A back to back run of major events has delivered an estimated $16 million in visitor spending to Christchurch and is reshaping the city’s reputation as a major events destination.

The inaugural “Super Season” concludes this long weekend with the Super Rugby Pacific Super Round at One New Zealand Stadium from April 24 to 26, featuring five games and 10 teams from Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.

The tournament also marks the grand opening of the city’s new central city stadium.

It follows last week’s sold out Supercars ITM Christchurch Super 440 at Ruapuna, which drew 65,000 fans across the weekend. Combined attendance at the two events is expected to top 140,000.

ChristchurchNZ Head of Major Events Karena Finnie said the back to back events were cementing the city’s status as a major events capital.

“Between the 65,000 attendees at the sold out Supercars event and the 75,000 attendees at Super Round this weekend, we are projecting a total visitor spend of $16 million from these major events ChristchurchNZ attracted to Christchurch,” Finnie said.

The Supercars round alone brought an estimated 14,000 visitors to the city, including 11,000 from outside the region and more than 3,000 from overseas, pumping $6 million into the local economy.

ChristchurchNZ chief executive Ali Adams said a strong visitor economy was fundamental to the city’s long term momentum.

“When the right events are secured at the right time, they reshape perceptions, accelerate investment and build long term confidence in the city,” Adams said.

“Visitors leave with a changed view of the city. Some return, some choose to study, work or invest here, and over time that flow of people, ideas and capital becomes a powerful driver of sustained growth.”

Hospitality operators reported a sharp lift in trading. Riverside Market general manager Jo Southen said both events had brought incredible energy across the central city, with strong foot traffic from locals and visitors alike.

Craft Embassy co-owner Seth Hamilton, on The Terrace, said it was the busiest school holiday weekend the venue had seen.

“The Terrace was heaving, and the feedback from punters was overwhelmingly positive. We had plenty of Australians through, all commenting on how good the city looks,” Hamilton said.

“The weather showed up, and so did the city. The live site and fan trail gave people even more reason to get out and about.”

Christchurch Attractions chief executive Marty Byrne said tourism operators including the Christchurch Tram, Punting on the Avon and the Christchurch Gondola had all seen strong visitor numbers across the school holidays.

“There was a real buzz around the city, and we’re excited to see that momentum continue with the Super Round this weekend,” Byrne said. “Combined with the long weekend, it’s bringing vibrant energy to the city and providing a welcome boost for local businesses.“​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​