Peaceful night at Eden Park

Eden Park. Photo / Brett Phibbs

More than 47,000 people enjoyed a peaceful and smoothly-run night at Eden Park, even though tensions were high until the final minute of the All Blacks-England test.

No arrests were made, and public transport helped to get 47,195 spectators to and from the game without major hitches.

Auckland Transport Communications Manager Sharon Hunter said the organisation had received positive feedback after the event.

"It's put down to experience," she said.

She said it was a "two-way thing" and that Aucklanders and AT were working together to make the journey to and from Eden Park easier for everyone.

"Its down to Auckland getting used to using buses and walking to major events."

She said people were walking, taking buses and trains or cycling to major events, and they were "taking to it like ducks to water".

"Things are changing in our city."

However, she wouldn't go as far as to say that public transport would always be running smoothly from now on.

"We're not that naive, and we wouldn't ever promise perfect service," she said.

Ms Hunter said she hoped to get similar feedback from the next test match or major event in Auckland.

"We like to keep our customers happy - now the All Blacks have to keep us happy."

Senior Sergeant Greg Sowter, of the Auckland central district command centre said there were "no issues at Eden Park or the environs around Eden Park".

"I believe it was a fairly standard night after the rugby. It was busy around Kingsland, where it normally is where people socialise, but nothing out of the ordinary."

There was a "significant amount of police" at Eden Park and the surrounding environment, but the tactics last night were no different to what is usually rolled out for big rugby games, he said.

"We don't just pack up and leave at the end of the night. We focus on the bars in the area and ensure they don't kick off afterwards. There's a bit of work done by the police in the local area around the pubs and clubs. But nothing that we don't normally do."

The only complaint received by the NZ Herald suggested security had been too heavy-handed by hassling some England fans who had draped flags over the railings in front of the upper East stand.

The complainant said it was a "very good natured crowd", and the security officers had apparently been sent by Eden Park management.

Stadium management could not be reached for comment.