The Lions tour is expected to pump $30 million into Wellington over the next week.
Lions fans at the Lions Den Supporters Village at the Cloud in Auckland. Photo: INPHO/James Crombie / www.photosport.nz
The British and Irish Lions arrive in the city today, followed by an estimated 25,000 visitors, nearly three-quarters of them international tourists.
The Lions will play two sold-out matches at Westpac Stadium against the Hurricanes and the All Blacks.
Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency's Derek Fry estimates more than 1000 temporary jobs have been created and said accommodation was at capacity.
He said the benefits would extend broadly through the region.
"I think there's 4500 tonnes of chips being prepared, there's litres and litres of beer, every hotel in the city is full and these things trickle down into a variety of sectors that all benefit from the presence of this tour."