Wellington awarded England Test match

New Zealand wicketkeeper Tom Blundell celebrates after taking a catch to dismiss Ben Duckett of England during a test match.

Following what has been described as an extremely competitive venue allocation process, the Tests have been scheduled to be played in Christchurch from 28 November to 2 December, in Wellington from 6 to 10 December, and in Hamilton from 14 to 18 December.

Strong demand for details from domestic and international fans prompted New Zealand Cricket (NZC) to expedite decisions over the England Tests, with the remainder of the 2024-25 Home International Schedule to be announced later in the year.

The Australia and Sri Lanka women’s teams, and the Sri Lanka and Pakistan men’s teams will also be touring next summer.

Interest in the England Test series follows sell-out crowds on seven of the eight days of the two Tests played against Australia earlier this year, as well as massive TVNZ audiences.

WellingtonNZ’s general manager of Events and Experiences Heidi Morton says Wellington and the Basin Reserve are synonymous with Test cricket and hosting large contingents of sports fans. “We are thrilled the England team will play their second Test of this series in the city."

“We saw a sold-out Basin when the Australian men’s team played a Test here earlier this year and are confident fans of the game will be back to do the same in December. This will also be a fantastic boost for our hospitality, accommodation and retail sectors. We look forward to welcoming the English team and their Barmy Army supporters and showing them everything the region has to offer.”

NZC chief executive Scott Weenink described the growing interest in the Test format in New Zealand as “exciting”.

“In the past, there’s often been a lot of talk in New Zealand about the popularity of Test cricket — without that translating into ticket sales or viewership numbers,” he says.

“The difference over the past summer, and in terms of the upcoming Tests against England, is that the interest is being converted to bums on seats and is driving record viewership numbers.

“We’re looking forward to that continuing over the upcoming summer, and to welcoming the England team and their fans to the Tests, and of course all the Kiwi-based supporters as well.”

Information about tickets for the NZC International Home Summer will be released in due course, with tour group bookings for organisations such as NZC Tours, and the Barmy Army to be facilitated.

Date published: 8 April 2024

A "Maoriland" sign made of string lights.

Indigenous stories “needed more than ever”, says Kiwi filmmaker

South by Southwest (SXSW) comes to Sydney with a panel on Indigenous Collaboration: Making Films That Heal, as indigenous filmmakers share their experiences and insights.

The exterior of Tākina from Cable street in day time, a tree sits on the left and the building itself has the reflection of blue skies.

Tākina provides huge boost to Wellington economy

Wellington’s new convention and exhibition centre has injected about $24 million of spending into the city’s economy in its first six months — more than four times over the initial forecast.

People watching USA vs Netherlands at the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 Fan Festival next to TSB Arena.

FIFA Women’s World Cup delivers strong economic benefits to Wellington

A report commissioned by WellingtonNZ to evaluate the costs and benefits to Wellington of hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 (FWWC) has identified a net benefit to the city of $24.6 million.

'Earthling', a piece designed by Gill Saunders for the World of Wearable Art 2023 show in Wellington New Zealand.

WOW delivers another significant economic boost to Wellington

The 2023 World of WearableArt (WOW) Show attracted an audience of almost 60,000 people, with 60% of ticket buyers coming from outside the Wellington region.

A presentation at the Lie Science Summit at Shed 6 located on Queens Wharf in Wellington Central.

New business events legacy programme launched in Wellington

Organisations looking to host conferences in Wellington now have expertise on hand to assist with conference legacy projects.

mage from the Golden Shears final. Six shearers are competing on stage - each with a sheep at their feet and an adjudicator looking on.

Shearing competition enters new era

As Masterton prepares for its busiest weekend of the year at the end of the month, the organisers of the annual Golden Shears competition are already looking ahead to 2026.

Giant Thor hammer on the Wellington waterfront with a red and white for sale sign hanging off it

Hammer out a deal, Marvel fans!

The hammer is going under the hammer. Guaranteed to amaze your family, be the envy of your friends and make it really hard to mow your back lawn, this is one purchase you need to nail.

2 people standing outside the 'SPACESUIT' thrift store on Cuba Street at night time, with neon lights around them. One character is holding a purse, wearing an oversized blue jumper and blue skirt, and the other wears a vest and glasses. Mannequins sit in

Wellington’s “intangible energy” focus of new visitor campaign

Would you do something you’ve never done before? Eat something different, wear something unusual – would you go somewhere new? You would in Wellington.

The 'TARDIS' blue police box was placed on the Wellington Airport runway in the dark. A blue light sits on top of the box illuminating the ground behind it.

TARDIS lands on Wellington runway

A journey through time and space ended at Wellington Airport this morning when an iconic British blue police box touched down on the runway shortly after 1am.

Two people at the Wellington Zoo on a sunny summer's day.

Wellington gears up for tourism industry’s biggest event

Wellington’s tourism operators are preparing for a big few days with the industry’s largest and most important trade show opening in the city on Wednesday.