
Forsyth Barr Stadium
Dunedin's 'Glasshouse' stadium: the world's first enclosed natural grass venue, hosting thrilling rugby, concerts, and more.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience the stadium's vibrant atmosphere

Forsyth Barr Stadium
Best Time
Experience the stadium's vibrant atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dunedin's 'Glasshouse' stadium: the world's first enclosed natural grass venue, hosting thrilling rugby, concerts, and more.
"This is the best stadium for soccer or rugby I ever visited."

🚗 Parking Strategy
Parking is notoriously difficult; arrive very early or walk from CBD .
☔ Covered Comfort
The roof provides shelter, making it great for any weather .

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The 'Glasshouse' Design
World's first fully enclosed natural grass stadium, offering a unique sporting atmosphere.

Highlanders Rugby Matches
Experience the electric atmosphere as the Highlanders play, with passionate fans known as 'the Zoo'.

Diverse Event Lineup
From monster trucks to concerts and even yoga, this stadium hosts a wide array of exciting events.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Parking Pains
Embrace the 'Glasshouse' Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Strategy
Parking is notoriously difficult; arrive very early or walk from CBD.
☔ Covered Comfort
The roof provides shelter, making it great for any weather.
🎶 Sound Check
Sound quality can vary; be prepared for potential reverberation.
🎟️ Ticket Availability
Check for tickets in advance, especially for popular events.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Strategy
Parking is notoriously difficult; arrive very early or walk from CBD.
☔ Covered Comfort
The roof provides shelter, making it great for any weather.
🎶 Sound Check
Sound quality can vary; be prepared for potential reverberation.
🎟️ Ticket Availability
Check for tickets in advance, especially for popular events.
👟 Steep Stairs
Be mindful of steep stairs, especially with children.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Forsyth Barr Stadium is praised as a great, modern venue with good facilities and convenient city access, especially appreciated for its enclosed design that shields from weather. However, some visitors have noted issues with steep stairs and, notably, poor sound quality during certain amplified events.
"Stadium located in the heart of Dunedin Coty centre Entrance and Exit points are wide to cater all the guests. I found the stairs a bit steep especially for kids. Good value for snacks."
Isaac Romano
"Great new stadium with good facilities and easy to reach from the city. Only major issue was the sound quality during the Hot Wheels Monster Truck show in September 2025 - terrible reverberating sound from the MC mics at deafening, distorted volume. This might not have been the responsibility of the stadium organisers but it made me wonder what could be done sound management-wise in a venue like this for future similar shows."
F C
"This is the best stadium for soccer or rugby I ever visited. Near the unipol, and convenient to walk from the city. Parking is also provided for the vehicles and easy to navigate. Seating arrangements are amazing, especially the screens to see the replay and scores. If you ever come to Dunedin, you should watch one match there. Nice place, provided with good food facilities."
Divyang Solanki
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Forsyth Barr Stadium is conveniently located in the heart of Dunedin's city center. It's within walking distance of the CBD, making it easily accessible. For those driving, parking can be challenging and fills up quickly before events, so arriving early or considering public transport is recommended.
Yes, parking is provided at the stadium, but it's known to be 'diabolical' and fills up hours before showtime. If you're arriving late, you might need to find alternative parking in the city center and walk.
Absolutely! The stadium is conveniently located near the CBD, making it a pleasant walk for many visitors.
While specific bus routes aren't detailed, given its central location, it's likely well-served by Dunedin's public transport network. Checking local bus schedules would be advisable.
To avoid traffic, aim to arrive well before the event start time, or consider parking further away in the CBD and walking to the stadium.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets for events are typically available through the stadium's official website or authorized ticketing partners. Social media posts often link directly to ticket sales.
Opening hours vary depending on the event. It's best to check the specific event schedule for gate opening times.
While specific restrictions aren't detailed, it's common for large venues to have rules about bags, food, and drinks. Check the stadium's official policy before your visit.
For popular events, it's highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance as they can sell out. However, some tickets might be available on the day, depending on demand.
Forsyth Barr Stadium has a capacity of 30,748 spectators.
🎫 🏟️ Onsite Experience
Forsyth Barr Stadium is renowned as the world's first fully enclosed natural grass stadium, nicknamed the 'Glasshouse'. It's a premier venue for rugby, concerts, and other major events in Dunedin.
Seating arrangements are generally good, with large screens for replays and scores. However, some seats at the very top on one side might have restricted views due to the 'Comms' booth.
The stadium offers a unique experience for families, though some reviewers note the stairs can be steep, especially for younger children. The enclosed nature is great for keeping everyone comfortable.
The stadium hosts a variety of events, including rugby matches (Highlanders, Otago Rugby Union), international rugby, monster truck shows, concerts, and even unique events like yoga classes and charity abseils.
Generally, the views are great, allowing you to see the entire pitch. The enclosed design ensures a good vantage point from most seats.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The stadium offers food and drink options, which are considered to be of good value by some. However, prices can be a point of contention for some visitors.
Yes, it's often easier and potentially more affordable to grab food from local options in the CBD before or after an event.
Typically, stadiums have policies against bringing outside food and beverages. It's best to check the stadium's official guidelines.
Snacks are available and generally considered good value.
Specific dietary options are not detailed, but most modern stadiums aim to cater to a range of dietary needs. Inquire at the food stalls.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the unique 'Glasshouse' architecture from various angles, both inside and out. The vibrant crowd during events, especially Highlanders games, also makes for dynamic shots.
Generally, personal photography and videography for non-commercial use are allowed. However, professional equipment might require special permission. Always check the stadium's policy.
Drone usage is typically restricted in and around major venues and public spaces due to safety and privacy regulations. It's advisable to check with local aviation authorities.
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) can provide beautiful lighting for exterior shots of the stadium's unique structure.
Focus on the energy of the crowd, the players in action, and the iconic roof structure. Videos capturing the haka or fan chants can convey the electric atmosphere.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🏉 Rugby Devotees
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The 'Glasshouse' Architecture
The enclosed nature of the stadium is a significant advantage, particularly in Dunedin's often unpredictable weather. It ensures that events can proceed regardless of rain or wind, providing a comfortable experience for all attendees. This feature has made it a favored venue for winter sports like rugby, where the covered environment keeps players and fans warmer and drier. The modern facilities and the striking visual appeal of the 'Glasshouse' contribute to its reputation as a top-tier sporting and entertainment destination in New Zealand.
Experiencing a Highlanders Rugby Match
The energy is palpable as the crowd roars, especially during iconic moments like the pre-match haka performed by the visiting teams. The enclosed nature of the stadium amplifies the sounds, creating an intense and engaging environment. Fans are encouraged to be part of the buzz, with tickets often available for those wanting to experience the thrill of live rugby. From the roar of the crowd to the strategic plays on the field, a Highlanders game at Forsyth Barr Stadium offers an unforgettable sporting spectacle.
Beyond Sports: A Versatile Venue
This adaptability extends to more unique occasions. The stadium has even been utilized for community-focused events, such as charity abseils from its rafters and fitness classes like yoga, demonstrating its role beyond traditional sporting fixtures. Schools also utilize the venue for events like virtual triathlons, highlighting its broad appeal and accessibility for diverse groups. This multifaceted use underscores Forsyth Barr Stadium's importance as a central hub for entertainment and community engagement in Dunedin.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit