The Ironman 70.3 Asia Pacific Championships is on tomorrow morning on Auckland's waterfront and Harbour Bridge. Photo / File
The Ironman 70.3 Asia Pacific Championships is on tomorrow morning on Auckland's waterfront and Harbour Bridge. Photo / File
Auckland is heading for a bumper weekend, with seven big events tipped to boost the economy and test the patience of motorists.
The events include the Ironman 70.3 Asia Pacific Championships tomorrow morning on Auckland's waterfront and Harbour Bridge.
Ironman spokesman Ian Hepenstall said: "There are more than 1,100 competitorsfrom 31 countries and we anticipate 5000 to 10,000 supporters, family, friends and fans watching."
Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (Ateed) chief executive Brett O'Riley said the weekend was viewed as part of a three-month summer calendar of big events. The programme included the Dick Smith NRL Nines, shows by the Eagles, the Auckland Arts Festival, the ICC Cricket World Cup and the Volvo Ocean Race.
"We're on track to reach one million events-related visitor nights since the launch of Ateed's Major Events Strategy three years ago," he said.
The domestic visitor economy is worth $1.3 billion a year to the city's economy. The Auckland Council-owned Ateed visitor plan aims to raise the value to $2 billion a year.
Auckland Chamber of Commerce chief executive Michael Barnett said the events complemented revenue created by conventions, conferences and cruise ships. "This is bringing in money from outside of Auckland to Auckland and that's good for the city."
The Hospitality Association's Auckland branch president Kevin Schwass said Auckland was becoming the events capital of New Zealand and getting a foot on the world stage.
"Normally it's a steady time for business but having events it encourages people to stay in Auckland or come back from holiday earlier.
"We've noticed in the last couple of years an increase in buoyancy and vibrancy about the city during January, whereas Auckland just used to die, unless a yachting race was on."
The weekend is also likely to cause a few traffic jams on the roads.
The Transport Agency has advised drivers to plan their journey and be prepared to share roads with hundreds of athletes and to expect delays.
"We want to ensure this is a safe course for [Ironman] competitors and spectators, while at the same time ensuring there is a minimum of disruption to drivers," said Transport Agency national journey manager Kathryn Musgrave.
"Six lanes of the Harbour Bridge will remain open, the Ironman being held at a time when Sunday morning traffic volumes are light.
"However, there is likely to still be some queues and delays."
A spokesman for Auckland Transport said public transport would be the easiest way to get to Eden Park for the cricket today, with the trains running to Kingsland station.
