Hamilton ready to embrace test footy fever
Hamilton city is ready to embrace test rugby when the All Blacks take the field against Tonga on Saturday 7 September. The city’s world-class stadium will host the All Blacks final home game of the season. The afternoon match up will be the All Blacks final game on home soil before they head to Japan in their bid for a third successive Rugby World Cup title.
Being a comfortable 90-minute drive away from main centres such as Auckland, Tauranga and Rotorua, Hamilton is the ideal location for Central North Islanders to make a weekend of it. There are plenty of accommodation options, several within walking distance to FMG Stadium Waikato. Heartland Ambassador Hotel Hamilton is positioned within walking distance to both FMG Stadium Waikato and Hamilton’s CBD, while other accommodation options within a 30-minute walk include the Distinction Hotel and Ventura Inn and Suites to name a few.
With the unique afternoon kick off at 2.35pm, fans are expected to be out of the stadium by 5pm, giving ample opportunity to enjoy a post-match dinner from the endless options on offer or embrace the Hamilton nightlife. SkyCity Dining Precinct offers a range of dining options, from the Local Taphouse bar, offering locally crafted beer and delicious food or Eat Burger which offers mouth-watering burgers and shakes, to delicious cocktails at the Marble Room and Sammies and Stuff has something for everyone.
Dough Bros is another ideal dining option where you’ll find a celebration of Waikato’s emerging foodie culture. Tasty dishes showcasing ingredients are perfect for sharing with unique matches of craft beers, creative cocktails and wonderful wines from around New Zealand.
To wrap up the weekend visitors should seek to explore one of the many attractions the Waikato region has to offer. There are several options to entertain all types of fans within a comfortable drive.
Hamilton and Waikato Tourism Chief Executive Jason Dawson said: “There is plenty to do for rugby fanatics to make the absolute most of their weekend seeing the All Blacks. From exploring another world at the Hamilton Garden and getting up-close with native & exotic species at Hamilton Zoo to seeking an adrenaline-pumping range of adventure activities at Waitomo Caves or Hampton Downs, the mighty Waikato offers something for everyone.”
Chiefs Rugby Club CEO Mike Collins said: “It’s no secret this region is mad about rugby and visitors will have the opportunity to be immersed in it for a weekend, catching the Rugby World Cup squad play for the last time before they head to Japan. The afternoon kick off makes it perfect for all types of visitors and there is something on offer for everyone to enjoy. My recommendation would be to venture to Raglan and enjoy the slice of Kiwi heaven with its boutique galleries and shops as well as the fantastic surfing on offer.”
Limited tickets for the match are still available, visit https://www.allblacks.com/tickets
Accommodation:
Ventura Inn & Suites
www.venturainns.co.nz
Distinction Hamilton Hotel
www.distinctionhotelshamilton.co.nz
Heartland Ambassador Hotel Hamilton
www.scenichotelgroup.co.nz/locations/new-zealand/hamilton/heartland-ambassador-hotel-hamilton
Dining:
SkyCity Dining Precinct
www.skycityhamilton.co.nz/restaurants
Dough Bros
www.doughbros.co.nz
Attractions:
Hamilton Zoo
www.hamiltonzoo.co.nz
HobbitonTM Movie Set
www.hobbitontours.com
Waitomo
www.waikatonz.com/experiences/underground-adventure
Raglan
www.waikatonz.com/destinations/raglan
Ticketing:
www.allblacks.com/tickets
