But others were less impressed, with one league fan saying Eden Park was being widely tweeted about only because of the boy band's presence: "This makes me unspeakably sad ... all kinds of things wrong with that."
And Albert Ah Wai tweeted: "One Direction couldn't even sell out Eden Park."
Today, extra security and police staff will be on hand for "Operation One Direction" as hordes of fans, mostly teenage girls, flock to the band's shows in West Auckland.
Police are joining forces with ambulance and security staff to make sure fans are taken care of, as scenes of mass hysteria continue to follow the boys wherever they go.
Acting Senior Sergeant Mike Wharepouri, of Henderson police, said "Operation One Direction" had been put in place this week.
"We're expecting the under-16-year-olds, so we just want to make sure everyone's safe. We saw the scenes in Sydney when they were there last week."
Thousands of girls turned up at the Channel 7 network - where the band were being interviewed - and there were fears of crushing.
Trusts Stadium chief executive Brian Blake said around 150 staff would be on duty today, as well as medical personnel. He said the stadium had sent a security manager to Australia to see how a venue dealt with hosting the band.
The boys spent most of yesterday indoors at the Langham Hotel doing media interviews.
Styles revealed an ex-girlfriend was a Kiwi, while Zayn Malik said he would be keen to go skydiving, but was scared of bungy jumping.
Hundreds of fans camped outside the Langham hoping to catch a glimpse of their favourite boy.
Cousins Elika Chaparian, 17, Satey Rahmanipour, 17, and Nia Rahmanipour, 14, became hysterical when Horan appeared at a window and waved.
The girls jumped and clapped as Satey, who was visibly overwhelmed, broke down.
"Liam and Zayn are my favourite," Satey said, her hands shaking. "I love everything about them. It's like when I listen to their music, it feels like everything is going to be okay."
Elika said: "We were following them when they were on X Factor. That's how much we love them!"
The girls have made special outfits so they are noticed at today's concert.
Nia said: "We've got the British flag on our dresses ... We spent seven hours - seven whole hours - making our costumes."
Another fan, 15-year-old Shannon Cullen, turned up with 11-year-old brother Connor, who at times looked mortified to be there.
Shannon and her friend Kate will get to meet the band tonight, after being named the winners of a radio competition this week.
"We've got some presents that we're going to give them - all New Zealand stuff - like Pineapple Lumps, MallowPuffs, chocolate fish, L&P and shot glasses with New Zealand on them."
Asked if he was a big fan, little brother Connor said: "No. I'm here because I have no choice."
The band will fly to Wellington to perform there tomorrow, and will head back to England on Wednesday.
