Bay Oval to host first game of NZ cricket season
25 June 2025
The start date for New Zealand’s next international cricket season has been announced, with the city of Tauranga anticipating a surge of fans as it hosts the Australian men’s cricket team for the first time.
Bay Oval, in the beachside suburb of Mount Maunganui, will host three Twenty20 International (T20I) matches during the first week of October as part of the highly anticipated BLACKCAPS versus Australia series.
The iconic venue was recently named as one of the top 10 grounds in the world to watch test cricket.
The long-awaited restart of international flights into nearby Hamilton, with 14 weekly flight options to and from Sydney and the Gold Coast, has made a trans-Tasman trip to watch the T20I series in Tauranga even more viable.
Tourism Bay of Plenty general manager Oscar Nathan says Bay Oval, which can hold up to 10,000 people, offers a unique setting, with its casual grassy bank seating giving fans close access and direct visibility to all the on-field action.
“It’s one of the most enjoyable grounds to play or watch cricket in Aotearoa New Zealand. We’re delighted Tauranga has secured the first international games of the 2025/2026 New Zealand season, and we’re sure the T20I series will be a hit with locals and visitors alike.
“These early October games will coincide with school holidays on both sides of the Tasman, so it will be a great opportunity for families to enjoy world-class cricket together.”
Tauranga is also scheduled to host a one-day international on 26 October, featuring the BLACKCAPS vs England, and a December pre-Christmas test match between the BLACKCAPS and the West Indies.
Above image: the BLACKCAPS at Bay Oval (credit - Photosport)
“These cricket matches will inspire a whole new wave of international fans and online audiences to discover and enjoy everything our region offers,” Oscar says.
“Our beaches are consistently voted the best in the country, and we’re sure visitors will enjoy our fantastic eateries and the array of tourism attractions and activities while they’re here. We’re looking forward to an awesome season.”
T20I BLACKCAPS vs Australia series at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga
- Wednesday, 1 October 2025 (7.15pm)
- Friday, 3 October 2025 (7.15pm)
- Saturday, 4 October 2025 (7.15pm)
Tickets for the NZ Cricket international matches will go on sale in August and will be available at nzc.nz.
Top image: evening match at Bay Oval (credit - Photosport)