The Highlanders lost 41-27 to the Western Force, but that didn't stop the 5800-strong crowd having a good day out.
Lakes Leisure events manager Karen Gemmell was really pleased.
"We expected about 6000 so we were pretty much right on the button. We had about 2000 pre-sales. It went really well. I'm really happy overall. The family zone was very popular."
The weather was fantastic and everyone seemed to have had a great time, she said.
A group from the Dunedin Community Care Trust was treated to free tickets for the game.
Trust recreation committee member David King said the group really enjoyed the day.
"I wish we had won, but didn't on the day. We enjoyed it anyway. It was something different to do and a break from working in Dunedin," he said.
Australian Mick McGrath, of Perth, said he made sure his family's trip to Queenstown coincided with the game.
"I didn't want to miss it. It's the best venue I've ever been to. The scenery is stunning and it's a terrific atmosphere for the kids," he said.
Acting Sergeant Logan Dickie said traffic flow was good, but two cars collided, causing minor damage but no injuries, at the Frankton Rd roundabout about 5pm.
