Auckland Sporting Events: Rugby, Cricket, Racing & Football
Heading to Auckland for sport? Plan your stay around the All Blacks, BLACKCAPS, Auckland Marathon, Melbourne Cup Day and Auckland FC.
If you're travelling to Auckland for sport this spring, here are the major dates to add to your calendar.
All Blacks v Australia – 10 October
The All Blacks play Australia at Eden Park on Saturday 10 October, with kick-off at 7:10pm.
If you're heading to the match, public transport is one of the easiest ways to reach Eden Park. Kingsland Station is directly beside the stadium, with train connections through Waitematā and Maungawhau stations.
Auckland FC v Melbourne City – 17 October
Football returns to Go Media Stadium when Auckland FC opens its 2026/27 home season against Melbourne City on Saturday 17 October. Kick-off is at 5pm.
Auckland FC
BLACKCAPS v India T20 – 30 October
International cricket arrives at Eden Park later in the month when the BLACKCAPS take on India in a T20 on Friday 30 October. The match starts at 8pm.
India's visit is likely to attract both local and travelling supporters, and Eden Park has a dedicated Bleed Blue Zone for India fans.
Runaway Auckland Marathon – 1 November
The Runaway Auckland Marathon takes place on 1 November and celebrates its 35th year in 2026.
Events include the full 42.2km marathon, half marathon, 11km Traverse, 5km and Kids Marathon. One of the event's defining features is the opportunity for participants to run over the Auckland Harbour Bridge before continuing through the city.
For runners travelling into Auckland, accommodation is worth organising well before race weekend, particularly if you want to be close to the central-city finish area at Victoria Park.
Runaway Auckland Marathon
Melbourne Cup Day at Ellerslie – 3 November
You don't need to travel to Melbourne to make a day of the Melbourne Cup.
Melbourne Cup Day returns to Ellerslie Racecourse on Tuesday 3 November, with live racing on the Auckland track as well as the Melbourne Cup from Flemington shown on the big screen.
Auckland Thoroughbred Racing describes it as New Zealand's largest Melbourne Cup Day event and Auckland's only Melbourne Cup event with live racing taking place on the track.
Gates open at 11am, with the first local race scheduled for approximately 12:20pm. General admission is free, with paid hospitality options also available.
Ellerslie Melbourne Cup Day
BLACKCAPS v India ODI – 4 November
The BLACKCAPS and India return to Eden Park just a few days after the T20 for a One Day International on Wednesday 4 November.
The ODI begins at 3pm, giving cricket supporters another opportunity to see the touring Indian side in Auckland.
Auckland FC v Wellington Phoenix – 7 November
The first home New Zealand derby of Auckland FC's season takes place on Saturday 7 November, when the Black Knights host the Wellington Phoenix at Go Media Stadium. Kick-off is at 5pm.
For football supporters travelling between Wellington and Auckland, this is one of the key fixtures on the 2026/27 A-League calendar.
Where to stay for Auckland sporting events
If you're travelling into Auckland for one of these events, staying centrally gives you a base that isn't tied to one particular stadium.
Parkside Hotel & Apartments, at 100 Greys Avenue, is located in central Auckland and provides access to the city's public transport network.
That is particularly useful for events at Eden Park, where public transport is recommended due to match-day road closures and parking restrictions.
Parkside offers hotel rooms and apartment-style accommodation, with Deluxe rooms and Suites including kitchenettes, washing machines and dryers. That can also be useful for runners staying around Auckland Marathon weekend or visitors spending several days in the city for consecutive events.
