Northland Events Centre

Northland Events Centre is undergoing a complete makeover for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
The stadium which is the northernmost stadium for the competition was the first on our list to visit and we did so in November 2009.

We travelled up from Auckland and because of traffic issues used route 16. The shorter route is 1 and either way they unite at Wellsford which is about 1.1/2 hours north of Auckland. Be aware that the speed limits are 100kh on all roads and motorways out of town and 50kh in built-up areas with 30 around schools. Wellsford to Whangarei where the stadium is situated is about another 1.1/2 hours, so the total is no more than 3 hours.

The Stadium is on Okara Drive South and we did have some problems in finding it, almost certainly not using the shortest route. Look out for signs to Anzac Park and the High Street, if you do you will find the stadium more easily than we did. Okara Drive is a good wide road but we still think there will be issues at match time, not least over parking. Should you decide to walk from town it is a good stiff walk.

The stadium looks as if it will be a beauty when finished and at this stage looks well on schedule. The ground is still retaining grass banks opposite the new stand and above some open plan seating. This should allow standing supporters to enjoy old style atmosphere and also increase the capacity.

The stand looks to be on 3 or 4 levels and have some 17 hospitality areas, thus catering for all ticket types and sponsors. All in all it looks a great place to visit and watch either, of the 2 pool games in the 2011 Rugby World Cup and they are 14 Sept Tonga v Canada and 21 Sept Tonga v Asia 1 ( probably Japan).

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