Kiwis, Black Caps, Silver Ferns, NPC final: Christchurch set for sporting bonanza

Christchurch will be New Zealand’s sporting mecca for the next month, with all roads leading to the Garden City. 

No fewer than eight major international sporting events are scheduled for spring in the city, starting with the best netball teams in the world taking the court on Wednesday. 

Before that, the best domestic competition in the country draws to a climax. 

NPC – Canterbury hosts Northland in the final of the NPC at One NZ Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Much was made of the heat inside the stadium in their quarter-final against Waikato a fortnight ago, with temperatures reportedly rising above 30C inside the enclosed arena. The forecast for the week ahead sees temperatures in the mid-20s. Venues Ōtautahi are confident that they can make conditions more comfortable for spectators in future events. 

Netball – The Silver Ferns take a 1-0 lead into game two of the Constellation Cup against their arch-rivals the Australian Diamonds, with the second match of the series to be played at Wolfbrook Arena on Wednesday night. Last time the two met at this venue, it ended in an overtime series victory to the Diamonds in a pulsating finish to the 2025 series. This time the Ferns take the court as reigning Commonwealth Games champions. 

The Silver Ferns battle the Diamonds in the Constellation Cup from Sunday. (AAP Image/James Ross/ Photosport) 

Cricket – The overlap between winter sports and our summer game begins this week, with India arriving for a much-anticipated series against the Black Caps. The first match is at Hagley Oval on Thursday evening, followed by the second at the same venue on Saturday night. The long-range weather forecast looks like it’ll play ball. The two teams return at the end of November for the second test match – and final game of the tour. 

League – The Rugby League World Cup rolls into town this Sunday, with a double header at One NZ Stadium. First, the Kiwi Ferns take on France at 4pm and then the Kiwis face Cook Islands at 6pm. The matches are virtually sold out, with only Field Club tickets still available. 

The Kiwis are coming. New Zealand plays Cook Islands in Christchurch on October 25th. Photo / Photosport 

Rugby – The Black Ferns get their first taste of One NZ Stadium on October 31 when they host France. Fans are being encouraged to enter into the “Halloween spirit” for the match, which kicks off just after 7pm. Both teams play freely and will have enough tricks to ensure the spectacle is a treat. 

Racing – From November 7-14 it’s Canterbury’s famous Cup Week, with the premier races being the New Zealand Trotting Cup at Addington on the 10th, the TAB Mile on the 11th and the New Zealand Cup at Riccarton on the 14th. 

Cup Day at Addington Raceway. Photo / Supplied 

Football – The All Whites round out an action-packed month for Christchurch when they host India at One NZ Stadium on November 15. The second of a two-match series to recognise “100 years of unity through sport” between the two nations.