2026–2027 Sports Travel Calendar & Auckland Airport Parking Guide

Major sporting events often become the reason people plan trips overseas. For many New Zealand travellers, the opportunity to watch a world class sporting event in person is combined with a wider holiday.

The international sporting calendar across 2026 and early 2027 includes some of the biggest competitions in the world. Football’s World Cup will be played across North America, Wimbledon returns to London, and the Tour de France once again draws cycling fans to the mountains of Europe.

For travellers leaving New Zealand, most international journeys begin at Auckland Airport. Once flights are booked, organising Auckland Airport parking is usually the next step so departure day runs smoothly. Many travellers choose to secure their parking in advance through flyaway.co.nz, particularly when travelling during busy periods linked to major sporting events.

Below is a quick reference guide to the major sporting events taking place around the world in 2026 and early 2027.

Major Sporting Events Calendar 2026–2027

January and February Sporting Events

The international sporting year begins with one of the most popular tournaments for New Zealand travellers. The Australian Open in Melbourne runs from mid January through early February and attracts large numbers of Kiwi fans every year. The short flight from Auckland and the lively summer atmosphere in Melbourne make it one of the easiest major sporting trips to organise.

Cricket supporters then turn their attention to the ICC T20 World Cup in India, where New Zealand traditionally performs strongly in the shorter format of the game.

During February the global spotlight also turns to Europe as Italy hosts the Winter Olympic Games, bringing together athletes from across the world in skiing, snowboarding, skating and alpine events.

Because these tournaments occur early in the year, many travellers organise their flights months ahead of time. Once travel plans are confirmed, booking Auckland Airport parking becomes an important step in preparing for the journey.

Travellers who prefer to drive to the airport often reserve their parking space early through flyaway.co.nz, which allows them to secure parking near the terminals before the busiest travel periods arrive.

Mid-Year Global Sporting Events

The middle of the year features several of the most recognised sporting competitions anywhere in the world.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be played across the United States, Canada and Mexico between June and July. This tournament will be the largest football World Cup ever staged and is expected to attract travelling supporters from across the globe.

Around the same time London hosts the Wimbledon Championships, where tennis fans gather each year to watch matches on the famous grass courts. For New Zealand travellers, Wimbledon also offers the opportunity to escape the southern winter and enjoy summer in the United Kingdom.

Cycling supporters then turn their attention to France for the Tour de France, a three week race that passes through some of the most dramatic mountain landscapes in Europe.

For many New Zealand sports fans, trips to these events are planned well in advance. International flights from Auckland often become busy during these travel periods, particularly when several large events take place at the same time.

Commonwealth Games and International Championships

Later in the year the focus moves to international competitions where New Zealand athletes regularly perform strongly.

The Commonwealth Games in Glasgow will bring together athletes from across the Commonwealth to compete in sports such as athletics, swimming, cycling and netball. These games traditionally attract strong support from travelling New Zealand fans.

Rowing supporters will also follow the World Rowing Championships in the Netherlands, where New Zealand crews frequently compete for medals on the international stage.

Travelling to these events often involves long haul flights from Auckland Airport. Many travellers choose to organise their airport parking well before departure so the start of the journey is simple and stress free.

Late Season Sporting Events

As the year progresses the international sporting calendar continues with several major competitions.

Golf fans will follow the Presidents Cup in Chicago, which brings together the United States team and an international team made up of players from the rest of the world outside Europe.

Cycling supporters will also watch the Track Cycling World Championships in Shanghai, where many Olympic level riders compete.

Towards the end of the year rugby league takes centre stage with the Rugby League World Cup in Australia. Because of the short distance between New Zealand and Australia, many supporters travel across the Tasman to watch matches during the tournament.

Flights from Auckland to Australian cities can become busy during these events, particularly when New Zealand teams are involved.

Planning Sports Travel from Auckland Airport

Travelling overseas for major sporting events often requires careful planning. Flights, accommodation and event tickets can sell out quickly once tournament schedules are confirmed.

For travellers leaving New Zealand, the starting point for most international journeys is Auckland Airport. Allowing extra time for the journey to the airport and organising parking in advance can make departure day far easier.

Many travellers who drive to the airport prefer to arrange their Auckland Airport parking at the same time they book flights. Flyaway Airport Parking provides off site parking near the airport with shuttle transfers to the terminals.

Booking ahead through flyaway.co.nz allows travellers to secure a parking space before the busiest travel periods linked to major sporting events.

Checking the sports travel calendar for 2026 and 2027 early in the year gives travellers the opportunity to plan flights, organise parking and prepare for some of the biggest sporting events around the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the biggest sporting events in 2026?

The FIFA World Cup, Wimbledon, the Tour de France, the Commonwealth Games and the Rugby League World Cup are among the largest global sporting events taking place in 2026.

When is the FIFA World Cup 2026?

The FIFA World Cup runs from 11 June to 19 July 2026 and will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

When is Wimbledon 2026 played?

Wimbledon takes place from 29 June to 12 July 2026 in London.

Which sporting events attract New Zealand travellers?

Events in Australia, Europe and North America often attract the most travelling supporters from New Zealand, particularly tennis, rugby league, cricket and football tournaments.

When should I book Auckland Airport parking for sports travel?

Many travellers book their parking as soon as flights are confirmed, particularly when travelling during busy international sporting events. You book online via flyaway.co.nz