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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Prime cricket season vibes
Basin Reserve
Best Time
Prime cricket season vibes

Highlights
Must-see attractions
New Zealand's oldest cricket ground, offering historic charm, stunning views, and a vibrant atmosphere for matches and events.
"The Basin Reserve is considered one of the best places in New Zealand to watch a match on a good day."
🧺 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:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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!

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.

Player Autograph Alley
Near player areas
Get up close to your favorite players for a chance at autographs or a friendly chat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Cricket Season Savvy
Beyond the Boundary
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧺 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:🎧 Live Radio Stream
Use the live feed radio app for ball-by-ball commentary via headphones.
:iphone:💰 Beer Prices
Be aware that drinks, like a can of beer, can be pricey.
:moneywithwings: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.
:beachwithumbrella:⏰ Arrive Early for Shade
Want a shady spot on the grass? Line up about 30 minutes before gates open.
:clock1:🎧 Live Radio Stream
Use the live feed radio app for ball-by-ball commentary via headphones.
:iphone:💰 Beer Prices
Be aware that drinks, like a can of beer, can be pricey.
:moneywithwings:🚶♀️ Walkable from City
The Basin Reserve is easily walkable from Wellington's city center.
:walking:🚗 Parking Cone Alert
Keep an eye out for reserved parking cones, especially during events!
:red_car:What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Basin Reserve's opening hours are primarily dictated by scheduled events. For the New Zealand Cricket Museum, check their specific operating hours separately.
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.
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.
🎫 🏟️ 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.
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.
It's often possible to get close to the players for autographs, especially before or after the match.
Facilities include food trucks, decent coffee vendors, and restrooms. Some events may offer additional amenities like headphone rentals for radio broadcasts.
The stadium is not overly large, so views are generally great from most areas, offering a good perspective of the game.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You'll find a variety of food trucks offering different cuisines, as well as coffee vendors.
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.
Food trucks often provide diverse menus, so vegetarian and vegan options are usually available. It's worth checking with individual vendors on the day.
Concessions, such as a can of beer, can be quite expensive. Budget accordingly for food and beverages purchased at the venue.
Yes, decent coffee is available from vendors at the Basin Reserve.
📸 📸 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.
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.
The Basin Reserve is equipped with floodlights for evening matches, allowing for good visibility and photography, though conditions can vary.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
💰 Budget Travelers
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.
🏏 Cricket Purists
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Cricket Lover's Paradise
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.
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.
Experiencing the Basin Reserve: Tips from the Stands
For cricket enthusiasts, the ability to get close to players for autographs or even chat with commentators is a significant draw. 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.
While the atmosphere is generally positive, be prepared for potentially high prices for concessions, such as beer. 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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit