The Kiwi Summer of Sixes: Your Ultimate Preview of New Zealand’s Blockbuster 2025/26 International Cricket Season

New Zealand Cricket 2025-26

Pack your bags and polish your sunglasses, because New Zealand is preparing to host a spectacular summer of world-class cricket. From the pristine beaches of Tauranga to the historic Cello Basin Reserve in Wellington, this season features four major men’s teams—Australia, England, the West Indies, and South Africa—alongside exciting multi-format series for the White Ferns.

Spanning over six months and numerous cities across both the North and South Islands, this itinerary is the ultimate dream for the traveling cricket fan. Let’s dive into what you can look forward to as you plan your trip!


The Trans-Tasman T20 Sprint & The English Expedition

The season kicks off fast and furious in October with two of New Zealand’s fiercest rivals.

Australia: Early Season Firework

The Blackcaps host neighbours Australia for a three-match T20 International series, all played at the beautiful Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui—the perfect beachside setting for some high-octane cricket.

England’s White-Ball Tour

Brendon McCullum returns home as England arrives for a full white-ball tour. This includes T20Is in key city hubs like Auckland, followed by three crucial ODIs, giving tourists a chance to explore both islands.

The World Test Championship Battle: West Indies

As November approaches, the focus shifts to Test cricket. The West Indies arrive for a multi-format tour that culminates in a three-match series that counts towards the ICC World Test Championship (WTC). Catch five T20Is and three ODIs across smaller venues before settling in for the long-form action.

The Decisive Test Series

The WTC series begins in Christchurch, moves to the Test fortress of Wellington, and concludes in the Bay of Plenty just before Christmas. These matches are essential viewing for the purist tourist.

Late Summer Thriller: South Africa & Double Headers

The action continues well into the New Year, culminating in a major series against South Africa in March. This year, the Blackcaps and White Ferns will both take on the Proteas in five respective T20I matches played as spectacular double-headers! Catch both national teams in action on the same day across five different cities.

White Ferns Multiformat Action

Before the double-headers, the White Ferns host Zimbabwe in February/March for a six-match series. A fantastic, cost-effective way to enjoy international cricket.


Full International Fixture Breakdown (Dates and Venues)

BLACKCAPS Men’s International Fixtures

Australia vs New Zealand (3x T20Is)

DateMatchFormatVenue
Oct 11st MatchT20IBay Oval, Mount Maunganui
Oct 32nd MatchT20IBay Oval, Mount Maunganui
Oct 43rd MatchT20IBay Oval, Mount Maunganui

England vs New Zealand (3x T20Is, 3x ODIs)

DateMatchFormatVenue
Oct 181st MatchT20IHagley Oval, Christchurch
Oct 202nd MatchT20IHagley Oval, Christchurch
Oct 233rd MatchT20IEden Park, Auckland
Oct 261st MatchODIBay Oval, Mount Maunganui
Oct 292nd MatchODISeddon Park, Hamilton
Nov 13rd MatchODICello Basin Reserve, Wellington

West Indies vs New Zealand (5x T20Is, 3x ODIs)

DateMatchFormatVenue
Nov 51st MatchT20IEden Park, Auckland
Nov 62nd MatchT20IEden Park, Auckland
Nov 93rd MatchT20ISaxton Oval, Nelson
Nov 104th MatchT20ISaxton Oval, Nelson
Nov 135th MatchT20IUniversity of Otago Oval, Dunedin
Nov 161st MatchODIHagley Oval, Christchurch
Nov 192nd MatchODIMcLean Park, Napier
Nov 223rd MatchODISeddon Park, Hamilton

West Indies vs New Zealand (3x Tests – WTC)

DateMatchVenue
Dec 2-61st TestHagley Oval, Christchurch
Dec 10-142nd TestCello Basin Reserve, Wellington
Dec 18-223rd TestBay Oval, Mount Maunganui

South Africa vs New Zealand (5x T20Is)

DateMatchVenue
Mar 151st MatchBay Oval, Mount Maunganui
Mar 172nd MatchSeddon Park, Hamilton
Mar 203rd MatchEden Park, Auckland
Mar 224th MatchCello Basin Reserve, Wellington
Mar 255th MatchHagley Oval, Christchurch

WHITE FERNS Women’s International Fixtures

Zimbabwe vs New Zealand (3x T20Is, 3x ODIs)

DateMatchFormatVenue
Feb 251st MatchT20ISeddon Park, Hamilton
Feb 272nd MatchT20ISeddon Park, Hamilton
Mar 13rd MatchT20ISeddon Park, Hamilton
Mar 51st MatchODIUniversity of Otago Oval, Dunedin
Mar 82nd MatchODIUniversity of Otago Oval, Dunedin
Mar 113rd MatchODIUniversity of Otago Oval, Dunedin

South Africa vs New Zealand (5x T20Is)

DateMatchVenue
Mar 151st MatchBay Oval, Mount Maunganui
Mar 172nd MatchSeddon Park, Hamilton
Mar 203rd MatchEden Park, Auckland
Mar 224th MatchCello Basin Reserve, Wellington
Mar 255th MatchHagley Oval, Christchurch

South Africa vs New Zealand (3x ODIs)

DateMatchVenue
Mar 291st ODIHagley Oval, Christchurch
Apr 12nd ODICello Basin Reserve, Wellington
Apr 43rd ODICello Basin Reserve, Wellington

Ticket Information & Final Tips

Don’t miss your chance to be a part of the action! Tickets are expected to be in high demand, especially for the high-profile Test matches and the early white-ball series.

All tickets for the New Zealand Summer of Cricket are available exclusively through Ticketek. Click here to secure your seats now: Ticketek NZ Cricket

Budget Tip: All six White Ferns matches against Zimbabwe in February/March have FREE ENTRY, offering a fantastic, cost-effective way to enjoy international cricket!

For the best travel experience, book your accommodation early in cities like Mount Maunganui and Nelson, which offer stunning beaches and vibrant local scenes. Remember that the South Africa fixtures are all exciting double-headers (Men’s and Women’s T20I matches) offering exceptional value—a must-do for March!

Get ready to soak up the sun, hear the roar of the crowd, and witness some world-class cricket. It’s going to be a Kiwi summer to remember!

Last Updated on September 30, 2025 by Sports Tourist

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