New Zealand
Cricket Travel Redefined
From the Basin Reserve to the Hagley Oval, New Zealand combines world-class cricket with the most spectacular landscapes on earth
The Destination
New Zealand is one of the most beautiful countries on earth. From snow-capped mountains to pristine beaches, dramatic fjords to volcanic plateaus, the landscapes are extraordinary at every turn. Compact and remarkably easy to travel, it packs an astonishing variety of scenery into two islands.
For cricket lovers, New Zealand offers intimate grounds, passionate fans, and a touring tradition dating back over a century. The Basin Reserve in Wellington is one of the most characterful Test grounds in the world, Hagley Oval sits beneath the Southern Alps in Christchurch, and Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui offers cricket with views of The Mount and the beach just minutes away.
Follow On Tours matches you with the right specialist operator for your requirements — whether you’re after a fully escorted group tour, a self-drive adventure, or a completely bespoke itinerary. Our partner operators are cricket travel specialists with decades of on-the-ground expertise in New Zealand.
What We Offer
Choose Your New Zealand
Cricket Tours of New Zealand
Year-round cricket destination. Packages from specialist operators across Wellington, Christchurch, Auckland, Hamilton and Mount Maunganui.
New Zealand Destination Guide
Comprehensive guide: visas, currency, health, venues, hotels, things to do. Everything you need to know before you go.
Where You Will Watch
Cricket Venues
Basin Reserve, Wellington — New Zealand's Test Cricket Home
- Capacity approximately 11,500 — New Zealand's most historic Test ground
- Inner-city location in the heart of Wellington
- Views of Mount Victoria from the stands
- Known for its character — one of few grounds completely surrounded by roads
- Intimate atmosphere, walking distance from hotels and restaurants
Hagley Oval, Christchurch — Southern Alps Cricket
- Capacity approximately 18,000
- Picturesque ground set in Hagley Park
- Hosted 2015 World Cup matches including the opening game
- Mountain backdrop on clear days
- Modern facilities rebuilt post-earthquake
Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui — Cricket by the Beach
- Capacity approximately 6,000
- Beachside ground with The Mount visible from the stands
- Growing international venue, hosted Tests since 2019
- Relaxed, holiday atmosphere
- Beautiful Bay of Plenty location
Seddon Park, Hamilton — Waikato Cricket
- Capacity approximately 10,000
- Intimate ground in the Waikato region
- Regular international venue for Tests, ODIs and T20Is
- Known for its green, lush outfield
Eden Park, Auckland — New Zealand's Largest Ground
- Capacity approximately 42,000
- New Zealand's largest ground, shared with rugby
- Used for major limited-overs matches and special Tests
- Located in central Auckland
Our Tour Collections
Choose Your Experience
The Full Tour
PremierFollow the full series across New Zealand. Multiple venues, scenic drives between cities, and the complete cricket experience.
The Wellington Test
ClassicTest cricket at the Basin Reserve — New Zealand's most iconic ground. Combine with the capital's world-class food scene.
The South Island
PremierHagley Oval in Christchurch plus Queenstown, Milford Sound, and the spectacular South Island. Cricket meets adventure.
Cricket & Self-Drive
ClassicCombine cricket with one of the world's great road trips. Drive between venues through mountains, coastline, and farmland.
Where You Will Stay
Five Cities, One Journey
Wellington
New Zealand's compact capital. World-class dining, craft beer, Te Papa museum, and the Basin Reserve — all within walking distance.
Christchurch
The Garden City, beautifully rebuilt. Hagley Park, punting on the Avon, and gateway to the spectacular South Island.
Auckland
City of Sails. Waterfront dining at Viaduct Harbour, volcanic cones, Waiheke Island wine trail, and Eden Park.
Queenstown
The adventure capital of the world. Bungee, skiing, jet boats, and luxury lodges on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Not a cricket city, but unmissable.
Rotorua
Geothermal wonderland. Maori cultural experiences, mud pools, geysers, and Hobbiton just 45 minutes away.
Expert Knowledge
Destination Guide
Introduction — by Ian Kerr
New Zealand has been on my cricket travel radar for years, and every trip confirms what I already knew — it's one of the finest places on earth to watch cricket. The grounds are intimate, the landscapes are extraordinary, and the welcome is genuinely warm. Whether you're watching a Test at the Basin Reserve with Mount Victoria behind you, or driving through the Southern Alps to Hagley Oval, every day feels like an adventure.
General Travel Notes
Entry Requirements
British citizens require a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA), which can be applied for online or through the NZ Immigration app before travel. Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure date.
Health & Vaccinations
No vaccinations are required for entry to New Zealand. The country has an excellent healthcare system. UV levels in New Zealand are exceptionally high — strong sunscreen (SPF 50+) is essential, even on overcast days.
Currency
The New Zealand Dollar (NZD) is the local currency. The exchange rate is approximately 2.1 NZD to 1 GBP. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted everywhere, including contactless payments. Tipping is not expected in New Zealand but is appreciated for exceptional service.
Mobile Phones
Check with your UK provider about international roaming packages before departure. Alternatively, purchase a local SIM card on arrival — Spark and Vodafone NZ are the largest networks and SIM cards are available at airports. Good 4G coverage in cities and towns, but patchy in remote and rural areas.
Drinking Water
Tap water is safe to drink throughout New Zealand. The water quality is excellent.
Weather
The cricket season runs through the New Zealand summer (November to March). Expect temperatures between 20–28°C, but be prepared for changeable conditions — four seasons in one day is a genuine reality in New Zealand. Pack layers, a rain jacket, and strong sunscreen.
Getting Around
Domestic flights with Air New Zealand connect all main cities efficiently. Self-drive is highly recommended — New Zealanders drive on the left, the roads are excellent, and the scenery between cities is spectacular. Wellington to Christchurch is a short flight or a spectacular ferry crossing through the Marlborough Sounds.
Time Zone
New Zealand is GMT+12 (GMT+13 during NZST daylight saving, October to April). This puts New Zealand 11–12 hours ahead of the UK.
Wellington — Basin Reserve
Wellington is New Zealand's compact, creative capital — a city built around a harbour with a world-class food scene that punches well above its weight. The city is walkable, vibrant, and endlessly interesting. It's also home to the Basin Reserve, New Zealand's most historic and characterful Test ground.
Things to Do
- Te Papa Tongarewa — New Zealand's national museum, free entry, world-class exhibits
- Wellington Cable Car — iconic ride to the Botanic Garden with harbour views
- Craft beer — Wellington is the craft beer capital of NZ, with dozens of breweries and taprooms
- Cuba Street — bohemian dining, cafes, and street art
- Zealandia Ecosanctuary — predator-free wildlife sanctuary with native birds including kiwi
- Wellington Waterfront — harbourside walk, restaurants, and the Weta Workshop
Basin Reserve
Capacity approximately 11,500. New Zealand's oldest and most iconic Test ground, established in 1868. The Basin is an inner-city ground completely surrounded by roads, with Mount Victoria rising behind the northern end. The atmosphere is intimate and uniquely Wellington — expect strong winds and passionate local support. Most CBD hotels are within walking distance of the ground.
Recommended Hotels
Waterfront location with bold, artistic design. Walking distance to Te Papa, the waterfront, and the Basin Reserve.
Central Wellington overlooking the harbour. Excellent restaurants, spa, and easy access to all attractions.
Bolton Street location, close to the cable car and Parliament. Comfortable rooms with good views over the city.
Central location near Cuba Street. Clean, modern, and excellent value. Walking distance to the Basin Reserve.
Transfers
Wellington Airport is 20–30 minutes from the CBD by taxi or shuttle. The Basin Reserve is walkable from most CBD hotels — typically 10–20 minutes on foot.
Christchurch — Hagley Oval
Christchurch is the Garden City — beautifully rebuilt after the 2011 earthquake and now one of New Zealand's most exciting urban destinations. Hagley Park provides a green heart to the city, and Hagley Oval sits within it, offering one of the most picturesque cricket settings anywhere in the world.
Things to Do
- Hagley Park — 165 hectares of gardens, walking trails, and the Botanic Gardens
- Punting on the Avon — gentle river punting through the city centre
- Christchurch Gondola — ride to the top of the Port Hills for panoramic views
- Banks Peninsula — stunning harbour town of Akaroa, French colonial history, dolphin swimming
- International Antarctic Centre — interactive exhibits about life on the ice
Hagley Oval
Capacity approximately 18,000. Set within Hagley Park, this ground was developed into a full international venue for the 2015 Cricket World Cup. On clear days, the Southern Alps provide a dramatic mountain backdrop. The facilities are modern and well-designed, and the park setting makes match days feel like a festival. Walking distance from central Christchurch hotels.
Recommended Hotels
Right beside Hagley Park, overlooking the Avon River. Christchurch's finest hotel — elegant, intimate, and steps from the Oval.
Cathedral Square location. Modern, comfortable rooms and good value. Central to restaurants and attractions.
Cathedral Square. Spacious apartment-style rooms in a heritage building. Good for longer stays and families.
Transfers
Christchurch Airport is 15–20 minutes from the CBD by taxi or shuttle. Hagley Oval is walkable from most central hotels — a pleasant 10–15 minute stroll through Hagley Park.
Auckland — Eden Park
Auckland is New Zealand's largest city — the City of Sails, built across an isthmus between two harbours and studded with volcanic cones. It's the main international gateway and offers excellent waterfront dining, island day trips, and the iconic Eden Park.
Things to Do
- Sky Tower — 328-metre observation tower with panoramic views (and optional SkyWalk/SkyJump)
- Viaduct Harbour — waterfront dining, bars, and the New Zealand Maritime Museum
- Waiheke Island — 40-minute ferry, world-class wineries and beaches
- Rangitoto Island — volcanic island hike with stunning harbour views
- Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki — New Zealand's largest art collection
Eden Park
Capacity approximately 42,000. New Zealand's largest ground, shared with rugby union. Eden Park is used for major limited-overs internationals and special Test matches. Located in central Auckland, it's a modern, well-equipped stadium with good facilities and transport links.
Recommended Hotels
Viaduct Harbour waterfront. Auckland's finest hotel — stunning harbour views, world-class dining, and spa.
High Street, central Auckland. Stylish boutique hotel with individually designed rooms and an excellent rooftop bar.
Symonds Street. Large, comfortable hotel with multiple restaurants, pool, and spa. Good value for the quality.
Transfers
Auckland Airport is 35–50 minutes from the CBD, depending on traffic. The SkyBus express service runs regularly. Eden Park is 15–20 minutes from the CBD by taxi.
Beyond the Cricket — Adventures & Excursions
Queenstown
The adventure capital of the world. Bungee jumping, jet boats, skiing (in winter), and wine tours in Central Otago. Set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu with the Remarkables mountain range as a backdrop, Queenstown is spectacular in every season. Allow 2–3 nights minimum.
Milford Sound
A day trip from Queenstown or Te Anau. Cruise through the fiord past towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and pristine rainforest. Watch for dolphins, seals, and penguins. One of New Zealand's most iconic experiences.
Rotorua & Hobbiton
Rotorua is a geothermal wonderland — bubbling mud pools, erupting geysers, and Maori cultural experiences. The Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata is just 45 minutes away and is a must-visit for Lord of the Rings fans. Easy day trips from Auckland or Hamilton.
Wine Regions
Marlborough for world-famous sauvignon blanc, Hawke's Bay for reds and chardonnay, Central Otago for exceptional pinot noir, and Waiheke Island for Bordeaux-style blends. New Zealand wine is world-class and the cellar door experiences are outstanding.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
One of the world's great day hikes. The 19.4 km crossing traverses volcanic landscapes, emerald crater lakes, and steaming vents in the heart of the North Island. Allow 7–8 hours. A bucket-list experience for fit walkers.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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