New Zealand – where high-level cuisine, affable human beings and outstanding beauty all collide. The cherry on top? They love cricket as much as the next person. Here is the Barmy Army guide for England’s Tour of New Zealand 2024.
All roads lead south – Christchurch
Picture this: The clocks have gone back. The John Lewis Advert has disappointed. Ant and Dec are welcoming celebrities to the jungle. You let off a sigh. Or…you have just touched down on the South Island of New Zealand ahead of a month of unrelenting pleasure. Which one are you choosing?
If it’s the latter, you might as well get over the other side of the world early and make the most of the long journey. Christchurch is just an hour flight away from the mesmerising Queenstown and some of the Kiwis most iconic landscapes. It’s also home to the original bungee jump if you are feeling extra bold. Even better, Barmy Army Travel will arrange this extension for you ahead of the first Test.
Onwards to Christchurch, the birthplace of England captain Ben Stokes. The city hosting the first Test is more of a home from home with a distinct English feel. It’s unique in its nature having been rebuilt from the earthquakes back in 2010. New sites include some mouthwatering breweries and restaurants alike nestled in the side streets of the CBD – the perfect spot after a day of Test cricket. You are never too far away from a hilltop view looking down to a body of water in New Zealand. Christchurch boasts some amazing trails around the city and beaches to explore in between the cricket.
Hagley Oval is the site where Stokes’ men will hope to land an early blow in the series – more on the ground below.
The capital of food and New Zealand – Wellington
As the pilot tells you to put your seatbelt on and you descend into Wellington, be sure to look out the window. No other country in the world can boast a capital city that sits in a bowl caressed by rolling hills and freshwater lakes.
Cuba Street is the heart of the city where you’ll find cuisine to fit any taste buds. The Kiwis have an eclectic mix of cultures which is represented in its vast array of food options. Don’t be surprised to have some of the best Asian food you’ve eaten here ranging from Chinese to Vietnamese and anything in between. There’s also a big Italian settlement which comes with high end pizzerias and pasta. Be sure to try some oysters whilst you’re here too as the harbour has ample restaurants serving fresh catch.
During last year’s tour of New Zealand, the Barmy Army Travel Tour group were invited to Jeremy Coney’s winery just an hour away. A quick bus ride and we were tasting some of New Zealand’s finest grapes still surrounded by winding hills.
Cafe culture is massive in New Zealand as a whole, which is no surprise when you find out that the Kiwis actually invented the Flat White! Wellington is no different with a full plethora of cafes to choose from on your way into the Basin Reserve to watch England wrap up a series victory!
The big finale in Hamilton
As Christmas drifts closer, the series ends towards the top of the North Island in the city of Hamilton. Again, there is so much to see & do here before you even begin to think of England’s inevitable series whitewash. The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are one of New Zealand’s most popular attractions. You’ll be able to take a boat ride surrounded by a neon light show from insects!
Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit fans, this is your moment. Hamilton is a 40-minute drive away from your day of dreams at the Hobbiton Movie Set. This writer is a self-confessed non-believer but I still visited on the last tour. I was blown away by the set and the filmmaking process which is explained to you in avid detail.
Seddon Park will host the third Test match, again where you’ll sit on a grass bank and blurt Jerusalem out one final time before the flight home!
The Grounds
Hagley Oval, Christchurch
Much like all of the international cricket grounds in New Zealand, you can expect to be surrounded by grass banks, friendly locals and authentic food stalls. Sounds woeful, ey? Hagley is actually a stunning park boasting botanical gardens as well as the Oval. It’s also a 20-minute walk from the Barmy Army hotels. In conclusion, a beautiful cricket ground nestled in a park close to where you’re staying – perfection.
Basin Reserve, Wellington
With the backdrop of Mount Victoria, the Basin is an intimate ground where you will feel very much pitch side wherever you sit. The Barmy Army generally resides where the ground bears its name – an actual basin! The steep grass banks get lively and full in the afternoons with the CBD only a stone’s throw away. Last year, the touring group was lucky enough to have dinner in the Long Room on the eve of the Test – don’t be surprised if our touring team has more tricks up its sleeve!
Seddon Park, Hamilton
You’ve got the picture by now! More splendid grass banks surround Seddon Park, a venue only visited recently by England for a cut short warm-up match. If you’ll remember, McCullum called the game short and took the team to the races in his hometown of Dunedin! As NZ grounds go, this probably has the most seats but it still has a boutique feel and will be the perfect venue to watch England wrap up an amazing month.
Join the Barmy Army in New Zealand later this year!
England Men are gearing up for an epic return to cricket paradise, New Zealand, in November and December 2024, for a thrilling three-test Tour! The dates are confirmed, with Ben Stokes’ side travelling to Christchurch, Wellington and Hamilton.
- 1st Test: Christchurch (28th Nov-2nd Dec)
- 2nd Test: Wellington (6th Dec-10th Dec)
- 3rd Test: Hamilton (14th Dec-18th Dec)
Matches between England and New Zealand have delivered some unforgettable moments in the past – most recently the Wellington one-run wonder. We’re confident that the upcoming England vs New Zealand series in December will add some memorable chapters to this cricket rivalry.
The Barmy Army is thrilled to be returning to New Zealand, and our Travel packages are LIVE. Fancy joining us there? Click the button below to book a package.
