in the country this season. The Black Ferns play against Australia in their third of three matches in the lead up to the Women’s Rugby World Cup, while the newly-named All Blacks team will take on France in their second of six international test matches on home soil this year.

The game against France marks the 30th All Blacks test match at Sky Stadium since its opening in 2000.

Fans can also get closer to the players at a free signing event on Friday 11 July, with 18 players from both the All Blacks and Black Ferns squads at Shed 6 on Wellington’s waterfront from 9am – 11am. There will be a giant poi for fans to sign in support of the Black Ferns heading to the World Cup, activations from Adidas and NZ Rugby, plus opportunities to get player signatures and buy the latest merch.

The following week on Saturday 19 July, Wellington will host its first exhibition football match in over 10 years, with Wrexham AFC taking on the Wellington Phoenix FC in a New Zealand exclusive.

Made world-famous by the Disney+ show, Welcome to Wrexham, the Welsh side will be playing just one New Zealand team during their Wrexham Down Under tour.

“Sport is part of Wellington’s DNA, and hosting back-to-back weekends of top-level rugby and football brings a special energy to the city this July. These events not only showcase our fantastic venues and passionate fans but also inject vibrancy into our streets, deliver a boost for our hospitality and retail sectors, and enhance our sense of community.

“Whether a lifelong rugby or football supporter or simply looking for a great opportunity to get out and about in Wellington, the next two weekends will certainly pack a punch on the sporting front,” says Heidi Morton, WellingtonNZ Events & Experiences general manager.

Warrick Dent, chief executive at Sky Stadium, says: "We’re excited to be hosting these fantastic events at Sky Stadium over the coming weeks, creating unforgettable experiences for fans as well as generating significant benefits for the Wellington region.

An All Blacks test match in Wellington is always a special occasion, and to have the Black Ferns playing too really doubles the excitement. As far as the Wrexham event the following weekend, we can’t wait to play our part in their remarkable story when they take on our very own Wellington Phoenix."

Heidi continues: “Bringing major sporting events to Wellington is part of WellingtonNZ’s overarching major events strategic framework, and research has revealed that 90% of locals agreed that hosting events makes Wellington a great place to live. We look forward to welcoming both local and out of region visitors over the coming weeks.”

Across both weekends, there will be light and audio installations along the journey between the waterfront and the stadium, adding to the atmosphere for fans, visitors and locals to enjoy.

The WellingtonNZ website features helpful advice for those visiting Wellington and heading to events at Sky Stadium, with curated guides on where to stay and where to eat in close proximity. 

Date published: 7 July 2025