If you’re coming for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, here’s what to do in-between matches 
 

It should come as no surprise, given their reputation on the world’s stage, that there are a ton of things to do in New Zealand and Australia during winter. But this year is no ordinary winter, thanks in large part to the FIFA Women’s World Cup, which kicks off in July and takes place across both countries. If you’re heading down under or travelling locally to support your home team for this sure to be incredible event, we have plenty of suggestions about how to get the most out of your time in between matches, whether it be strapping on some skies, sampling unique wine and food, or soaking in the local culture. Of course, the easiest way to get around during your stay is with your own set of wheels, and with us, you can rent a car from cities across New Zealand and Australia. Now let’s make a plan for what to do before and after your favourite team takes to the field.  

A tale of two harbour cities 

The very first games that are taking place in the World Cup are in Auckland and Sydney. Though on very different scales, these two cities have a lot in common, thanks to their beautiful harbours, magnificent beaches, north/south divide, and hustle and bustle. If you’re in Auckland to see New Zealand take on Norway, you’ll enjoy a much more temperate climate than a lot of the rest of the country, likely mixed with some rain here or there. So while lots of layers may not be necessary, an umbrella might. The same could be said for Sydney, where temperatures are usually much more hospitable than further south in Melbourne during winter. The home of the Sydney Opera House and Taronga Zoo, Sydney plays host to Australia and The Republic of Ireland on opening day, which is sure to draw a big crowd.  

What to do in and around Auckland 

FIFA Fan Festival 

One of the main draws outside of the games themselves is undoubtedly the FIFA Fan Festival, a free all ages event taking place at The Cloud on Auckland’s waterfront. Enjoy a range of different entertainment, including music and local food, as well as games to participate in. We recommend leaving your hire car at your accommodation for this one and either walking to the event or taking the train or bus depending on where you’re staying.  

The suburbs 

Once you’ve explored the Fan Festival on the waterfront and the nearby Viaduct and Wynyard Quarter, jump in the car and head to one of Auckland’s many suburbs that cater to all types of tastes. For shopping, Newmarket and Ponsonby have you covered. Ponsonby in particular has an extensive range of food and drink options if that is what you’re craving. Devonport on the North Shore gives you panoramic views of Auckland City, the harbour and Rangitoto Island, while also offering quaint shopping and dining. If you don’t want to drive to Devonport, you can also catch a ferry from the city. A car ride along Tamaki Drive will take you to the popular Sea Life Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium, or the beachside suburbs of Mission Bay, Kohimarama, and St Hellers.  

Further afield 

Take your hire car out of the city and you can be in the magnificent Waitakere Ranges out west, where there are walkways and hikes that will take you through native flora and fauna and to the popular Piha beach, which shows a wild side of New Zealand less than an hour from the city. Another option is going north to Matakana, which holds an incredibly popular farmers’ market that operates every Saturday rain or shine. For wineries, your best bet is either Waiheke Island, which has a car ferry available, or the Kumeu and Waimauku areas out west where vineyards are abundant.  

Sydney, a city of endless options 

There are simply too many things to do in Sydney to list here, however here are some of our favourite winter activities to enjoy.  

Yulefest brings Christmas in July 

We know this one is a bit unusual to start off with, however having a rental car in Sydney opens up one of New South Wales most popular destinations, The Blue Mountains. So when you’re not watching teams duke it out on the pitch, you can take in these natural wonders and experience Yulefest, a celebration of the traditional Christmas festivities from the Northern Hemisphere. Hotels like the Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley and Fairmont Resort will have special winter menus and activities, including ice skating and live music. Created mostly to give expats from Europe and the UK a way to enjoy Christmas the way they’re used to, this could also serve as a great way to contrast your football fever.  

Winter at the beach 

In summer, Bondi is arguably Sydney’s most popular beach. Thanks to the Bondi Festival, the same is true in winter, when family fun comes together with the arts to make for a fun day out in Sydney’s inner-east. You can go ice skating, ride the Ferris wheel, watch street dance, create art and much more. The Bondi Festival wraps up on 16 July, making it the perfect entrée to your impending sports fanaticism.  

Soak your bones at a bath house  

Maybe the perfect place to go when it’s cold outside is a bath house. There are numerous places where you can while away an afternoon in warm water in and around Sydney. This includes Turkish style baths, Korean bath houses, Japanese onsen style baths and wellness centers. If you want peaceful surrounds to go with your soak, then hop in your car hire and head to the Japanese Bath House in the Blue Mountains. Sitting in the warm water in the open air might just be the cure for what ails you! 
 

More host cities 

New Zealand 

Dunedin – The only host city in New Zealand’s South Island 

Just between us, the South Island of New Zealand has some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. If you’re looking to catch a game at Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium, we highly recommend allowing some time to explore other parts of the island. For example, Queenstown is roughly 3 and a half hours drive from Dunedin and will not only allow you to take in some truly unique scenery, but also enjoy the skiing, jetboating and general adventurous nature of Queenstown itself. Rent a car in Dunedin and easily make that trip or head to Bluff at the bottom of the country to catch the end of the oyster season. 

Head to Hamilton for gardens, animals and of course, football 

Less than 2 hours drive from Auckland, Hamilton is playing host to Zambia v Japan, Switzerland v Norway, Portugal v Vietnam, Costa Rica v Zambia and Argentina v Sweden. When you’re not checking out the football, head to the Hamilton Gardens to enjoy winter flowers like magnolias, camellias or rhododendrons. Or get close to the animals at Hamilton Zoo, open daily from 9.30am – 4.30pm. We have car rentals available from Hamilton if that’s where you want to start your journey.  

Experience Wellington’s cake tin 

Sky Stadium (colloquially known as the Cake Tin) on Wellington’s waterfront is an easily accessible multipurpose stadium with distinctive yellow seats. There will be plenty of football on offer here in July and August, but in between the games you can experience Wellington’s thriving craft beer scene, the famous cable car from Lambton Quay to Kelburn, and Te Papa Tongarewa, the Museum of New Zealand. Pick up a car hire from Wellington Airport or the city.   

Australia 

Brisbane – Your best bet for the nicest weather 

With temperatures up to 22 degrees Celsius in July and August, you’ll feel like winter hasn’t yet arrived during your stay in Brisbane. That’s why the things you’d usually do in summer are still great options during the cooler months. Check out the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, great for families or those wanting to get up and close to these cuddly marsupials. Or get out on the water for some whale watching. If animals aren’t your thing, there are plenty of food tours and day trips you can do nearby in Surfers Paradise or Noosa, which is why a Brisbane rental car is a great option. 

Adelaide – The gateway to the Barossa Valley 

Less than an hour north-east from Adelaide, the internationally recognized Barossa Valley lays in waiting. Boasting more than 80 cellar doors, you’ll want plenty of time to fully enjoy this amazing area. Book a tour from Adelaide, or do a self-guided tour in your rental car. Just make sure you don’t drink and drive! If you’d prefer something closer to the city, the Winter Reds Festival is on until the end of July. Enjoy the best in Australian red wine, with food to match.  

Mix sports with culture in Melbourne 

In Melbourne, you can spend one day watching Australian Football League (AFL) at the MCG, then the next day watching Canada take on Australia at the neighbouring Aami Park. And in between all of that, you can enjoy the Hot Chocolate Festival, go ice skating in Fed Square, visit the National Gallery of Victoria or hang out in Docklands for the fireworks every Friday. It’s safe to say you’ll have no shortage of options during your stay in Melbourne. 

Visit Perth to enjoy the best of Western Australia 

One of the most far-flung places to see a FIFA Women’s Football World Cup match, Perth is another warmer spot to spend a winter. You’ll also have plenty to do outside of the matches, including the Scarborough Sunset Markets, which run through to October and features food, drink and retail stallholders along the Esplanade by Scarborough Beach. Park your Perth car hire on the surrounding streets, or at the nearby Rendezvous Hotel. Another option is to head to Rottnest Island, which is a short ferry ride from Perth. Here you can cycle, hike and encounter the island's most famous inhabitants, the quokka.  

Book your rental car now! 

If you’re lucky enough to be in New Zealand or Australia or travelling to these amazing countries for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, make sure to take advantage of all the other winter experiences on offer. Hiring a rental car with us is the perfect way to ensure you can go at your own pace and get everywhere you need to go. As we draw closer to the opening ceremony and kick off, demand for rental vehicles will only grow, so make sure to book now so that you don’t miss out!