An estimated 10,000 out-of-towners have made the trip to Christchurch this Labour weekend, drawn by summery weather and a string of sports matches.
It's expected to contribute around $3.5 million to the city's economy and result in 17,000 visitor nights in local accommodation, according to ChristchurchNZ general manager of visitor economy Anne Newman.
"It's just phenomenal," she said.
It's expected to contribute around $3.5 million to the city's economy and result in 17,000 visitor nights in local accommodation. (Source: 1News)
Tonight’s Rugby League World Cup match between the Kiwis and the Cook Islands at Te Kaha stadium is the latest major event to kick off in Christchurch.
The garden city hosted the Silver Ferns in Wolfbrook Arena last Wednesday and the Black Caps at Hagley Oval earlier this weekend, with the NPC final still to come on Monday.
"Christchurch really is becoming the sporting capital of New Zealand," Newman said.
"This has been years in the planning. We've been out in the cold probably for about 15 years, so now is our time to shine and we really are doing that in spades."
Indula Jayasundar, manager of Muse Hotel, located just 400m from the new Te Kaha stadium, said bookings have been "amazing".
"We've been fully booked for the last couple of days. We are quite uniquely placed right in front of the stadium."
Hospitality NZ's Canterbury branch president Jeremy Stevens said businesses are now starting to feel the benefits of the city's latest infrastructure projects.
"So, it's kind of the start of summer, and everyone's enjoying it and people are out and about spending.
"Christchurch has lead the way. We have had a lot of infrastructure and major projects finished, so we're now seeing the benefit of those attracting people from around the country."
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