NZ’s Biggest Sporting Events to Watch in 2020

There’s no doubt that New Zealand is a sporting titan that punches well above its weight when it comes to the international rankings. Our rugby players, surfers and cricketers are among the most celebrated and decorated in the world, and NZ is emerging as a major tourist destination as a result of the rich array of sporting events on offer. With 2019 drawing to close, it’s time to look forward to next year’s sporting calendar. If you want to stay in the know, read on to find out the top sporting events in NZ to watch in 2020.

Super Rugby 2020 Kickoff

Rugby runs in our veins, and it’s safe to say that the Super Rugby Tournament, which spans New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Japan and Argentina, is the purest distillation of this beloved sport. In 2020 the season will kick-off with not one, but two derbies on the 31st January. This is when the Chiefs will travel to Eden Park in Auckland to face the Blues, whilst over in Oz, the Reds will travel to Canberra to face the Brumbies. You’re best off booking your tickets early if you want to see these ones in the flesh.

WSFC Big Four Fishing Tournament

The WSFC Big Four Tournament is a nationwide competition that takes place over a three-day period, starting on April 24th, and is unlike any other in the world. To win, you need to catch each of the ‘Big Four’ fish in New Zealand waters (Snapper, Kahawai, Trevally, and Kingfish), before bringing your haul to the WSFC Base in Hamilton. Whoever caught the heaviest specimen wins the grand prize. As highlighted by this event, fishing is a national pastime that we all love, to the point where we even line up to play fishing-themed pokies available at online casino real money NZ platforms, such as the Alaskan Fishing slot reel.

Crankworx Rotorua

The world’s largest mountain biking tournament kicks off on March 2020 in Rotorua, before moving onto Australia, Canada, and France. Thousands of cyclists are expected to take part in next year’s event, which involves intensive cycling over mountain terrain and dirt paths over a 6-day period, beginning March 2nd. While it is recommended that only experienced cyclists take part in the action, everyone is welcome to head to Rotorua to take it all in for themselves, ideally in a shade-covered spot.

New Zealand Open

Golf has always been a prominent sport in New Zealand’s culture, with some of the best players in the world hailing from our shores. Whilst our domestic tournaments haven’t historically gotten much attention on the world stage, that trend is changing fast. The 101st New Zealand Open, which kicks off in Queenstown on the 28th February, promises to be the biggest one yet, with some of the biggest names in Golf already lined up to play. Geoff Ogilvy, Jason Scrivener, and Korean golfing legend K.J Choi will all be teeing off on that date, so make sure to put it in the calendar.
2020 promises to be another exciting year in the world of sport. Whether you’re taking part yourself or just spectating, these are the events that matter.