AUCKLAND, Today: Tourism New Zealand teamed up with Pitchblack and Bad Magic to welcome Wrexham AFC with a true Kiwi tradition — billeting. The players were spread across local homes, experiencing manaakitanga firsthand and forging memories beyond the pitch.
Wrexham’s crew were billeted in three regions and treated to iconic adventures — golf, jet boating, haka, helicopter rides. The adrenaline peaked with hot laps, leading striker Ollie Palmer to roar, “I f**king love New Zealand”.
The journey kicked off with an invitation video from Rotorua rafting guide Sam Sutton, who explained billeting and encouraged the club to come stay. Wrexham accepted, diving into meals, hospitality, and proper Kiwi experiences.
Short videos captured their adventures, shared widely on social. Co-chairmen Rob Mac and Ryan Reynolds pushed the content to 55 million Instagram followers, while Ben Foster featured it on his football podcast, expanding the story’s reach.
The tale continues in Welcome to Wrexham Season Five on Disney+ in mid-2026, alongside a retail campaign offering fans the chance to book their own Wrexham-inspired New Zealand itineraries.
“Whether it’s a hike and a hot tub, golf followed by fine-dining, hitting the water for waka ama, or geeking out at Weta Workshop, we loved helping Wrexham AFC find their 100% Pure New Zealand.” – Brodie McLeish
Pulling it together took collaboration from Tourism New Zealand, Pitchblack, Bad Magic, Reel Factory, Maximum Effort, More Better, and operators nationwide. Special thanks went to Wellington NZ and the Wellington Phoenix for making the visit possible.
Brodie McLeish, General Manager Marketing, Tourism New Zealand, “It was incredible to be part of such an epic team delivering unforgettable experiences for Wrexham AFC – their adventures in Wellington, the Wairarapa, and Lake Hawea, showcased everything a trip to New Zealand has to offer.
“Whether it’s a hike and a hot tub, golf followed by fine-dining, hitting the water for waka ama, or geeking out at Weta Workshop, we loved helping Wrexham AFC find their 100% Pure New Zealand.”
Tom Paine, ECD, Pitchblack, “You don’t often see global football stars billeted like under-12s on tour. But it’s a uniquely Kiwi way of showing hospitality – humble, welcoming, and a little unexpected. The only detail missing was a dad in a Corolla dropping them at the game.”
Ben Foster, Wrexham AFC Legend, “I don’t think it gets much better than this. New Zealand, you’ve set the bar high, and I can’t wait to come back.”
Even with the challenge of moving footballers, film crews, and international attention across three regions, the project showed off Kiwi manaakitanga — proving visitors here aren’t just guests, they’re whānau.
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