Hurricane Beckham good for the game

David Beckhamsays he would like to bring his family back for a holiday. Photo / Getty Images

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The city streets of Wellington were far more sedate yesterday in the wake of hurricane Beckham.

The man dubbed "Goldenballs" had a low-profile exit from the capital yesterday, flying out to Vancouver in a private jet to meet up with his wife, Victoria, better known as Posh Spice, who is on tour with the Spice Girls.

The relative emptiness of the city streets was a stark contrast to the Beckham hysteria that had gripped the city since the footballer's arrival on Thursday greeted by hundreds of adoring fans.

"We thank them for making the trip over here and helping us to promote the game of football in New Zealand," said Wellington Phoenix chief executive Tony Pignata.

"To get 32,000 people at the stadium, the biggest football crowd ever [in New Zealand] is just great. The players really enjoyed playing with one of the greatest players ever.

"He's a very humble man and the greatest ambassador for the game."

Positively Wellington Tourism chief executive Tim Cossar said the visit was on a par with any occasion the city had ever seen, including the 2003 Lord of the Rings: Return of the King world premiere and the Lions' rugby tour of 2005.

"It's been a pretty big success for Wellington. To hear 15,000 school kids on Friday [at the public training session in the Westpac Stadium], I've never heard so much screaming in my life, it was incredible."

He estimated as many as 18,000 people visited the city for the Beckham show, injecting about $8 million into the local economy including hotels, restaurants, bars and airlines.

Beckham shrugged off a bout of bronchitis to play for the full 90 minutes on Saturday night, firing a penalty shot into the back of the net as the Galaxy downed the Phoenix 4-1.

After the match, he thanked his fans and the city for the occasion and teased that he might return with his family one day.

His short trip included a visit to Weta Workshop, dining at Monsoon Poon, and taking short walks through the city with fans and media in tow.

The man who reportedly earns more than $1 million a week also enjoyed some more modest cuisine, including a chicken from Nando's and a coffee from Starbucks.

Beckham and invited guests enjoyed an exclusive party at the World Trade Centre in downtown Wellington after the match.