New Zealand Showcases the World’s Most Beautiful Game

Wellington, New Zealand |Aotearoa New Zealand’s breath-taking scenery is the backdrop for a game of football designed to showcase Aotearoa New Zealand as it hosts the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ tournament.

A full-sized temporary football pitch was sustainably constructed to host a local schoolgirls’ football match, refereed by Lindsey Robinson, set amongst the awe-inspiring backdrop of Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. The activity was created by Tourism New Zealand and Special Group.

“The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ tournament is a significant opportunity to promote destination New Zealand to a major international audience, with 1.2 billion people expected to watch the matches,” said Tourism New Zealand chief executive, René de Monchy.

“New Zealand’s iconic landscapes and scenery remain the key driver for potential visitors to choose New Zealand as their next holiday destination. This activity leverages the upcoming tournament to showcase our stunning home and hospitality.”

Kelly Grindle, GM of Special PR, said: “Aotearoa New Zealand is the most picturesque place on earth, to get global attention our approach was simple – hold a game of football in the most beautiful place on earth."

The pitch was created in consultation with Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua and the Department of Conservation. It was created entirely by hand without the need for heavy machinery, using non-toxic and water durable paint, to ensure the pitch has minimal disruption to the landscape and left no trace once the filming was complete.