Ōtautahi Christchurch: the ultimate sports playground in March
That’s right, the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix | Christchurch is returning to Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour this March.
Showcasing high-speed, high-tech action from the top athletes in the sport, SailGP is live-action racing as you’ve never experienced it before. As high-performance F50 catamarans fly across the harbour, this close-to-shore racing has to be seen to be believed!
The ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix | Christchurch is set to deliver more thrills, spills, and excitement as popular fan experiences return, including the stadium grandstand seating area where you are so close to the action you might even feel the sea-spray. Fans can purchase behind-the-scenes tours of SailGP’s team technical bases and regions for the first time in Christchurch. It is an experience not to be missed!
SailGP
To ensure the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix | Christchurch runs smoothly, a traffic management plan will be in place across the race weekend, Saturday, 23 March and Sunday, 24 March.
The plan is similar to last year, with a one-way tunnel restriction limiting access into Lyttelton. Vehicle access passes will be available for all Lyttelton residents as well as business owners and employees who need to work during the race weekend. Similar to last year, affected addresses will be issued one pass via mail in a letter drop.
An exciting addition to the 2024 event is a shuttle service looping between Naval Point and Lyttelton town on race days. This means ticket holders can enjoy Lyttelton’s vibrant hospitality before and after the racing. Keen market goers listen up: while the tunnel closes for entry at midday from the city side, the Lyttelton Farmers’ Market is still on! If you are planning on going to the Saturday morning market, head out nice and early and be sure to stay awhile and soak up all the good vibes. Remember, you can leave Lyttelton at any time with no restrictions. Lyttelton is going to be a hub of excitement in the lead up to the race weekend, so get amongst the fun and check out all the great spots in the township.
As we saw last year, SailGP is a spectacular event for the whole city to experience, so whether you choose to visit Lyttelton, watch the race right from your window, or join the various watch parties at your favourite venues around the city. For more details on the traffic management plan, vehicle access passes and ticketing, head to:
www.christchurchnz.com/explore/whats-on/sailgp
BLACKCAPS
Next up in a packed March sports schedule, the BLACKCAPS will take on rivals Australia in mid-March at the Hagley Oval for the summer’s final test. 
The second test match will run from Friday, 8 March, to Tuesday, 12 March. So, whether it’s the sixes and fours, the bouncers or the googlies, or just the chance to stick it to the Aussies, get out there and show your Kiwi pride!
NZ Warriors
Last up, the One New Zealand Warriors return to the mainland for a second game this year. The Round Three NRL premiership fixture on 22 March against the Canberra Raiders is set to be a blockbuster! So, grab a mate, pile on some blue and green face paint and your Warriors merch, and head to Apollo Projects Stadium to enjoy a night of amazing rugby league action. The city will be buzzing!
Get ready to experience an adrenaline-fueled extravaganza in our vibrant city this March! With irresistibly lush settings and an exciting sporting schedule, Ōtautahi Christchurch will become the ultimate playground for sports enthusiasts and casual sports-goers. It’s time to step into your wider backyard, feel that sense of belonging, and get involved in these action-packed events. Gear up, bring your A-game, and enjoy our spectacular sporting city.
