• Country singer Luke Combs will perform two consecutive shows at Eden Park, starting Friday night. 
• Auckland’s rail network will be closed, with alternative transport options like buses and rideshares available. 
• MetService says showers and gusts may be in store for concertgoers despite higher temperatures during the day 

Thousands of country music loving Kiwis will descend on Auckland’s Eden Park starting Friday night to witness global superstar Luke Combs become the first artist of his genre to headline at the stadium for two consecutive shows. 

But unlike last year’s Coldplay concerts, rail closures mean people will have to look at alternative means of transport that isn’t a train in order to navigate our Honky Tonk Highway network. 

If you’re heading along to one of the shows, here’s everything you need to know about the weather, start times, transport and more. 

A big night ahead 

Beautiful Crazy hitmaker Combs last performed to a sold-out Spark Arena in 2023, and this time he’s taking things to the next level with two stadium shows expected to cover his impressive discography of emotional ballads and boot-scooting bangers. 

If his previous world tours are anything to go by, Combs will exude his down-to-earth, rustic charm that made audiences fall in love with him when he hit the scene just over 10 years ago. 

With 18 Billboard Country Airplay No.1 hits, multiple platinum certifications and seven Grammy nominations, those in attendance are sure to be treated to a masterclass in country showmanship. 

When do the shows start? 

Eden Park’s gates open at 4.30pm on Friday and Saturday, with the show expected to start at 5.30pm. 

Opening acts Jordan Davis, Mitchell Tenpenny and Lane Pittman will start the proceedings, followed by Combs himself. 

For those in the General Admission sections who want to get close to the action, queuing is not permitted until after 9am on each concert day and camping overnight is strictly prohibited. 

People are still advised to give themselves plenty of time on the day to get to the show to make sure they don’t miss anything, particularly due to the absence of the rail network. 

Eden Park also advised on its website that times were approximate and subject to change. 

Transport options - minus trains 

Auckland’s rail network will be closed on both Friday and Saturday to enable work to be carried out on the City Rail Link, so the free buses, rideshare options, and bike valets are among some of the other ways to get to the concert. 

Rail replacement buses will be operating for people who would normally travel to and from Eden Park on the Western Line. 

For those West-bound the stop for leaving Eden Park is located at New North Rd across the road from Morningside Station. 

For people who wish to return to the city, the New North Rd bus stop near the intersection of New North Rd and Sandringham Rd is where a bus will leave from. 

As with previous Eden Park concerts, there will be also a North Shore (along the Northern Busway) event bus route to and from the stadium, as well as an event bus that picks up and returns from the CBD. 

These will be marked at both the stops and at the stadium. 

There is also a free park-and-ride service at Alexandra Park which will be available from 4pm each concert day. 

Rideshare services and drop-off areas are located at the Dominion Rd end of Bellwood Ave and Morningside Drive. 

Road closures and restrictions on public parking in the streets surrounding Eden Park will also be in place, with the Eden Park website advising that parking on the outskirts might mean about a 15-minute walk. 

Mobility parking on Cricket Ave is accessible via Walters Rd for ticketholders with mobility parking permits. This will be on a first-come, first-served basis. 

If people wish to leave their Fast Car at home, they can always take an Auckland Transport regular, special event or rail replacement bus which are free for all ticketholders. 

Last time he was here, Luke Combs headed out for a hunt with New Zealand Safaris ahead of his Auckland show. Photo / New Zealand Safaris, Facebook 

Health, safety and restricted items 

There are no cloaking or storage facilities available for the Luke Combs gigs, so Eden Park recommends leaving bags larger than A4 size and all restricted/prohibited items at home. 

Prohibited items include umbrellas, professional cameras and portable seats. Signs no larger than 40cm x 50cm will be allowed in provided they don’t have poles or feature political content. 

People in the seated section of the stadium are allowed to bring in a one litre drinking container that can be refilled at one of 18 water stations. Those in GA cannot bring their own containers, but there will be water available. 

While those under 14-year-old may be Growin Up, they must be accompanied by an adult at all times during the gig. 

Eden Park is also a smoke and vape-free venue, and drugs and external alcohol are strictly prohibited. 

Combs says beer never broke his heart, but if you’re trying to buy one with cash, you’re out of luck. 

Eden Park is a cashless venue, so all food, drink and merchandise must be paid for by contactless payment means. 

Anyone with security or health concerns can text 2266 with their query or see a staff member on both nights. Sensory health stations are also available on Level 3 of the Samsung Stand. 

Eden Park in July 2023. The stadium can now host up to 12 concerts a year, with Luke Combs' two nights being the first of 2025. Photo / Supplied 

Weather 

In the case of the two nights, there’s hope that when it rains it doesn’t pour. 

But just in case, it’s probably worth packing a poncho or jacket if you’re not seated undercover. 

MetService meteorologist Surprise Mhlongo said an easterly flow is expected to affect Auckland on Friday and Saturday, bringing in partly cloudy conditions with the chance of a shower. 

Despite potential showers, it’s looking like temperatures will be relatively high and a slight breeze is also expected. 

“The easterlies might be gusty at times from Friday noon. The expected maximum temperature for both days in 24C,” Mhlongo said. 

As per usual, people best check the forecast on the day to get the most up-to-date readings. 

Mitchell Hageman joined the Herald’s entertainment and lifestyle team in 2024. He previously worked as a multimedia journalist for Hawke’s Bay Today.