Last updated July 2026
The New Zealand Cricket Museum is housed in the Old Pavilion Stand at Wellington’s Basin Reserve, New Zealand’s oldest Test cricket ground and a National Historic Place. The museum preserves more than 20,000 objects, papers and photographs that document the full history of cricket in New Zealand from colonial times to the present day.
Practical Information
| Address | Old Pavilion Stand, Basin Reserve, 2 Rugby Street, Mount Cook, Wellington 6021 |
| Hours | Sundays 11am–2pm; also open during cricket matches at the Basin Reserve |
| Admission | Free |
| Parking | Street parking around the Basin Reserve perimeter |
| Contact | in**@****************co.nz |
About the New Zealand Cricket Museum
The collection includes some of the world’s oldest cricket bats and equipment used by New Zealand players such as Sir Richard Hadlee, Martin Crowe, Brendon McCullum, Stephen Fleming and Bert Sutcliffe. Women’s cricket is represented with items from Debbie Hockley, Trish McKelvey and Maia Lewis. Trophies won by the BLACKCAPS and WHITE FERNS are on display, along with the ICC Test Championship Mace.
Interactive exhibits allow visitors to test bowling and batting skills and explore the science of the game. The museum occupies a historic stand within the Basin Reserve and provides access to match days as well as regular Sunday openings.
The Basin Reserve
The Basin Reserve is a National Historic Place and one of the world’s most distinctive cricket grounds. Its sunken oval shape resulted from the 1855 Wairarapa earthquake, which uplifted the former lagoon site and created the land used for recreation. The ground hosted New Zealand’s first Test match in 1929 and remains an active international venue.
Walking the perimeter offers views of the ground’s historic character and surrounding heritage structures. The site is managed for both cricket and public recreation in central Wellington.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors enjoy the free entry and the chance to see historic bats, jerseys and trophies up close. Many appreciate the interactive exhibits that appeal to both adults and children.
Reviewers note the compact size makes for an easy visit and highlight the location inside the historic Basin Reserve as adding to the atmosphere, especially on match days.
Where to Learn More
NZ Cricket Museum: official site with current opening hours, match schedules and booking information.
New Zealand Cricket: background on the museum collection and history from the national governing body.
Heritage New Zealand: listing details and heritage significance of the Basin Reserve Historic Area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the NZ Cricket Museum free to enter?
Yes, entry is free.
When is the museum open?
Sundays 11am–2pm year-round and during all cricket matches at the Basin Reserve.
Where exactly is it located?
Inside the Old Pavilion Stand at the Basin Reserve, 2 Rugby Street, Mount Cook, Wellington.
Do I need to book ahead?
No booking is required for regular Sunday visits or match-day access. Contact the museum for private group bookings.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, the interactive bowling and batting exhibits are popular with younger visitors.
Can I visit on weekdays?
Only on cricket match days at the Basin Reserve. Regular public hours are Sundays 11am–2pm.
Is there parking nearby?
Street parking is available around the Basin Reserve. The ground is also served by Wellington buses.
Is the Basin Reserve a historic site?
Yes, it is registered as a National Historic Place by Heritage New Zealand.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.