Auckland has beaten Wellington 33-22 in the semi-final of the provincial rugby Premiership.
Ross Filipo linked with Dane Coles to score a try in the first half, but Auckland went to the break with a 9-8 lead following three penalties from Gareth Anscombe.
Wellington started the second half strongly through tries to Mark Reddish and Ardie Savea, giving the Lions a 22-14 lead with 20 minutes to play.
But poor defence from the home side allowed Auckland's Malakai Fekitoa to get the visitors back in front with two tries, before Hadleigh Parkes sealed the win with a late try five minutes from time.
Auckland will now travel to Christchurch to take on the four-time defending champions Canterbury in the final of the Premiership.
