Fun under the New Zealand sun with Team India

Experience the best of New Zealand with the outstanding display of cricket

The Indian national cricket team have been touring New Zealand for a limited overs series which began on January 23, 2019. The team will be playingfive One Day International (ODI) series followed by three Twenty20 Internationals against the Blackcaps.

The matches will be hosted across five regions in the country- Hawke’s Bay, Bay of Plenty, Waikato, Wellington and Auckland.

With four matches having already been concluded from the series, the Indian cricketers will be spoilt for things to experience while on tour whether they are looking to relax between matches or take on a kiwi adventure.

A cricket nation

Cricket is New Zealand’s national summer sport and has over 100,000 registered players.

Cricket is the sport of choice for any outdoor gathering, enjoyed often in the backyard or on the beach. For casual games like these, Kiwis usually adopt their own set ofrules, with the games taking on a faster pace and played with a tennis ball.

As a cricket-loving nation, Kiwi crowds will be out in force during the Indian tour, cheering on the New Zealand Blackcaps.

Fan Guide – Thingsto explore during the New Zealand-India Cricket Tour

Napier, Hawke’s Bay

The first match of the tour, on January 23, was hosted in Napier, New Zealand’s art deco capital.

Top Experiences in Hawke’s Bay

• Explore Art Deco architecture- A must visit to the rebuilt city of Napier to relive the opulent era of jazz, boaters and beads at the annual Art Deco Festival
• Taste artisan fare- Visit a local farmers’ market and stroll among the stalls of fresh fruit, vegetables, artisan bread, cheese and meats
• Explore the cycle trails- You can visit all of Hawke’s Bay’s attractions by bike – cycle by the seaside, venture to the vineyards or explore the countryside combining more than 200 km of tracks
• Hike or bike up Te Mata Peak– One must hike, bike or drive to the top and marvel at the hang gliders soaring high above the majestic Heretaunga Plains, nearly 400 metres above sea level

For further information,visit https://media.newzealand.com/en/story-ideas/hawkes-bay-an-introduction/

Mount Maunganui, Bay of Plenty

Mount Maunganui hosted two matches, one on January 26and another on January 28.

Top Experiences in Bay of Plenty

• New Zealand’s only active marine volcano–VisitWhite Island, the only active marine volcano in New Zealand along the golden-hued coastline
• Swim with dolphins in their natural habitat – Tickoff your bucket list and swim with dolphins that frequent the open waters just off Tauranga
• Hike to the top of Bay of Plenty’s iconic Mauao- You must enjoy this 360-panoramic view from the top, rich in Maori culture and history
• Explore Moutohora, Whale Island- Visit and explore Moutohora with an experienced guide with Whale Island Tours; finishing the tour at beautiful Hot Water Beach
• Paddle the coastline of Ohiwa Harbour- You must rent a kayak or take a guided tour with locally based KG Kayaks leading to a scenic inlet that lends itself to being explored by paddle power

For further information, visithttp://media.newzealand.com/en/story-ideas/bay-of-plenty-an-introduction/ 

Hamilton, Waikato

Hamilton hosted the fourth ODI on January 31, and will be hosting the third and final Twenty20 match of the Indian Tour on February 10.

Top Experiences in Hamilton, Waikato

• Dine like a hobbit – Visitthe ultimate evening of Middle‑earth magic at Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata with an evening dinner tour
• Waitomo Glowworm Caves – Takea guided tour into the heart of the Waitomo Caves and be amazed by the limestone formations and huge cavern before exiting via boat-ride under thousands of twinkling glowworms
• Waikato Museum & Hamilton Gardens – Travelto the most visited attraction, the Hamilton Gardens that tell the Story of Gardens through themed garden collections from different civilisations
• Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari – Onemust get up close to takahe, tuatara, giant weta and kaka amidst the beauty of Mount Maungatautari, an ancient forested volcano
• Learn to surf at Raglan – VisitRaglan, a beautifully scenic stretch of black sand coastline, home to one of the longest and most consistent left-handers in the world

For further information, visithttps://media.newzealand.com/en/story-ideas/hamilton-waikato-an-introduction/

Wellington

Wellington will be host to the final ODI of the Indian tour on February 3, and the first Twenty20 match on February 6. Wellington is the capital of New Zealand and is regarded as the national centre for arts, coffee, craft beer, film and politics.

Top Experiences in Wellington

• Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongarewa- Discover great treasures and stories of this country, its unique natural environment, Māori culture, art, heritage, and fascinating history at this innovative museum
• Discover New Zealand wildlife- Visit the home of rare little white kiwi at nature reserve Zealandia, brimming with nature experiences
• Learn about movie-making magic- Visit Weta Workshop for a peek into incredible artistry and remarkable Kiwi innovation, a must for Middle‑earth fans
• Visit the world’s tastiest laneway- In the heart of the city, visit Hannahs Laneway, a perfect place to taste local flavours and pick up souvenirs
• Get your coffee fix- You will be spoilt for choice in New Zealand’s coffee capital for a typically Wellington brew and vibe

For further information, visithttps://media.newzealand.com/en/story-ideas/wellington/

Auckland

Auckland will host the second Twenty20 match on February 8. This vibrant multicultural city infuses cuisine, music, art and culture with colour and diversity.

Top experiences in Auckland

• Adventure in the City – VisitAuckland’s Sky Tower,192 meters above ground level, including bungy jumping, canyoning, skydiving and kayaking
• Food & Wine – VisitAuckland’s gastronomical region, which is home to world class food producers with distinct vineyards and wineries
• Discover Art and Culture –Exploreworld class exhibitions at one of the many art galleries, home to New Zealand’s contemporary collection of sculptures and stunning landscapes
• Auckland Central – Explorethe city’s wide range of different shopping experiences from local and international designer clothes to retro and vintage fashions
• Hauraki Gulf – Visitthe Island of wine, surrounded with wildlife sanctuaries and beautifully featured walks

For further information, visithttps://media.newzealand.com/en/story-ideas/progressive-dining-fuels-tasty-auckland-nights/

Additional Links

• https://media.newzealand.com/en/story-ideas/cricket-and-summer-make-perfect-nz-match/
• https://media.newzealand.com/en/story-ideas/auckland-overview/
• https://www.tourismnewzealand.com/news/cricket-world-cup-draw-offers-tourism-potential-for-regional-new-zealand/