Cricket Stadiums in New Zealand: International Grounds, Pitch & Records

New Zealand is known for its green pitches, swing-friendly conditions, and scenic cricket grounds. Despite being a small country, it has produced world-class fast bowlers and competitive teams thanks to its unique stadium conditions.

New Zealand has 10+ international cricket stadiums, most of them used regularly for Tests, ODIs, and T20 Internationals. Weather, grass coverage, and coastal air play a big role in match outcomes here.

🏟️ Eden Park, Auckland

Eden Park is the most famous cricket stadium in New Zealand and has hosted many historic international matches. It is also a multi-sport venue used for rugby and major events.

Capacity: ~50,000
International Matches (Approx.): Tests 45+, ODIs 85+, T20Is 25+
Ground Dimensions: Straight 65–70 m | Square 60–65 m
Average Scores:

Test: 320–340
ODI: 260–270
T20I: 165–170

Pitch Behavior: Helps swing bowlers early, good batting later.
⭐ Unique: The only New Zealand ground to host Cricket World Cup finals.

🏟️ Basin Reserve, Wellington

Basin Reserve is New Zealand’s most historic Test venue, famous for its old-school cricket feel. It is considered one of the country’s traditional cricket homes.

Capacity: ~11,000
International Matches (Approx.): Tests 70+, ODIs 30+
Ground Dimensions: Straight 70–75 m | Square 65–70 m
Average Scores:

Test: 330–350
ODI: 255–265

Pitch Behavior: Seam and swing friendly, especially early days.
⭐ Unique: This is the oldest Test cricket ground in New Zealand.

🏟️ Hagley Oval, Christchurch

Hagley Oval is a modern international ground set in a beautiful park environment. It has quickly become a regular venue for all formats.

Capacity: ~18,000
International Matches (Approx.): Tests 15+, ODIs 20+, T20Is 15+
Ground Dimensions: Straight 70–75 m | Square 65–70 m
Average Scores:

Test: 340–360
ODI: 270–280
T20I: 165–170

Pitch Behavior: Good for batting with some help for seamers.
⭐ Unique: Known for its flat pitches and high-scoring matches.

🏟️ University Oval, Dunedin

University Oval is famous for its small boundaries and student crowd atmosphere. It is mainly used for limited-overs internationals.

Capacity: ~6,000
International Matches (Approx.): ODIs 10+, T20Is 10+
Ground Dimensions: Straight 60–65 m | Square 55–60 m
Average Scores:

ODI: 280–290
T20I: 180–185

Pitch Behavior: Very batting-friendly, short boundaries.
⭐ Unique: One of the smallest international grounds in world cricket.

🏟️ Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui

Bay Oval is a newer international venue that has quickly become popular. Its coastal location provides fresh conditions and swing.

Capacity: ~10,000
International Matches (Approx.): Tests 10+, ODIs 10+, T20Is 15+
Ground Dimensions: Straight 70–75 m | Square 65–70 m
Average Scores:

Test: 330–350
ODI: 265–275
T20I: 165–170

Pitch Behavior: Swing-friendly early, good batting later.
⭐ Unique: One of the newest Test venues in New Zealand.

🏟️ Seddon Park, Hamilton

Seddon Park is a popular international cricket venue in New Zealand, known for its lively crowd. It regularly hosts all formats of international cricket.

Capacity: ~12,000
International Matches (Approx.): Tests 10+, ODIs 25+, T20Is 15+
Ground Dimensions: Straight 65–70 m | Square 60–65 m
Average Scores:

Test: 330–350
ODI: 270–280
T20I: 165–170

Pitch Behavior: Batting-friendly with some swing early.
⭐ Unique: One of the most frequently used grounds in New Zealand.

🏟️ McLean Park, Napier

McLean Park is famous for its flat pitch and very high-scoring matches. It has produced some of the highest ODI totals in cricket history.

Capacity: ~19,000
International Matches (Approx.): Tests 8+, ODIs 30+, T20Is 15+
Ground Dimensions: Straight 70–75 m | Square 65–70 m
Average Scores:

Test: 360–380
ODI: 290–300
T20I: 175–180

Pitch Behavior: Extremely batting-friendly.
⭐ Unique: Known as one of the highest-scoring ODI grounds in the world.

🏟️ Saxton Oval, Nelson

Saxton Oval is a newer international ground mainly used for limited-overs cricket. It is set in a quiet and scenic area.

Capacity: ~6,000
International Matches (Approx.): ODIs 5+, T20Is 5+
Ground Dimensions: Straight 65–70 m | Square 60–65 m
Average Scores:

ODI: 260–270
T20I: 160–165

Pitch Behavior: Balanced pitch with good bounce.
⭐ Unique: One of the smallest-capacity international grounds in New Zealand.

🏟️ Pukekura Park, New Plymouth

Pukekura Park is one of the most beautiful cricket grounds in the world, surrounded by trees and gardens. It has a long history of hosting international cricket.

Capacity: ~10,000
International Matches (Approx.): Tests 15+, ODIs 10+
Ground Dimensions: Straight 70–75 m | Square 65–70 m
Average Scores:

Test: 320–340
ODI: 255–265

Pitch Behavior: Helps seam bowlers, especially early.
⭐ Unique: Often ranked among the most scenic cricket grounds globally.

🏟️ Queenstown Events Centre, Queenstown (Limited Use)

Queenstown Events Centre is mainly a multi-purpose venue, with limited use for international cricket. It has hosted a few exhibition and warm-up matches.

Capacity: ~5,000
International Matches: Very limited / exhibition
Pitch Behavior: Balanced surface
⭐ Unique: One of the southernmost cricket venues to host international-level matches.

Apart from international venues, New Zealand also has many domestic and regional cricket grounds that regularly host first-class, List-A, and T20 matches.

🏟️ Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Lincoln

Bert Sutcliffe Oval is a modern domestic cricket ground near Christchurch. It is widely used for Plunket Shield, Ford Trophy, and Super Smash matches.

Capacity: ~5,000
Matches Hosted: Domestic + Women’s internationals + warm-up games
Pitch Nature: Batting-friendly, true bounce
⭐ Known For: Hosting New Zealand A and women’s international matches

🏟️ Cobham Oval, Whangārei

Cobham Oval is a key domestic venue in Northland and has occasionally hosted international warm-up matches.

Capacity: ~6,000
Matches Hosted: Domestic (First-class & List-A)
Pitch Nature: Balanced surface, helps seamers early
⭐ Known For: Regular venue for Northern Districts

🏟️ Colin Maiden Park, Auckland

Colin Maiden Park is an important Auckland domestic ground. It has also hosted women’s internationals and age-group matches.

Capacity: ~4,000
Matches Hosted: Domestic + Women’s internationals
Pitch Nature: Good batting pitch
⭐ Known For: Frequent women’s international matches

🏟️ Karori Park, Wellington

Karori Park is one of the oldest cricket grounds in Wellington. It is mainly used for domestic and club cricket.

Capacity: ~3,000
Matches Hosted: Domestic & development cricket
Pitch Nature: Traditional surface with seam movement
⭐ Known For: Historic importance in Wellington cricket

🏟️ Ashburton Domain, Ashburton

Ashburton Domain is a regional cricket ground that has hosted domestic and touring team matches.

Capacity: ~2,000
Matches Hosted: Domestic & warm-up games
Pitch Nature: Seamer-friendly
⭐ Known For: Hosting tour match fixtures

🏟️ Horton Oval, Blenheim

Horton Oval is a well-known domestic cricket ground in Marlborough. It regularly hosts List-A and T20 matches.

Capacity: ~5,000
Matches Hosted: Domestic + occasional internationals
Pitch Nature: Batting-friendly
⭐ Known For: High-scoring Ford Trophy matches

🏟️ Mainpower Oval, Rangiora

Mainpower Oval is used mainly for women’s and youth international matches and domestic cricket.

Capacity: ~3,000
Matches Hosted: Domestic + Women’s internationals
Pitch Nature: Balanced pitch
⭐ Known For: Frequent women’s international games

🏟️ Oamaru Cricket Ground, Oamaru

Oamaru Cricket Ground is a small regional venue used mainly for domestic cricket.

Capacity: ~2,000
Matches Hosted: Domestic only
Pitch Nature: Slow surface
⭐ Known For: Development-level matches

🏟️ Trusts Arena, Auckland (Rare Cricket Use)

Trusts Arena is a multi-purpose stadium and has only limited use for cricket, mostly exhibition or domestic matches.

Matches Hosted: Very limited
⭐ Known For: Multi-sport venue, not a regular cricket ground

❓ FAQs – New Zealand Cricket Stadium Records & Stats

1. Which is the biggest cricket stadium in New Zealand?

The Eden Park is the largest cricket stadium in New Zealand, with a capacity of around 50,000 spectators.

2. Which is the oldest cricket ground in New Zealand?

The Basin Reserve is the oldest Test cricket ground in New Zealand and one of the oldest in the world.

3. Which New Zealand stadium has hosted the most international matches?

Eden Park has hosted the most international matches across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.

4. Which New Zealand stadium is best for batting?

The McLean Park is known as the best batting-friendly ground, producing very high scores.

5. Which New Zealand ground is best for fast bowlers?

The Basin Reserve and Bay Oval are considered best for fast bowlers due to swing and seam movement.

6. Which stadium in New Zealand has the shortest boundaries?

The University Oval has very short boundaries, making it a high-scoring venue.

7. Which New Zealand stadium is the most scenic?

The Pukekura Park is often ranked among the most beautiful cricket grounds in the world.

8. Which New Zealand stadium is the newest international venue?

The Bay Oval is one of the newest international Test venues in New Zealand.

9. Which New Zealand stadium has hosted Cricket World Cup matches?

Major venues like Eden Park, Basin Reserve, Hagley Oval, and Seddon Park have hosted Cricket World Cup matches.

10. Which New Zealand stadium has the highest average ODI score?

McLean Park, Napier has one of the highest average ODI scores in New Zealand cricket history.

11. Which New Zealand ground is best for swing bowling?

The Basin Reserve and Bay Oval are best known for swing bowling, especially under cloudy conditions.

12. Are New Zealand cricket grounds smaller than Australian grounds?

Yes. Most New Zealand grounds have smaller boundaries compared to Australian stadiums, which helps batters score faster.

13. Which New Zealand stadium is mainly used for domestic cricket?

Grounds like Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Cobham Oval, and Horton Oval are mainly used for domestic competitions.

14. Why do New Zealand pitches help fast bowlers?

Due to green grass, coastal weather, and moist conditions, New Zealand pitches naturally support seam and swing bowling.

15. How many international cricket stadiums are there in New Zealand?

New Zealand has 10+ international cricket stadiums, with several others used for domestic, women’s, and development cricket.

Conclusion

New Zealand has some of the most unique and scenic cricket stadiums in the world. From historic venues like Basin Reserve to modern grounds such as Hagley Oval, each stadium offers different playing conditions shaped by weather, grass cover, and coastal air.

New Zealand pitches are well known for swing and seam bowling, especially in the early stages of a match. At the same time, grounds like McLean Park and University Oval often produce high-scoring games, showing the variety across the country.

Despite being a small nation, New Zealand has hosted World Cups, historic Test matches, and memorable international performances. Understanding the stadium conditions, average scores, and pitch behavior helps fans and players better appreciate how New Zealand competes strongly against bigger cricket nations.

Overall, New Zealand’s cricket grounds play a key role in shaping its fast-bowling culture, competitive mindset, and global cricket identity.

Daniel Foster

Daniel Foster is a senior sports writer specializing in cricket laws and international playing conditions. With extensive experience covering ICC rules, domestic leagues, and tournament regulations, he delivers detailed yet easy-to-read explanations. His work is trusted by readers looking for accurate and up-to-date sports rules.