Ahead of their upcoming pre-season 2025 Down Under Tour, Wrexham AFC received a unique invitation from Aotearoa New Zealand to be hosted by real Kiwis.
The Welsh football club, propelled to global recognition by the eight-time Primetime Emmy Award-winning TV show Welcome to Wrexham, have been invited to take part in a uniquely Kiwi experience centred around manaakitanga – a Māori concept of warmth, care, and hospitality. Before their friendly match against the Wellington Phoenix on July 19 at Sky Stadium, selected Wrexham players and Club legends will be welcomed by locals for shared meals, backyard kick-arounds and breathtaking adventures.
The invitation draws on New Zealand’s sporting grassroots and a decades-long tradition of billeting, in which teams visiting for an away match would bunk with everyday New Zealanders. Turf owner Wayne Jones and former Wrexham players Ben Foster and Ben Tozer will participate firsthand, allowing them to authentically experience New Zealand through the eyes of local whānau (family). In the past, New Zealand families have hosted visiting schools, community sports clubs, professional squads, forging lifelong bonds that linger beyond the final whistle.
Wrexham AFC CEO, Michael Williamson, said: “We are looking forward to visiting New Zealand and experiencing the world-renowned Kiwi hospitality in person. It’s such a class move from Tourism New Zealand to have arranged this for us on our Wrexham Down Under Tour. Thanks to the popular documentary series, Welcome to Wrexham, the city of Wrexham and the local community are now globally admired for their warm hospitality. We can’t wait to be welcomed by the people of New Zealand.”
New Zealand is increasingly staking its claim on the global stage, fusing the unity of the world’s most-watched sport with its spirit of manaakitanga (hospitality) to give teams an authentic and unforgettable experience in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
By reviving this tradition, Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive, René de Monchy says they hope to showcase both the warmth of its people and the world-class beauty of its regions and the experiences they have to offer, from the vibrant capital of Wellington to the snow-capped peaks of Te Waipounamu (South Island) and the cultural richness of Northland.
“New Zealand has a proud tradition of welcoming visiting teams, it’s not just about offering a bed to sleep, but ensuring Wrexham AFC experience the heart of who we are amongst the beauty of our landscapes and feel how special New Zealand is for international visitors.”
The partnership comes as Wrexham AFC enters a new era – returning to the English football second tier, the Championship, for the first time in over 40 years following the Club’s record- breaking third straight promotion.
Over the previous two international tours, the Club has visited North America to play friendlies against Manchester United, Chelsea and LA Galaxy. This year, the Down Under Tour continues to redefine what a global football tour can be – immersive, authentic, and unforgettable.
This upcoming visit to New Zealand marks another milestone, with Wrexham AFC joining a prestigious list of international clubs, including LA Galaxy, Boca Juniors, West Ham United and Newcastle United, who have faced off against the Wellington Phoenix on Kiwi soil.
Wrexham AFC are set to experience Aotearoa New Zealand like never before – in a true display of Kiwi hospitality that will stay with them long after they’ve left the pitch, making them feel like they’re part of the New Zealand family forever.
