Category: Peninsula Tourism

The All Whites are back. New Zealand returns to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 2010 — sixteen years between appearances, and this time they’ve earned it through qualification. Group G puts them in the Western USA cluster: Seattle, Vancouver and Los Angeles. For Kiwi fans making the long trip from home, this guide covers everything from the visa to the match day to what to do in one of the world’s great corners of the planet.

Visa & Entry for New Zealand Fans

New Zealand is part of the US Visa Waiver Program. Kiwi fans need no visa — only a valid ESTA. Apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov — $21 USD, typically approved within 72 hours. Apply well before travel.

New Zealand vs Egypt is played in Seattle on 19 June. Belgium vs New Zealand is in Los Angeles on 25 June. Iran vs New Zealand is in the San Francisco Bay Area on 15 June. Following the full group stage means moving between three cities — plan transport and accommodation well in advance.

Vancouver matches: If New Zealand advances to the knockout stage, some rounds may be played in Vancouver, Canada. Canada requires a separate Canadian eTA (CA$7) at canada.ca. New Zealand citizens are eTA-eligible.

New Zealand vs Egypt — Seattle, 19 June

The Seattle match — 12:00 PM Pacific time at Lumen Field — is the one most accessible from a Pacific Northwest base. If you’re arriving from Auckland or Wellington via Los Angeles, routing through Seattle first makes geographic sense.

Getting to Lumen Field

• From Sea-Tac Airport: Link Light Rail direct to Stadium Station — 35 minutes, $3.50. Stadium Station is 2 minutes walk from the gates.
• From downtown Seattle: 15 minutes walk from Pioneer Square, or 5 minutes on the light rail.

Match Day Essentials

• Clear bag policy — transparent bags only, maximum 30×30×15cm
• Cashless venue — cards and digital payments only
• Gates open 2 hours before kick-off

Everett — The Smart Base for the Seattle Match

Hotels in Seattle during the World Cup will be expensive and booked out quickly. Everett, 40km north on the Sounder train (50 minutes to Lumen Field), offers significantly cheaper options with waterfront character and access to some of the best Pacific Northwest scenery — which should feel like home to Kiwis. Full Everett guide.

The Pacific Northwest — Built for New Zealand Fans

Kiwis are used to dramatic natural landscapes. The Pacific Northwest delivers in exactly the same register:

Olympic Peninsula — One Day, Unforgettable

An hour and a half from Seattle: temperate rainforest, glaciated mountains, wild Pacific coastline. The Hoh Rainforest feels like Fiordland but covered in moss instead of ferns. Ruby Beach on the Pacific has the same elemental quality as New Zealand’s West Coast beaches — giant driftwood, sea stacks, grey ocean. Olympic Peninsula day trip guide.

Mount Rainier

The enormous glaciated volcano visible from Seattle on clear days — 4,392m, bigger than anything in the North Island. 90 minutes south by car. The Paradise area at 1,600m has meadows and glacier views that will feel immediately familiar to anyone who’s been on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

Hood Canal and Belfair

Fresh oysters straight from the producer, calm fjord waters, mountains reflected in the water. Very Marlborough Sounds energy. Belfair & Mason County guide.

Getting Between the Three Match Cities

• San Francisco → Seattle: Short-haul flight (2.5 hours) or drive up the I-5 (12 hours — scenic but long). Alaska Airlines and Southwest operate the route frequently.
• Seattle → Los Angeles: Short-haul flight (2.5 hours) or Amtrak Coast Starlight (35 hours — beautiful but very slow). Flying is the only realistic option for most fans.

Practical Info for Kiwi Fans

• Currency: US dollars. NZ$1 ≈ US$0.60 approximately. Cards accepted everywhere. Lumen Field is cashless.
• Tipping: 18–20% at restaurants — expected, not optional. This surprises many New Zealand visitors.
• Driving: Americans drive on the right. Roundabouts are rare. Speed limits in miles per hour.
• Time zone: Seattle PDT is UTC-7. New Zealand NZST is UTC+12 in June — 19 hours ahead. The 12:00 PM Seattle kick-off is 7:00 AM the next day in Auckland.
• Weather in Seattle: June is Seattle’s transition into its beautiful dry summer — 18–27°C, long days. Bring a light layer for evenings. Much milder than Auckland summers but drier.

New Zealand Diaspora in Seattle

Seattle has a small but present Kiwi and broader Antipodean community — the tech industry draws them. The British expat pubs and sports bars (particularly in Capitol Hill and Belltown) will likely show the matches and be natural gathering points for All Whites fans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do New Zealand citizens need a visa for the USA?

No. New Zealand is in the US Visa Waiver Program. An ESTA ($21, esta.cbp.dhs.gov) is sufficient for stays up to 90 days.

Where does New Zealand play in Seattle?

New Zealand vs Egypt at Lumen Field, 19 June 2026, 12:00 PM Pacific time. Lumen Field is at 800 Occidental Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134.

Is Everett worth considering over Seattle for accommodation?

Yes — especially for Kiwis who appreciate natural surroundings over urban density. Everett is on the water, cheaper, and a straightforward train ride to the stadium.

Will the All Whites matches be broadcast back in New Zealand?

Check Sky Sport NZ and TVNZ for broadcast rights. The 12:00 PM Seattle kick-off is 7:00 AM the next morning in Auckland — a 5:00 AM Auckland wake-up for the LA match on 25 June.

Related guides:

• Everett — Smart Base for the Seattle Match
• Olympic Peninsula Day Trips
• Belfair & Mason County
• USA vs Australia Match Guide
• Seattle to Vancouver Cross-Border Guide