Leave early for Samoa v South Africa match

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Fans heading to the Samoa v South Africa Rugby World Cup 2011 match on Friday are being encouraged to leave early to avoid congestion.

Auckland Transport says roads and public transport are expected to be busy for the sold out match, so leaving early is the best way to avoid missing kick off.

With the match being played on a Friday evening there is potential for delays as people travel home from work and to North Harbour Stadium. People not going to the match should also be prepared for delays if they're travelling in the area.

Transport to North Harbour Stadium:
Travel is free on special event buses from 5.30pm until one hour after the match (or until the crowd has cleared) with a match ticket.
Special event buses depart from:

• 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.
• Henderson/Westgate: buses depart Henderson train station every 15 minutes via Westgate opposite Burger King. Last bus departs 90 minutes before kick-off.
• 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.
• CBD: buses depart Civic Theatre, Queen Street every 5 minutes stopping at Lower Albert Street. Last bus departs 90 minutes before kick-off.
• Orewa: buses depart Moana Ave outside New World every 30 minutes. Last bus departs 90 minutes before kick-off.

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.