The city's accommodation, hospitality and retail sectors received a welcome boost from thousands of visiting rugby fans. Warm weather was also a welcome visitor, Dunedin recording a high of 21degC on Saturday and a similar temperature yesterday despite the cloudy conditions.
An economic assessment was awaited, but Otago Chamber of Commerce chief executive John Christie said similarly large events held previously benefited the city by about $15 million.
Mr Saxton said Dunedin was the best place in New Zealand to host international rugby matches.
''The feedback we've had from media ... and officials was just how impressive Dunedin is in its ability - and its co-ordinated ability - to host a match.''
The Terrace Restaurant and Bar owner John MacDonald, who helped organise the Octagon's marquee village, said about 3000 people spent time in the village before, and after, the match.
''The village itself was hugely successful.''
The crowd was well behaved and the Australian visitors especially were impressed with Forsyth Barr Stadium, the ease of getting around the city and the fine weather.
''One of the keys to the success of the whole event was the weather.''
Dunedin Venues Management Ltd chief executive Darren Burden said feedback about the sold-out stadium was very positive.
''From my perspective it was a superb event.''
Mr Burden said New Zealand Rugby Union officials he spoke to on Saturday night were delighted.
The ITM Cup Championship semifinal match played yesterday afternoon made it ''almost the ultimate rugby weekend in Dunedin''.
Otago Motel Association president Chris Roy said the event was a ''great endorsement'' of the stadium.
''I think it's a wonderful asset for the city. It would be nice to see more people get behind the stadium because without that stadium, we wouldn't have these sorts of events, because Carisbrook would never have got them.
''I think just about everybody was full. I don't think there would have been any spare beds in the city.''
Mr Roy said most of the guests staying in his motel, in George St, were Australian.
''As far as motel accommodation goes, this is as good as it gets, having a big event like this.
Dunedin Holiday Park manager Daniel Grubb said the camp got late permission from the Dunedin City Council to set up an overflow area to help it cope with visitor numbers. The park accommodated more than 800 visitors for the test. Senior Sergeant Gavin Briggs, of Dunedin, said police were pleased with the behaviour of the crowd. There were about eight evictions from Forsyth Barr Stadium, not all by police.
All up, police made 10 arrests on Saturday night, not particularly high for a weekend, Sergeant Ed Baker said.
