Christchurch is set for one of its busiest stretches of sport in years, with international netball, cricket, rugby league, rugby and football all arriving in the city over the next six weeks.

The run starts on Wednesday night and doesn’t let up until the Black Caps take on India in a test at Hagley Oval at the start of December. Canterbury’s provincial final, Cup Week racing and the first international concert at One New Zealand Stadium are sandwiched in between.

Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger said he had been talking about Christchurch becoming the sporting and events capital of New Zealand for years.

“It’s great to see that a reality,” he said.

“The upcoming season is going to be fantastic with so many different sports, and to top it off we’ve also got the first international concert at the stadium, Robbie Williams.”

Netball: Silver Ferns v Diamonds, Wednesday 21 October

The Silver Ferns take a 1 nil series lead into the second Constellation Cup test against Australia at Wolfbrook Arena, after beating the Diamonds 56 to 50 in Auckland on Sunday.

The Ferns arrive as reigning Commonwealth Games champions after winning gold in Glasgow in August. They will want to settle a score in Christchurch, where the Diamonds clinched last year’s series in a tense extra time decider.

Cricket: Black Caps v India, Thursday 22 and Saturday 24 October

India’s biggest ever tour of New Zealand begins at Hagley Oval, with the opening two Twenty20 internationals played back to back in Christchurch. The tour runs to 12 matches across the country, marking 100 years of sporting ties between the two nations.

Rugby league: World Cup double header, Sunday 25 October

One New Zealand Stadium hosts the only Rugby League World Cup matches in New Zealand. The Kiwi Ferns play France and the Kiwis take on the Cook Islands, and tickets are close to sold out.

Rugby: NPC final, Monday 26 October

Canterbury host Northland in the NPC final at One New Zealand Stadium on Labour Day, after beating Taranaki 38 to 28 in their semi-final.

Rugby: Black Ferns v France, Saturday 31 October

The Black Ferns play their first test at the new stadium when they host France on Halloween night, kicking off at 7.10pm.

Racing: Cup Week, 7 to 14 November

Canterbury’s biggest week on the racing calendar runs from 1000 Guineas Day at Riccarton Park on 7 November. Cup Day at Addington is on 10 November, TAB Mile Day at Riccarton is on 11 November, and the week closes with New Zealand Cup Day at Riccarton on 14 November.

Football: All Whites v India, Sunday 15 November

The All Whites play the first football international at One New Zealand Stadium when they host India. It’s the second of a two match series, after the teams meet in Auckland three days earlier.

Cricket: Black Caps v India second test, 27 November to 1 December

India return to Hagley Oval for the second and final test, which closes the tour.

Music: Robbie Williams, Saturday 28 November

Robbie Williams plays the stadium’s first international concert, and the show is sold out.

After Christmas

There’s only a short pause over the holidays. Foo Fighters play One New Zealand Stadium on 19 January, and the Electric Avenue festival returns to Hagley Park on 26 and 27 February.

“It’s safe to say the city is going to be the place to be this summer,” Mauger said.