Wellington has lost the Sevens to Hamilton.

New Zealand Rugby has just announced the decision, saying the Waikato city will be the new home of the event for 2018 and 2019.

Once one of the most popular events in Kiwi sport, poor crowds in recent years have ended the event's 18-year history in Wellington.

About 10,000 were on hand for both days over the weekend for this year's edition but its heyday, the 34,000-capacity venue sold out in minutes.

Wellington deputy mayor Paul Eagle said he's disappointed to see it go, but Wellingtonians voted with their feet.

"I love the Sevens and I even had my honeymoon there some years back now but it's changed. I guess what we saw with the changes in the way the alcohol impacted on the event and how that was managed."

There's no hard feelings from Wellington mayor Justin Lester after the announcement, but the Wellington Chamber of Commerce is calling it an "extremely disappointing outcome".

Lester said the decision is a chance for Wellington to refresh its events calendar.

The sevens had lost its allure and dwindling ticket sales and crowd numbers meant it was the right time for the event to move on, he said.

"It might be that the best thing is for the event to get a fresh start somewhere else and re-invent itself.

"For us, Wellington's events calendar needs to be constantly evolving to keep people's interest and this decision gives us an opportunity to refresh our events and look at new opportunities."

Lester said Wellington had a reputation for world-class food and drink events, a thriving arts and culture scene, along with sports and a growing tech sector to focus on.

Wellington Chamber of Commerce chief executive John Milford said losing out to Hamilton stings.

"This is an extremely disappointing outcome, though hardly surprising, given the event's decline in recent years.

"The writing had been on the wall for some time, and despite our best efforts, the city just couldn't entice the crowds (any longer)."

The hospitality and accommodation sector will feel the loss most, he said.

NZRU spokesman Nigel Cass said Hamilton offers a world-class stadium and a central location for travelling fans.

But most of all, he said it offers a host community that loves rugby.

Cass said it is time to start a new chapter for the tournament in New Zealand.

Next year's event will be held on February 3-4.