Basin Reserve - A large body of water sitting next to a lush green field
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Basin Reserve

4.5
·1k reviews·Wellington, New Zealand

New Zealand's oldest cricket ground, offering historic charm, stunning views, and a vibrant atmosphere for matches and events.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer afternoons

Prime cricket season vibes

CrowdHigh
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Basin Reserve - A large body of water sitting next to a lush green field

Basin Reserve

Best Time

Summer afternoons

Prime cricket season vibes

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

New Zealand's oldest cricket ground, offering historic charm, stunning views, and a vibrant atmosphere for matches and events.

4.5
(1k reviews)

"The Basin Reserve is considered one of the best places in New Zealand to watch a match on a good day."

Vertical photo
TIP

🧺 BYO Beach Chair!

Bring your own beach chair for grass seating – Kmart is a good spot to find one. :beachwithumbrella:

⏰ Arrive Early for Shade

Want a shady spot on the grass? Line up about 30 minutes before gates open. :clock1:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Embankment

The Iconic Embankment

Grass seating areas

Soak in the atmosphere from the grassy banks, perfect for a relaxed viewing experience. Bring a beach chair for comfort!

Reddit
New Zealand Cricket Museum

New Zealand Cricket Museum

Inside the Basin Reserve

Explore the rich history of New Zealand cricket, from early artifacts to modern memorabilia. A must-visit for fans.

Reddit
Player Autograph Alley

Player Autograph Alley

Near player areas

Get up close to your favorite players for a chance at autographs or a friendly chat.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Cricket Season Savvy

The Basin Reserve is primarily a cricket ground, so check the schedule for matches. Summer months (December-February) are peak season for major tournaments like the Super Smash. Booking tickets in advance is recommended for popular matches to secure good seats, especially for the Black Caps games. Instagram

Beyond the Boundary

While cricket is king, the Basin Reserve also hosts other events. Consider checking for concerts or festivals. For cricket enthusiasts, the New Zealand Cricket Museum onsite offers a deep dive into the sport's history. Reddit

Best Times

When
Summer afternoons
Why
Prime cricket season vibes
Crowd
High
When
Weekday evenings (matches)
Why
Fewer crowds, good atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
Outside match days
Why
Museum visits, quiet exploration
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Your guide to Great Basin National Park in under a minute. #nationalpark #viral #fyp #foryou #nevada
@gavinhikes
67.9K likes • 321.6K views

🧺 BYO Beach Chair!

Bring your own beach chair for grass seating – Kmart is a good spot to find one. Reddit :beachwithumbrella:

⏰ Arrive Early for Shade

Want a shady spot on the grass? Line up about 30 minutes before gates open. Reddit :clock1:

I had the BEST time at this park, especially camping right outside the park! #greatbasinnationalpark #nevada #hikenevada #hikingtiktok #girlwhohike #womenwhohike #hotgirlhike #hikingtips #nationalparktips #greenscreen
@hotgirlhikes
58K likes • 534.8K views
Reserved for royalty 💅🏼 When you’ve earned the right to your own parking cone @cellobasinreserve 🅿️ #NZvAUS #CricketNation
white_ferns
1.1K likes • 0 views

🎧 Live Radio Stream

Use the live feed radio app for ball-by-ball commentary via headphones. Reddit :iphone:

💰 Beer Prices

Be aware that drinks, like a can of beer, can be pricey. Reddit :moneywithwings:

Dear @firebirds_blaze supporter friends, 🔟 great reasons here to support us in this Sunday’s @supersmashnz Grand Final v the Cantabs at the lovely @cellobasinreserve - thanks in advance! #lovethestags 🦌
centralstags
539 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🧺 BYO Beach Chair!

Bring your own beach chair for grass seating – Kmart is a good spot to find one. Reddit :beachwithumbrella:

⏰ Arrive Early for Shade

Want a shady spot on the grass? Line up about 30 minutes before gates open. Reddit :clock1:

🎧 Live Radio Stream

Use the live feed radio app for ball-by-ball commentary via headphones. Reddit :iphone:

💰 Beer Prices

Be aware that drinks, like a can of beer, can be pricey. Reddit :moneywithwings:

🚶‍♀️ Walkable from City

The Basin Reserve is easily walkable from Wellington's city center. Reddit :walking:

🚗 Parking Cone Alert

Keep an eye out for reserved parking cones, especially during events! Instagram :red_car:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Basin Reserve is lauded as New Zealand's premier cricket ground, celebrated for its historic charm, picturesque setting, and intimate atmosphere. Visitors love the relaxed vibe, proximity to players, and the onsite Cricket Museum. However, some find the cost of concessions, particularly alcohol, to be quite high.

"The Basin Reserve in Wellington is New Zealand's oldest cricket ground and is widely regarded as one of the best venues to watch a Test match.

Visitors appreciate its beautiful setting, surrounded by Mount Victoria and Mount Cook, which adds to the charm of watching cricket there.

The ground is also home to the New Zealand Cricket Museum, offering fans a chance to explore the nation's rich cricketing history.

Beyond cricket, the Basin Reserve serves as a venue for various events. For instance, the Peachy Keen Festival in 2021 was held there, with attendees praising the venue's suitability and ample space.

Overall, the Basin Reserve is celebrated for its historic significance, picturesque surroundings, and versatility as an event venue."

duminda herath

"You’ll have an innings to remember at the Basin Reserve!

I went in November for the England vs. New Zealand test and loved the relaxed vibe.

You can move around the ground easily, and if you want a shady spot, line up 30 minutes before gates open.

BYO beach chair if you’re sitting on the grass—I got mine from Kmart (but check stock online first)

It’s easy to get close to the players for autographs or sit near the commentary box if you fancy a chat with the commentators.

Plenty of food trucks to choose from and decent coffee — they were also handing out headphones so you could stream the radio broadcast live through the live feed radio app so you could follow ball by ball."

Chris Ellis

"Loved the stadium. It was not too big so the view was great. Quite walkable from the city and accessible by bus."

Karthik Ranganathan

What People Like

Historic charm
Picturesque setting
Relaxed atmosphere

What People Dislike

Expensive concessions

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Basin Reserve is conveniently located and easily walkable from Wellington's city center. Numerous bus routes also service the area, making it accessible via public transport. Reddit

Parking can be limited, especially on match days. It's often recommended to use public transport or walk if you're staying in the city. Be mindful of any reserved parking cones. Instagram

For Super Smash games at the Basin Reserve, taking a bus or walking from the city is highly recommended due to potential parking challenges. Check local bus schedules for routes serving the area. Instagram

Yes, cycling is a great option. There are usually bike racks available, and it's a pleasant ride from many parts of Wellington. Remember to bring a lock for your bike.

The venue generally offers accessible pathways and seating options. It's advisable to contact the venue directly in advance to discuss specific needs and arrangements.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets for cricket matches at the Basin Reserve can typically be purchased online through official ticketing partners or at the venue on match days, though advance booking is advised for popular games. Instagram

Ticket prices vary depending on the event and seating location. For cricket matches, expect prices to range, with premium seats costing more. Be aware that concessions like beer can be expensive. Reddit

The Basin Reserve's opening hours are primarily dictated by scheduled events. For the New Zealand Cricket Museum, check their specific operating hours separately. Reddit

While some food and drink options are available for purchase, policies on bringing your own can vary. It's best to check the specific event guidelines, but water bottles are usually permitted. Reddit

Yes, the Basin Reserve offers various seating options, including stands with assigned seats and general admission grass embankment areas. Bringing a beach chair is recommended for grass seating. Reddit

🎫 🏟️ Onsite Experience

The atmosphere is generally relaxed and enjoyable, especially on a good day. It's considered one of the best places in New Zealand to watch a match, with a great vibe. Reddit

Yes, the New Zealand Cricket Museum is located onsite, offering a fascinating look into the sport's history. The venue also hosts other events like festivals. Reddit

It's often possible to get close to the players for autographs, especially before or after the match. Reddit

Facilities include food trucks, decent coffee vendors, and restrooms. Some events may offer additional amenities like headphone rentals for radio broadcasts. Reddit

The stadium is not overly large, so views are generally great from most areas, offering a good perspective of the game. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

You'll find a variety of food trucks offering different cuisines, as well as coffee vendors. Reddit

Policies on bringing outside food can vary by event. It's best to check the specific event's guidelines, but generally, water bottles are allowed. Reddit

Food trucks often provide diverse menus, so vegetarian and vegan options are usually available. It's worth checking with individual vendors on the day. Reddit

Concessions, such as a can of beer, can be quite expensive. Budget accordingly for food and beverages purchased at the venue. Reddit

Yes, decent coffee is available from vendors at the Basin Reserve. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The embankment areas offer great vantage points for capturing the crowd and the action. The backdrop of Mount Victoria and Mount Cook also provides scenic photo opportunities. Reddit

Photography policies can vary. For personal use, smaller cameras are usually fine, but professional camera equipment might require special accreditation, especially for media. Check event rules.

Yes, you can often get close to players for photos, particularly during breaks or before/after the match. Reddit

The Basin Reserve is equipped with floodlights for evening matches, allowing for good visibility and photography, though conditions can vary. Instagram

The historic stands, the grassy embankments with spectators, and the scenic views of the surrounding hills make for iconic shots. The Cricket Museum also offers unique photographic subjects. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Basin Reserve offers a family-friendly environment, especially for cricket matches. The grass embankment areas are great for kids to have a bit more space to move around, and bringing a beach chair or picnic blanket can make it comfortable for everyone. Reddit The New Zealand Cricket Museum is also an engaging activity for younger visitors interested in the sport's history. Reddit

Consider attending a Super Smash game, which often has a more vibrant and family-oriented atmosphere. Arriving a bit earlier can help secure a good spot where kids can see the action clearly. While food options are available, packing some kid-friendly snacks might be a good idea, keeping in mind venue policies. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious visitors, the grass embankment seating at the Basin Reserve is your best bet, as it's typically more affordable than reserved stands. Reddit Bringing your own food and drinks (within venue guidelines) can significantly cut down on expenses, as concessions can be pricey. Reddit Walking or taking public transport from the city center will save on transportation costs. Reddit

Consider attending domestic matches rather than international fixtures, as ticket prices are often lower. The New Zealand Cricket Museum usually has a reasonable entry fee or may even be free on certain days, offering great value for history buffs. Reddit

🏏 Cricket Purists

For true cricket aficionados, the Basin Reserve is a pilgrimage site. You'll want to experience a Test match here to fully appreciate its historic significance and the unique atmosphere. Opt for seats that offer a good view of the entire ground and the picturesque surroundings. Reddit Visiting the New Zealand Cricket Museum is essential to understand the context and legacy of the venue. Reddit

Engage with the local cricket culture by sitting on the embankment, where you can often strike up conversations with fellow fans. Consider bringing binoculars to get a closer look at the technique and strategy. The ability to get close to players for autographs adds a personal touch to the experience. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Cricket Lover's Paradise

The Basin Reserve is more than just a sports venue; it's a historic landmark and the spiritual home of New Zealand cricket. Established in 1868, it's the country's oldest cricket ground and has witnessed countless memorable matches. Its picturesque setting, nestled between Mount Victoria and Mount Cook, provides a stunning backdrop that enhances the spectator experience. Reddit

Beyond the iconic Test matches, the Basin Reserve is a hub for domestic cricket, including the popular Super Smash T20 competition. This makes it a vibrant place to catch a game during the summer months. The ground's capacity of 11,600 ensures an intimate yet lively atmosphere, where you can often get close to the action and the players. Instagram

For those interested in the sport's heritage, the New Zealand Cricket Museum is a must-visit. It houses a remarkable collection of artifacts, celebrating the nation's cricketing journey. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual observer, the Basin Reserve offers a unique and engaging experience. Reddit

Experiencing the Basin Reserve: Tips from the Stands

Attending an event at the Basin Reserve is often a relaxed affair, especially if you opt for the popular grass embankment seating. Redditors suggest bringing your own beach chair from places like Kmart for maximum comfort, as these areas are perfect for a laid-back viewing experience. Reddit To secure a prime spot with shade, arriving about 30 minutes before the gates open is a common strategy. Reddit

For cricket enthusiasts, the ability to get close to players for autographs or even chat with commentators is a significant draw. Reddit The venue also offers practical amenities like food trucks with decent options and coffee. A unique tip is to utilize the live feed radio app via headphones to follow the ball-by-ball commentary, enhancing your understanding of the game. Reddit

While the atmosphere is generally positive, be prepared for potentially high prices for concessions, such as beer. Reddit Despite this, the overall experience of watching a match at this historic ground, with its great views and walkable proximity to the city, is highly regarded. Reddit

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