In a major development for women’s football, the upcoming Women’s World Cup is set to receive a staggering increase of over 300% in funding, amounting to a $152 million fund for the first-ever 32-team tournament. The prize money alone is a tenfold increase from the 2015 edition and a significant boost from the 2019 tournament.
As the countdown to the highly anticipated event begins, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has suggested dedicating a portion of the $110 million pure prize money to paying players. The global players’ union FIFPRO has urged FIFA to guarantee at least 30% of the prize money paid to players.
The excitement is at an all-time high with 32 qualifying teams, 31 jam-packed days, 10 state-of-the-art stadiums, two stellar host countries, and one world champion to be crowned. Australia and New Zealand are the places to be for this epic event that promises to be unforgettable. Discover all the essentials for planning an unforgettable trip to the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
Explore Down Under During the Women’s World Cup
Regions and communities across New Zealand’s North and South Islands will host incoming FIFA Women’s World Cup teams, including the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT), and visitors, boasting spectacular scenery, the warmest welcome and a rich variety of experiences for fans to explore.
The USWNT’s schedule runs between Wellington and Auckland.
What to Do and See Between Matches – 24 Hours in Wellington
Discover the “coolest little capital in the world” in just 24 hours with these must-do experiences in Wellington, New Zealand.
Start your day with the best coffee and signature hash browns at Fidel’s, an iconic Wellington institution. For lunch, head to Beach Babylon on Oriental Parade and enjoy their delicious cheese fondues and juicy burgers while soaking up the stunning views of Oriental Bay. End the day with a culinary journey at Hiakai, a multi-award-winning restaurant that infuses traditional Māori and Polynesian ingredients together.
Explore Wellington’s rich cultural scene by visiting Te Papa Tongarewa, Wellington Museum, or Wētā Cave & Workshop for a Lord of the Rings experience. Uncover the city’s Māori history with a cultural walking or waka tour at Te Wharewaka o Pōneke. For nature and wildlife enthusiasts, arrange a day tour to Kapiti Island or experience the awakening of Zealandia with a special dawn-guided experience.
Stay in style at QT Wellington, Naumi Studio Hotel Wellington, or OhTel Wellington. These accommodations are each uniquely designed with art and character that will make your stay unforgettable.
With its combination of a pulsing cultural scene, incredible nature experiences, and world-class cuisine, Wellington is a city that lives up to its reputation. Come and experience it for yourself!
What to Do and See Between Matches – 24 Hours in Auckland
Welcome to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, also known as “The City of Sails,” a multicultural city offering an array of experiences for everyone. From award-winning restaurants to world-class shopping, Auckland is a city worth exploring. Here are some recommendations on how to spend 24 hours in Auckland.
Additionally, if you’re looking to book a flight from the U.S., Air Tahiti Nui has a flight round trip from Los Angeles to Auckland for $974 inclusive of checked bags, in-flight entertainment, and amenity kits, and delicious food and (alcoholic + non-alcoholic) drink. That promotional fare does expire April 24th, but it’s good for travel from April 15 to June 30.
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Amano in Britomart, followed by a stroll through the Britomart precinct, home to some of the city’s oldest buildings and newest infrastructure. For lunch, head to Homeland in Wynyard Quarter, where you can enjoy a delicious menu celebrating the incredible producers based in the Pacific and Aotearoa, New Zealand.
In the evening, go to Ponsonby, known as the “kaleidoscopic heart” of Auckland, where you’ll find over a hundred bars, restaurants, and cafes. We highly recommend dinner at INCA, a Peruvian restaurant that combines the fresh flavors of South American street food with East Asian cuisine.
For outdoor enthusiasts, explore Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf and islands for various experiences. Visit Rangitoto Island on a one-day guided walking tour or take a Tikapa Moana Whale & Dolphin Wildlife Cruise to spot diverse marine wildlife.
Discover world-class exhibitions, art, and history at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki or Tamaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum. And don’t miss Waiheke Island, known as the “Island of Wine,” just a 40-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland.
For accommodations, choose from The Hotel Britomart, New Zealand’s first 5 Green Star hotel, QT Hotel, or Hotel Fitzroy, curated by Fable, an oasis in the middle of Auckland’s trendiest district.
Explore Auckland, where there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Founder of Spark Nomad, Radical FIRE, Journalist
- Expertise: Personal finance and travel content
- Education: Bachelor of Economics at Radboud University, Master in Finance at Radboud University, Minor in Economics at Chapman University.
- Over 200 articles, essays, and short stories published across the web.
Experience: Marjolein Dilven is a journalist and founder of Spark Nomad, a travel platform, and Radical FIRE, a personal finance platform. Marjolein has a finance and economics background with a master’s in Finance. She has quit her job to travel the world, documenting her travels on Spark Nomad to help people plan their travels. Marjolein Dilven has written for publications like MSN, Associated Press, CNBC, Town News syndicate, and more.