View photosEden Park Seating Plan
Your seating guide: where to sit & the best seats
“The Park”
Eden Park in photos
1 outside · 11 inside the venue
Where to sit at Eden Park
The best seats at Eden Park are Middle tier of the Samsung South Stand, around the halfway line for the view. For value, choose East Stand, middle and upper tiers. Avoid Front rows on the west side. Eden Park seats 50,000, home of Blues (Super Rugby) and Auckland Rugby and Auckland Cricket and All Blacks (test matches).
Middle tier of the Samsung South Stand, around the halfway line
High enough to read the shape of a backline move, side on to the halfway line, and under cover. It is the seat the ground was rebuilt to create.
Full detail Best valueEast Stand, middle and upper tiers
Modern, steep and well covered, and priced below the side on stands because it sits behind the posts. In a stadium this size the height more than compensates.
Full detail Where to avoidFront rows on the west side
The lowest and least covered part of the ground, so you are close to the action but exposed to the weather and looking across the field almost at pitch level.
Full detailAbout Eden Park
Eden Park is New Zealand's national stadium: roughly 50,000 seats for rugby and football, up to 60,000 for the biggest tests with temporary seating, and about 42,000 in cricket configuration. It sits in Kingsland, 3km from the Auckland CBD, and it is home to the Blues, Auckland Rugby and Auckland Cricket, as well as being the All Blacks' fortress. The ground is deliberately asymmetric after the 2008 to 2010 redevelopment. The Samsung South Stand is the big three tier structure that holds around 24,000 on its own, the University of Auckland North Stand faces it, and the three tier East Stand replaced the old terraces, with the lower West side completing the ring. Bay numbering follows the stands rather than one continuous ring: the lower bowl is 301 to 337 and covers the east, south and west only, because the north carries retractable seating at that level. Above it, 401 to 415 sit over the north stand and 416 to 434 over the south, 501 to 515 form the north upper tier, and 629 to 644 are the outermost bays on the south. On the east, 307 to 315 sit closest to the field with 301 to 306 behind them on the Cricket Ave side. The accessible Permobil Comfort Zones are at 319 and 323 in the South Stand. For rugby the halfway line seats in the South and North stands are the best in the house, the middle tier of the South Stand being the pick; for cricket the ground plays as an oval and the East and West sides give you the square boundary view. Roughly 38,000 of the seats are under cover, which in Auckland is not a detail to skip over.
New Zealand's national stadium, a sports ground since 1900 and rebuilt for the 2011 Rugby World Cup in a NZ$256 million redevelopment by HOK Sport, now Populous, between 2008 and 2010. That project added the three tier Samsung South Stand, which alone holds around 24,000, and replaced the old terraces with a three tier East Stand, lifting the number of covered seats from 23,000 to 38,000. The result is an asymmetric ground: two very tall modern stands on the south and east, lower and older structures on the north and west, and an oval that switches between a rugby field and a first class cricket ground.
Seating plan & map
This is the map used for ticket sales at Eden Park. Exact configuration varies by event.
How the venue is set up
Rugby union (All Blacks tests and Blues)
The default: a rectangular field laid across the oval, with the halfway line running between the Samsung South Stand and the University of Auckland North Stand. Temporary seating can lift capacity towards 60,000 for the biggest tests.
Cricket
The oval configuration, capacity around 42,000. The pitch runs roughly north to south, which puts the East and West sides square of the wicket and the North and South stands behind the bowler's arm.
Football internationals
Rectangular pitch on the same axis as rugby. Eden Park hosts All Whites tests and major tournament football, including matches at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. The halfway sections in the South and North stands price highest, and the active support sits at one end.
Concerts
Eden Park is consented for up to six concerts a year and returned to hosting them in 2021 after a 46 year gap, with Six60, Billy Joel, Ed Sheeran, Pink and three sold out Coldplay nights since. The field is floored with the stage at one end, so the far end of the ground and the sections beside the stage become the weakest views.
Seating levels explained
Samsung South StandIncludes sections 319 and 323, where the accessible Permobil Comfort Zones sit
The largest stand at the ground, built in the 2010 redevelopment and holding around 24,000 across three tiers. It carries most of the premium seating, the sensory room on Level 3, and a large share of the covered seats.
Pros: The best seats in the stadium sit here: side on, high and dry. The middle tier around the halfway line is the single best view at Eden Park for rugby.
Cons: The most expensive side of the ground, and the top tier is a long climb. The very back rows lose some of the intimacy the lower tiers have.
University of Auckland North StandThe northern arc of the numbered sections
The stand facing the South Stand across the halfway line, older and lower than its counterpart, and one of the two stands carrying wheelchair spaces.
Pros: The same side on angle as the South Stand for less money, and closer to the field because the stand is lower. Good access to Morningside station afterwards.
Cons: Less cover than the South Stand and a lower vantage point, so a crowd on its feet in front of you matters more.
East StandThe eastern arc of the numbered sections
The three tier stand built in the redevelopment to replace the old terraces. For rugby it sits behind one set of posts; for cricket it is square of the wicket.
Pros: Modern, well covered and steep, and the best value seats at a big test. For cricket this is one of the two sides you want, with the ball travelling across you.
Cons: For rugby it is an end on view, so a movement down the far touchline foreshortens badly. The corners are the weakest seats in the stand.
West sideThe western arc of the numbered sections
The lower, older western side of the ground, opposite the East Stand.
Pros: Close to the field, cheap, and a short walk to Kingsland station and the New North Road bars.
Cons: The least covered part of the ground and the lowest vantage point, so it is the side most exposed to Auckland weather.
Best seats at Eden Park
Best view for rugby
Middle tier of the Samsung South Stand, around the halfway line
High enough to read the shape of a backline move, side on to the halfway line, and under cover. It is the seat the ground was rebuilt to create.
The same angle for less
University of Auckland North Stand, halfway line
The North Stand faces the South across the middle of the field, so you get the same side on view from a lower, closer vantage point at a lower price.
Best value at a big test
East Stand, middle and upper tiers
Modern, steep and well covered, and priced below the side on stands because it sits behind the posts. In a stadium this size the height more than compensates.
Cricket
East and West sides, square of the wicket
With the pitch running roughly north to south, the East and West sides put you square of the wicket, which is the classic cricket viewing angle for judging line, length and the ball off the bat.
Staying dry
Samsung South Stand and East Stand
The 2010 redevelopment lifted covered seats from 23,000 to 38,000 and most of that cover is on the south and east. In Auckland, that is worth paying for.
| For | Sections | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Best view for rugby | Middle tier of the Samsung South Stand, around the halfway line | High enough to read the shape of a backline move, side on to the halfway line, and under cover. It is the seat the ground was rebuilt to create. |
| The same angle for less | University of Auckland North Stand, halfway line | The North Stand faces the South across the middle of the field, so you get the same side on view from a lower, closer vantage point at a lower price. |
| Best value at a big test | East Stand, middle and upper tiers | Modern, steep and well covered, and priced below the side on stands because it sits behind the posts. In a stadium this size the height more than compensates. |
| Cricket | East and West sides, square of the wicket | With the pitch running roughly north to south, the East and West sides put you square of the wicket, which is the classic cricket viewing angle for judging line, length and the ball off the bat. |
| Staying dry | Samsung South Stand and East Stand | The 2010 redevelopment lifted covered seats from 23,000 to 38,000 and most of that cover is on the south and east. In Auckland, that is worth paying for. |
Seats to avoid & obstructed views
Front rows on the west side: The lowest and least covered part of the ground, so you are close to the action but exposed to the weather and looking across the field almost at pitch level.
Corners of the East Stand: The furthest sections from the halfway line with a diagonal angle across the field, and neither the atmosphere of an end nor the view of a side.
Behind the bowler's arm at the very front for cricket: A low, end on view down the pitch that makes it hard to judge the ball, and the sightscreen takes out part of the field of view.
Sections beside and behind the stage at a concert: Restricted or no view of the stage front. Check the map on the listing, especially on a resale site.
Accessibility & companion seating
Eden Park has 152 wheelchair spaces spread through the venue, in both the University of Auckland North Stand and the Samsung South Stand, each positioned near food outlets, lifts and accessible toilets. The Permobil Comfort Zones in the South Stand at sections 319 and 323, and further zones in the North Stand, add infrared heaters, extra personal space and TV replay screens. Lifts serve Entries A, B, C, E, F and G; Entry G has a ramp with an automatic door and lifts immediately beyond it, and Entries C2, D, E and G are the most accessible ways in. There are 100 mobility parking spaces allocated by ballot for major events. A sensory room sits on Level 3 of the Samsung South Stand, the Aira app provides free on site navigation support for blind and low vision guests, Kennards Hire Sound Sensitivity Stations hand out free earplugs at three points around the ground, and Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyards are available at every entry on event days.
Where: Wheelchair spaces sit in the North and South stands, with Permobil Comfort Zones at South Stand sections 319 and 323 and further zones in the North Stand.
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Going to Eden Park? Tickets & hotels, sorted
The guide tells you where to sit — this is where you book it. Live-priced tickets and stays near the venue, all on Event Escapes.
Tickets — upcoming at Eden Park
Hotels near Eden Parkfrom USD 67 a night
All hotels & live prices
4-starNesuto St Martins Apartment Hotel
2.6 km from the venue
From USD 105 a night
See live prices
3-starRamada by Wyndham Newmarket Auckland
2.6 km from the venue
From USD 121 a night
See live prices
4-starThe Great Ponsonby ArtHotel
2.8 km from the venue
From USD 132 a night
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4-starAuckland City Hotel
3 km from the venue
From USD 96 a night
See live prices
3-starAlbion of Auckland
3.2 km from the venue
From USD 67 a night
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5-starQT Auckland
3.6 km from the venue
From USD 156 a night
See live pricesStays close to Eden Park, with availability checked when we built this guide. Tap a hotel for live prices on your dates.
Getting there
Transport
Kingsland station is a five minute walk from the western side of the ground and Morningside station is about the same on the northern side, both on the Western Line from Britomart in the CBD. Event day trains and buses are frequent and are often included with a match ticket, which is worth checking before you drive. The streets immediately around the park are residential and heavily restricted on event days, so parking is limited; 100 mobility parking spaces are allocated by ballot for major events.
The area
Kingsland, on the boundary with Mount Eden, about 3km southwest of the Auckland CBD. Kingsland's New North Road strip runs right past the ground and is the pre and post match centre: a dense run of bars, cafes and restaurants that is a genuine destination rather than a set of stadium pubs. Mount Eden village is a short walk south, and the CBD is 10 minutes on the train.
Eden Park · Auckland, New Zealand
Frequently asked questions
Where are the best seats at Eden Park?
The middle tier of the Samsung South Stand around the halfway line. It is side on, high enough to read the play properly and under cover. The University of Auckland North Stand gives you the same angle from lower down for less, and the East Stand is the best value at a sold out test.
Which seats should I avoid at Eden Park?
The front rows on the west side, which are low and the least covered part of the ground, and the corners of the East Stand, which are the furthest from the halfway line without the atmosphere of a proper end. For concerts, anything beside or behind the stage.
How many seats at Eden Park are covered?
About 38,000, up from 23,000 before the 2008 to 2010 redevelopment. Most of that cover is on the Samsung South Stand and the East Stand, which is worth remembering when you are picking seats for an Auckland winter test.
What is the capacity of Eden Park?
Around 50,000 for rugby and football with standard seating, up to about 60,000 with temporary seating for the biggest matches, and about 42,000 in cricket configuration.
Where are the wheelchair accessible seats at Eden Park?
There are 152 wheelchair spaces across the venue, in the University of Auckland North Stand and the Samsung South Stand, near lifts, food outlets and accessible toilets. The Permobil Comfort Zones at South Stand sections 319 and 323, and in the North Stand, add heaters, extra space and replay screens. Entries C2, D, E and G are the most accessible ways in.
What are the best seats at Eden Park for cricket?
The East and West sides, square of the wicket. The pitch runs roughly north to south, so those sides give you the classic square on angle for judging the ball, while the North and South stands sit behind the bowler's arm.
How do I get to Eden Park?
Kingsland station is about five minutes' walk from the western side and Morningside station about the same from the north, both on the Western Line from Britomart. Event travel is frequent and is often included with a match ticket. Streets around the ground are residential and restricted on event days, so public transport beats driving.
Does Eden Park host concerts?
Yes. The ground is consented for up to six concerts a year and returned to hosting them in 2021 after a 46 year break, with Six60, Billy Joel, Ed Sheeran, Pink and three sold out Coldplay nights since. The field is floored with the stage at one end.
Is there a quiet space at Eden Park?
Yes, a sensory room on Level 3 of the Samsung South Stand. Kennards Hire Sound Sensitivity Stations also give out free earplugs at three points around the ground, and Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyards are available at every entry on event days.
How do section numbers work at Eden Park?
Section numbers at Eden Park follow the seating tiers. Samsung South Stand: Includes sections 319 and 323, where the accessible Permobil Comfort Zones sit; University of Auckland North Stand: The northern arc of the numbered sections; East Stand: The eastern arc of the numbered sections; West side: The western arc of the numbered sections.
What are the stands at Eden Park?
Eden Park is made up of 4 main stands: Samsung South Stand; University of Auckland North Stand; East Stand; West side.
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Seating guideAlso in Auckland
More to plan and book around Auckland, all on Event Escapes.
Sources
- Eden Park — Accessibility
- Eden Park — Find My Seat
- Eden Park — Wikipedia
- Eden Park seating map — Austadiums
Hero image: Kiwi Flickr, CC BY 2.0 — via Wikimedia Commons