Your game plan for Opening Weekend at North Harbour Stadium

Thursday, September 08, 2011

North Shore residents are being advised to allow extra time for travel this weekend as Rugby World Cup 2011 kicks off with two matches at North Harbour Stadium.

France v Japan kicks off at 6pm on Saturday and Australia play Italy at 3.30pm on Sunday.

Auckland Transport Spokesman Wally Thomas says traffic will be busy in the area around the stadium and some nearby roads will be closed.

"People not going to the match need to be aware there is potential for delays, so they should avoid the area if possible in the lead up to kick off and after the matches.

"For those going to the match the most important thing to do is travel early to beat the crowds. The best option for getting there is the special event buses which are free with a match ticket."

Transport to North Harbour Stadium:
Travel is free on special event buses from 3pm on Saturday and 12.30pm on Sunday until one hour after the match (or until the crowd has cleared) with a match ticket.
Special event buses depart from:
• Takapuna and Northern Busway Stations: buses depart 142-146 Hurstmere Road every 10 minutes stopping at all Northern Busway stations. Last bus departs 60 minutes before kick-off at North Harbour Stadium.
• Orewa: buses depart Moana Ave outside New World every 30 minutes. Last bus departs 90 minutes before kick-off at North Harbour Stadium.
• CBD: buses depart Civic Theatre, Queen Street every 5 minutes stopping at Lower Albert Street. Last bus departs 90 minutes before kick-off at North Harbour Stadium
• South/East: buses depart Manukau Town Centre 3 hours before kick-off at 30 minute intervals en route to Botany Town Centre and Westfield Pakuranga. Last bus departs Manukau 120 minutes before kick-off at North Harbour Stadium.
• Henderson: buses depart Henderson train station every 15 minutes via Westgate. Last bus departs 90 minutes before kick-off at North Harbour Stadium.
Driving:
• Parking close to the ground is limited and there will be road closures in the area. People planning to drive are advised to carpool with others attending the game.
• Drivers are encouraged to park at Bush Rd Industrial Estate and catch a shuttle to the stadium. Car parking is also available at Massey University, a short 10 minute walk to the stadium.
• Other options are to drive to Park 'n' Ride facilities and catch a bus to the stadium.  Park 'n' Ride car parks are located at Smales Farm in Westlake and Westgate Shopping Centre at Massey. In Takapuna people can park in the town centre area and catch a bus from 142-46 Hurstmere Road in Takapuna. 
• The main public drop off point is on Civic Crescent, limo and private hire vehicle drop off is on Corban Avenue.
Taxi:
• Taxi ranks will be located on Corban Avenue.
Accessible transport options:
• The majority of the special event bus services will be accessible for the mobility impaired
• A limited number of mobility parking spaces will be provided close to the venue at Massey University, accessed off the Albany Expressway. A shuttle service will operate between this point and the venue.
• A mobility taxi rank drop off/pick up point will be located on Corban Ave.