The Basin Reserve is the oldest Test cricket ground in New Zealand and is the only sport ground in the country on the National Heritage list due its extensive history. Following an earthquake in 1855, the area nestled beneath Mount Victoria and Mount Cook was flattened and became a swamp. 13 years later the swamp had been drained and the first game of cricket was played between Wellington Volunteers and representatives of HMS Falcon which was docked in the city.
In August 1870 the ground hosted the first game of rugby to be played in the North Island and the first first-class game of cricket was held in November 1873 between Wellington and Auckland. The Australasian athletic championships were held at Basin Reserve in December 1911 and also hosted international hockey and rugby league in the early part of the 20th century.
The MCC faced New Zealand at the ground in 1929 and a year later New Zealand played their first ever Test series against England with the Second Test taking place at the Basin Reserve. New Zealand didn’t win their first Test at the ground however until 1969 when they defeated the West Indies.
The first ODI was played at the ground in 1975 between New Zealand and England and was frequently held there until 1999, before moving to Wellington’s larger Westpac Stadium.
Tenants: Wellington Firebirds
Established: 1868
Capacity: 11,600
Address: Mount Cook, Wellington 6021, New Zealand
Tickets at Basin Reserve
Ticket information for the teams based at Basin Reserve can be found below:
Wellington Firebirds Tickets
Ticket information for Wellington Firebirds matches is available through the official Cricket Wellington website here.
New Zealand Cricket Museum
The New Zealand Cricket Museum is open during every cricket match at the Basin Reserve and entry is by donation. Further information can be found on the New Zealand Cricket website here.
Location & Travel to Basin Reserve
The Basin Reserve is located in New Zealand’s capital city of Wellington, approximately 2km south of the CBD at the foot of Mount Victoria.
Airport – Wellington Airport is approximately 6km from the ground. The international airport is the third busiest in New Zealand and mainly has flights to domestic airports and Australia, from where you can connect to the rest of the world.
The airport is only accessible by road, with the Airport Flyer bus being the easiest option.
Thinking of flying? Search & book your flights through Skyscanner here.
Bus – There are bus stops on the North (Kent Terrace) and South side of the ground (Adelaide Road), with several services connecting the city to the ground including lines 1, 12, 23, 29 and N1.
Driving & Parking – There is no on-site parking available at the ground but there is plenty of public parking available in the City Centre, which can be found on the City Council website here.
Train – Numerous services from throughout the Wellington region arrive and depart at the Wellington Railway Station. From the station, it is a short walk to reach the Stadium.
Walk – Located on Waterloo Quay, Wesptac Stadium is a short walk from the central business district of Wellington. The walk takes about 15 minutes along Taranaki Street or Tory Street.
Hotels near Basin Reserve
Use TripAdvisor to find some great places to stay in Wellington by clicking here.
Further Information & Events
Basin Reserve Official Website
Cricket Wellington Official Website
New Zealand Cricket Museum Official Website
Sports Tourist Wellington City Guide
Last Updated on February 27, 2023 by Sports Tourist