The New Zealand Cricket Museum sits inside the Old Pavilion Stand at the Basin Reserve — the country’s oldest active Test match ground and one of Wellington’s most recognisable sporting landmarks. The museum holds more than 20,000 objects, papers, and photographs spanning the full history of cricket in New Zealand, from early colonial matches to the modern international era.
Practical Information
| Address | Old Pavilion Stand, Basin Reserve, 2 Rugby Street, Mount Cook, Wellington 6021 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Sundays 11am–2pm year-round; also open during all cricket matches at the Basin Reserve |
| Admission | Free |
| Parking | Street parking available around the Basin Reserve |
| Contact | in**@****************co.nz |
About the Museum
The collection features some of the world’s oldest cricket bats alongside equipment used by New Zealand legends including Sir Richard Hadlee, Martin Crowe, Brendon McCullum, Stephen Fleming, and Bert Sutcliffe. The women’s game is well represented too, with memorabilia from Debbie Hockley, Trish McKelvey, and Maia Lewis. Trophies won by the BLACKCAPS and WHITE FERNS are on display, and visitors can pose for a photo with the ICC Test Championship Mace.
Interactive exhibits let visitors test their skills as a bowler or batter and explore the science behind the sport. With 20,000-plus items in the archive, the museum is one of the most comprehensive cricket collections in the Southern Hemisphere.
The Basin Reserve
The museum is set within the Basin Reserve itself — a National Historic Place and one of the world’s most distinctive cricket grounds. The oval’s unusual sunken shape dates to the 1855 Wairarapa earthquake, which transformed what was planned as a lake into the distinctive cricket ground it is today. Walking the perimeter before or after visiting the museum gives a strong sense of the ground’s history and character.
Where to Learn More
NZ Cricket (nzc.nz) — background on the museum’s collection and history from the national cricket body.
Basin Reserve — Wikipedia — the full history of the ground, including its earthquake origins and Test match record.
FAQ
Is the NZ Cricket Museum free to enter?
Yes — entry is free.
When is the museum open?
Every Sunday 11am–2pm year-round, and during all cricket matches played at the Basin Reserve.
Where exactly is it located?
Inside the Old Pavilion Stand at the Basin Reserve, 2 Rugby Street, Mount Cook, Wellington. Look for the entrance in the old grandstand facing Rugby Street.
Do I need to book ahead?
No booking is required for Sunday visits or match-day access. For private group bookings, contact in**@****************co.nz.
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 only.
Is there parking nearby?
Street parking is available around the Basin Reserve perimeter. The ground is also well served by Wellington buses.
Also worth exploring in Wellington: Wellington Cable Car Museum tells the story of one of the city’s most iconic structures, and Wellington Museum covers the capital’s social and maritime history on the waterfront. For the full range of Wellington’s cultural sites, visit Historical and Cultural Sites in Wellington.
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