One of the region’s largest sports arenas opens its doors to Aucklanders and visitors to get a behind-the-scenes tour of North Harbour Stadium and its facilities during a free community open day on Sunday 7 December.
The event will be co-hosted by stadium operators Auckland Stadiums alongside Auckland Conventions and the stadium’s resident tenants North Harbour Rugby, Moana Pasifika and Auckland FC. Each host will offer interactive experiences throughout the day.
Visitors will be able to take guided tours through normally restricted areas of the stadium, including going pitch-side via the players' tunnel, sitting in the dugouts and visiting the hallowed home changing rooms.
Tamariki can join in skills, drills and games on the oval training field, led by representatives from the sports teams themselves. Families can relax and enjoy local food and music in a festival-style atmosphere.
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited’s Director of Auckland Stadiums, James Parkinson, said the free Open Day is a rare opportunity to experience what happens beyond the grandstands.
“North Harbour Stadium has been the home of unforgettable moments and major community events for almost thirty years”, said Parkinson.
“On a day-to-day basis, North Harbour Stadium has become one of the busiest venues in Auckland, hosting training and playing for elite sports teams across two codes. The Open Day is about giving visitors a sneak-peak inside to see what happens behind the curtain. We’re excited to invite the public to a day that celebrates the spirit of this fantastic community asset.”
Anna Atkinson, Chair, Upper Harbour Local Board is looking forward to seeing the community enjoy the facilities in Albany.
“The North Shore community loves North Harbour Stadium and has contributed to a standout year for the venue that has included the incredible Moana Pasifika season, international sport and NPC rugby. Now it’s great to have the stadium open its doors to the people who love it most, giving the public the chance to explore behind the scenes.”
Alexis Poppelbaum, Chair, Hibiscus & Bays Local Board is happy to see the stadium open its doors to the public.
“The Open Day will be fantastic for families across the North Shore to enjoy free activities while adventuring through the halls of North Harbour Stadium. This stadium is at the centre of community sport in the region and hosts elite sport year-round, from North Harbour Rugby and Moana Pasifika through to Auckland FC’s training base. Now visitors from Auckland and beyond will have the chance to share those same changing rooms and get a glimpse of what it feels like to head down to the hallowed turf.”
The North Harbour Stadium Open Day will run from 10am – 2pm on Sunday 7 December, with free entry and free parking on site. For more information head to the Auckland Stadiums website.
This event is proudly supported by Auckland Council Events.
NOTES
Image credit - PhotoSpor
Based at North Harbour Stadium:
- North Harbour Rugby: Playing, training and administrative offices.
- Moana Pasifika: Playing, training and administrative offices.
- Auckland FC: Training and administrative offices.
- New Zealand Football: Training and administrative offices.
- Northern Region Football: Administrative offices.
- Harbour Sport: Administrative offices.
- Baseball New Zealand: Administration offices.
- Marist Rugby: Administrative offices.
Upcoming events at North Harbour Stadium include:
- Sunday 7 December, North Harbour Stadium Community Open Day
- Moana Pasifika Super Rugby 2026 Season:
- Saturday 21 March, Moana Pasifika vs Crusaders
- Friday 27 March, Moana Pasifika vs Highlanders
- Saturday 2 May, Moana Pasifika vs Blues
- Saturday 9 May, Moana Pasifika vs Hurricanes
- Saturday 23 May, Moana Pasifika vs Reds