Welcome to your guide to New Zealand’s iconic sporting venues. From the legendary home of the All Blacks to modern, roofed stadiums and historic cricket grounds, New Zealand’s sports venues are an essential part of the country’s culture and history.
Rugby Union and Multi-Purpose Stadiums
Rugby is a national obsession in New Zealand, and the following stadiums are home to some of the country’s biggest matches, including All Blacks tests and Super Rugby clashes.
- Eden Park (Auckland): As New Zealand’s largest sports stadium, Eden Park is often called the national stadium. It’s unique for being a dual-purpose venue, hosting both rugby in the winter and cricket in the summer. It’s the first stadium in the world to have hosted two Rugby World Cup finals.
- Sky Stadium (Wellington): Known to locals as “The Cake Tin” due to its distinctive shape, Sky Stadium is a prominent venue for rugby, football, and cricket. The stadium is located on the Wellington waterfront, providing a dramatic backdrop for matches.
- Forsyth Barr Stadium (Dunedin): This is New Zealand’s only permanently covered stadium with a natural grass pitch. The transparent roof allows natural sunlight to reach the grass, making it a unique, all-weather venue for a variety of sports and concerts.
- Apollo Projects Stadium (Christchurch): Home to the Crusaders, this stadium was redeveloped following the 2011 Canterbury earthquakes. It is the primary venue for rugby and league matches in the region and can host concerts for up to 30,000 fans.
- FMG Stadium Waikato (Hamilton): This stadium is known for its rectangular, football-friendly shape and is a key venue for Super Rugby and international test matches. It was also one of the hosts for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
- McLean Park (Napier): Situated in the Hawke’s Bay region, this multi-purpose sports ground hosts both international rugby and cricket matches. It has a long history and is a popular venue, particularly during the summer cricket season.
Cricket Grounds
Cricket is a popular summer sport, with a history stretching back to the earliest European settlements. These venues are known for their picturesque settings and rich cricketing heritage.
- The Basin Reserve (Wellington): This is the oldest first-class cricket ground in New Zealand and has a unique history as a former lakebed. It is the country’s only sports ground registered as a historic place. It remains an iconic venue for Test cricket.
- Hagley Oval (Christchurch): Located in the heart of Christchurch’s Hagley Park, this ground has a rich history dating back to 1867. Following the destruction of Lancaster Park in the 2011 earthquake, Hagley Oval was redeveloped to become the main cricket venue for the city and a host for major international matches.
- Seddon Park (Hamilton): Renowned for its relaxed, park-like atmosphere, this ground is considered one of New Zealand’s premier venues for Test, One-Day, and T20 cricket. It is often praised for being a great ground for spectators.
- Bay Oval (Tauranga): As one of the newer international cricket venues, Bay Oval is located at the base of Mount Maunganui and is a key ground for domestic and international matches. It is known for its scenic views and excellent pitch.
Other Venues
- Mount Smart Stadium (Auckland): Located on the site of a former volcanic cone and quarry, Mount Smart is the home of the New Zealand Warriors rugby league team and a major venue for music concerts.
Last Updated on September 1, 2025 by Sports Tourist