Seddon Park is one of New Zealand’s most distinctive international cricket grounds in New Zealand, located in Hamilton, Waikato. Unlike massive cricket stadiums with towering stands, this compact 10,500-capacity venue is famous for its tree-lined grassy banks, intimate atmosphere and picturesque village-green setting. It is home to Northern Districts Cricket and regularly hosts international Test matches, ODIs and T20Is.
At PitchVaani, we take you beyond the scorecard with a detailed guide to Seddon Park. Explore its history, seating capacity, pitch report, boundary dimensions, international cricket records, memorable matches and visitor information before your next cricket experience in Hamilton.
Match-day photo · 26 Dec 2025 · JaumeBG / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
Location
50 Seddon Road, Hamilton Central
Country
New Zealand (Waikato)
Capacity
10,500 per venue operator; ESPNcricinfo lists 10,000
Home team
Northern Districts / Northern Brave
Named
1906, after PM Richard Seddon
First ODI
NZ v India · 15 Feb 1981
First Test
NZ v Sri Lanka · 22 Feb 1991
Ends
Members End and City End
Straight boundary
Approx. 60.6 m
Square boundary
Approx. 64.8 m
Seddon Park overview
Photos are whole-image, downscaled WebP versions of Wikimedia Commons files. They do not guarantee current venue conditions; photo credits and licences are shown with the gallery.
JaumeBG / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
Venue history
History of Seddon Park, Hamilton
Seddon Park is one of New Zealand’s oldest and most recognised cricket venues, located in Hamilton. The ground was named after former New Zealand Prime Minister Richard Seddon in 1906 and hosted its first major cricket match in 1914. It hosted its first Test match in 1991, when New Zealand played Sri Lanka. Over the years, Seddon Park has become an important venue for international cricket, hosting Test matches, ODIs and T20 Internationals.
Kieran Connellan / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
Format context
Seddon Park pitch report
The Seddon Park pitch usually offers a fair contest between bat and ball, though how it plays often depends on cloud cover and the weather on the day. Cricbuzz’s venue figures show average Test innings of 311 / 318 / 242 / 175 and ODI first and second innings of 229 / 200. Short boundary ropes reward attacking batting, but grass cover, pitch preparation and weather can give seam bowlers help.
Explore international cricket matches played at Seddon Park, including Test, ODI and T20I fixtures. Check match results, dates, teams and scorecards to understand the ground’s international cricket history.
Kieran Connellan / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
Visitor planning
How to reach Seddon Park
Seddon Park is located at 50 Seddon Road, Hamilton, New Zealand, close to Hamilton’s Central Business District (CBD). The cricket ground is accessible by public bus, taxi and private vehicle. Visitors staying in central Hamilton can also walk to the venue in approximately 5–10 minutes.
This is the only international currently scheduled at Seddon Park in New Zealand Cricket’s 2026–27 home schedule. India’s two Tests after the ODI series are in Wellington (19–23 Nov 2026) and Christchurch (27 Nov–1 Dec 2026), not Hamilton.
Recent matches at Seddon Park
The latest completed men’s and women’s internationals at the ground, newest first, with results.
Date
Format
Match
Result
Scorecard
10 Nov 2026
Men’s ODI
New Zealand v India, 3rd ODI
No result. Rain washed the match out without a ball bowled after India won the toss and chose to field. India lead the five-match series 2–0.
Sources: New Zealand Cricket’s 2026–27 international schedule, ESPNcricinfo scorecards and match reports, and the NZC archive. Fixtures and results checked on 11 November 2026. This page is not a live score feed.
Records and stats
Men’s international summary by format
Format
Matches
Won batting first
Won batting second
Drawn / no result
Toss winner won
First match
Latest match
Men’s Test
29
10
11
8 drawn
12 of 29 (41%); toss loser won 9
22 Feb 1991 v Sri Lanka
14 Dec 2024 v England
Men’s ODI
44
15
25
4 no result
19 of 44 (43%); toss loser won 21
15 Feb 1981 v India
10 Nov 2026 v India (no result)
Men’s T20I
15
9
6
0
4 of 15 (27%); toss loser won 11
28 Dec 2008 v West Indies
1 Nov 2026 v India
Men’s internationals only, updated to 11 November 2026. Match counts match the NZC archive ground lists. The batting-first, batting-second and toss splits follow MyKhel’s venue records, updated by PitchVaani for the 1 November 2026 T20I (New Zealand won the toss, fielded and won) and the rain-abandoned 10 November 2026 ODI. The tied T20I on 29 January 2020, which India won in a Super Over, is counted as a win for India, who batted first.
Venue averages
Venue aggregates as displayed by Cricbuzz on 10 November 2026. The T20 figures include at least one women’s match, so they are not a men’s-only table.
Format / scope
Matches
Won batting first
Won bowling first
Average innings scores
Test venue aggregate
29
10
11
311 / 318 / 242 / 175
ODI venue aggregate
61
25
32
229 / 200
T20, mixed scope
23
13
9
168 / 144
Draws, ties and no-results are not listed separately in the Cricbuzz panel, so the win columns do not add up to the match total.
Format
Highest individual score
Match date
Men’s Test
Kane Williamson 251, New Zealand v West Indies
Test starting 3 Dec 2020
Men’s ODI
Matthew Hayden 181*, Australia v New Zealand
20 Feb 2007
Men’s T20I
Richard Levi 117* off 51 balls, South Africa v New Zealand
19 Feb 2012
Ross Taylor at Seddon Park His highest Test score at the ground is 138 against Australia in the Test starting 27 March 2010.
Format
Best bowling
Match date
Men’s Test, innings
Chris Cairns 7/27, New Zealand v West Indies
Test starting 16 Dec 1999
Men’s Test, match
Chris Cairns 10/100, New Zealand v West Indies
Test starting 16 Dec 1999
Men’s ODI
Trent Boult 6/33, New Zealand v Australia
5 Feb 2017
Men’s T20I
James Franklin 4/15, New Zealand v England
12 Feb 2013
Date
Match
Result
15 Feb 1981
New Zealand v India, ODI
New Zealand won by 57 runs
22–26 Feb 1991
New Zealand v Sri Lanka, Test
Match drawn
20 Feb 2007
New Zealand v Australia, ODI
New Zealand won by 1 wicket, chasing 347
28 Dec 2008
New Zealand v West Indies, T20I
New Zealand won by 36 runs
13 Mar 2015
New Zealand v Bangladesh, World Cup ODI
New Zealand won by 3 wickets
1 Nov 2026
New Zealand v India, T20I
New Zealand won by 7 wickets
A selection only. Use the ESPNcricinfo ground pages for a full, format-specific results list.
Format
Team-score records
Men’s Test
Highest: New Zealand 715/6 declared v Bangladesh (Test starting 28 Feb 2019). Lowest completed innings: New Zealand 93 v Pakistan (Test starting 2 Jan 1993). Highest successful chase: New Zealand 269/3 v South Africa, chasing 267 (Test starting 13 Feb 2024).
Men’s ODI
Highest: West Indies 363/4 v New Zealand (8 Jan 2014). Lowest completed innings: India 92 v New Zealand (31 Jan 2019). Highest successful chase: New Zealand 350/9 v Australia (20 Feb 2007).
Men’s T20I
Highest: New Zealand 212/4 v India (10 Feb 2019). Lowest completed innings: Bangladesh 78 v New Zealand (3 Feb 2010). Highest successful chase: New Zealand 202/5 v Zimbabwe, chasing 201 (14 Feb 2012).
Lowest totals use ESPNcricinfo’s completed-innings definition, so reduced or unfinished innings are not counted.
Stats sources: ESPNcricinfo ground records for Seddon Park (men’s Test, ODI and T20I), checked 10 November 2026 and including the November 2026 India T20I, plus Cricbuzz venue aggregates. Format summary and chase records: NZC archive ground lists, ESPNcricinfo scorecards and MyKhel venue records, checked 11 November 2026.
Pitch report
Seddon Park can be a good batting venue, especially in white-ball cricket with short boundary ropes, but grass cover, pitch preparation and weather can give seam bowlers help. Test pitches can change a lot over five days. The figures below are historical venue averages, not a forecast for a particular match.
Factor
What the evidence shows
Test scoring
Average innings scores of 311 / 318 / 242 / 175. Scoring has usually dropped sharply in the third and fourth innings.
ODI scoring
Average first and second innings of 229 / 200. Teams bowling first won 32 of 61 ODIs in the Cricbuzz figures, but this is not a fixed toss rule.
T20 scoring
Average first and second innings of 168 / 144 in a mixed men’s and women’s sample.
Boundaries
The ground is known for short boundaries. Published 2026 boundary measurements indicate approximately 60.6 m straight and 64.8 m square; actual distances vary with the rope setting and the strip in use.
Surface
Grass pitches. In 2022/23 the pitch block was re-laid with Patumahoe clay and an extra wicket was added, so older descriptions of the strips may no longer apply.
Seam and swing
Cloud cover is not a guaranteed sign of swing here. Check the prepared pitch, the forecast and match-day reports.
Practical read: expect quick scoring when the pitch is flat, but India’s 92 all out in a 2019 ODI shows that Seddon Park is not always a batting paradise.
History of Seddon Park
Seddon Park is one of New Zealand’s oldest and most recognised cricket venues, located in Hamilton. The ground was named after former New Zealand Prime Minister Richard Seddon in 1906 and hosted its first major cricket match in 1914, when an Australian touring team played South Auckland. It hosted its first Test match in 1991, when New Zealand played Sri Lanka. Over the years, Seddon Park has become an important venue for international cricket, hosting Test matches, ODIs and T20 Internationals.
One of the interesting facts about Seddon Park is its relatively short boundary. The approximate straight boundary measures 60.6 metres, while the square boundary is around 64.8 metres, although exact distances can change with the rope setting and the pitch in use. That makes it an interesting venue for batters who enjoy playing attacking cricket. The ground is particularly known for its attractive batting surfaces, although conditions can vary with the weather and format.
Seddon Park has witnessed several memorable cricket performances. Kane Williamson scored a magnificent 251 against West Indies in December 2020, the highest individual Test score at the venue. Ross Taylor’s best Test innings at the ground is 138 against Australia in March 2010. In ODI cricket, Matthew Hayden smashed an unbeaten 181 against New Zealand in 2007, although New Zealand still chased 347 to win by one wicket. In T20Is, South Africa’s Richard Levi made an unbeaten 117 off 51 balls in 2012, the highest men’s T20I score at the ground.
The ground has an interesting history too. The site was designated for recreational use in 1864 and was named after former New Zealand Prime Minister Richard Seddon in 1906. It hosted its first international match, an ODI between New Zealand and India, in 1981 and became a Test venue in 1991.
1864
Recreation reserve
The official Seddon Park history records 1864 as the year the site was set aside for recreational use.
1906
Named Seddon Park
Hamilton’s council named the 14-acre recreation ground after former Prime Minister Richard Seddon in July 1906, as reported by the Waikato Argus on 14 July 1906.
3 Feb 1914
First major match
An Australian touring team began a two-day match against South Auckland at Seddon Park, the ground’s first significant cricket fixture.
1956/57
First-class cricket
First-class cricket began when Northern Districts was formed. The ground has been the association’s main home venue ever since.
15 Feb 1981
First international
New Zealand beat India by 57 runs in the ground’s first ODI, a decade before its Test debut.
1990–2006
Sponsor names and new pavilion
The ground was renamed Trust Bank Park in 1990, WestpacTrust Park in 1997 and Westpac Park in 2003, before returning to Seddon Park in 2006. The present pavilion was built in 1990 and extended in 2014.
22–26 Feb 1991
First Test
New Zealand and Sri Lanka drew the first Test at the ground, then known as Trust Bank Park.
1999 and 2019
Floodlights
Floodlights were first installed in 1999. In 2019 the old structures and lights were replaced with LED lighting.
2022/23
Ground redevelopment
The outfield was resurfaced, drainage and irrigation were replaced, a ring road was laid for accessibility, the pitch block was re-laid with Patumahoe clay and an extra wicket was added.
Facilities
Signature feature
Tree-lined grass banks
Grass banks run around about two-thirds of the ground, giving Seddon Park its picnic-style, village-green feel. Bank tickets are general admission, so you choose your own spot in the designated area.
Seating and players
Members’ pavilion and grandstand
The present pavilion dates from 1990 and was extended in 2014 with larger changing rooms, match-official facilities and community meeting rooms. Hamilton City Council also lists a grandstand, clubroom and toilets.
Day-night cricket
LED floodlights
Lights were first installed in 1999 and replaced with LED technology in 2019, allowing day-night internationals and domestic matches.
Accessibility
Mobility access
Mobility parking is between Gates B and C on Seddon Road and needs a valid mobility pass. Mobility entry is through Gate B, accessible viewing is near Gate C, and accessible toilets are near Gate C and on the pavilion ground floor.
Food and drink
What you can bring
The summer guide allows small amounts of personal food, sealed plastic drinks, empty plastic bottles up to 2.25 litres and soft chilly bags. Outside alcohol, glass, takeaway food, hard chilly bins, umbrellas, shade tents and prams are not allowed. The published Test-match conditions differ and permit folding chairs and small collapsible umbrellas.
Visitor limitation
Parking
There is no regular on-site parking. Event parking is usually at Circus Park and nearby streets, and drivers are asked to avoid the roads right around the ground on match days.
Sources: Seddon Park official site (about, history, getting here and summer cricket guide), Hamilton City Council and NZC visitor FAQs. Rules can change for each fixture.
How to reach Seddon Park
Seddon Park is located at 50 Seddon Road, Hamilton, New Zealand, close to Hamilton’s Central Business District (CBD). The cricket ground is accessible by public bus, taxi and private vehicle. Visitors staying in central Hamilton can also walk to the venue in approximately 5–10 minutes.
Seddon Park, 50 Seddon Road, Hamilton Central, Hamilton 3204, New Zealand
Hamilton CBD and Transport Centre
The ground is a 5–10 minute walk from central Hamilton. The Hamilton Transport Centre at Anglesea and Bryce streets is about 500 m away, and Busit buses also stop on Tristram Street near Gate E and Norton Road near Gate F.
Hamilton Airport (HLZ)
The airport is about 15 km from the ground by road. Taxis, rideshare and rental cars are the practical options; no direct airport shuttle to the ground was confirmed.
From Auckland
Te Huia trains run from The Strand in Auckland to Frankton and Rotokauri in Hamilton (not Hamilton Central), so plan a bus or taxi for the last leg. By car the trip is about 123 km, roughly 1½ hours in clear traffic. Aim to arrive at least 45 minutes before play.
Visitor sources: Seddon Park getting-here guide, ICC’s 2022 travel guide, Auckland Transport (Te Huia) and Rome2Rio route estimates. Travel times are estimates; check current timetables before you travel.
Depends on the fixture. Check NZC and Ticketek for current prices.
Bank or reserved seat
Grass-bank tickets are general admission with no numbered seat. Reserved seating categories depend on the fixture map.
Accessible tickets
Book special-access tickets through Ticketek, or call NZC on 0800 686 677. Confirm space before travelling.
Resale tickets
Avoid unofficial resale sellers; NZC names Ticketek as its only authorised seller.
Rain and refunds
Follow NZC’s match-specific terms. Reserve days are generally not part of the home schedule.
Seddon Park Weather planning
Plan for sun and UV
Most of the crowd sits on open grass banks, and umbrellas and shade tents are not allowed under the summer guide for limited-overs matches; the published Test-match conditions permit small collapsible umbrellas. Bring a hat, sunscreen and water.
Allow for showers
Hamilton’s summer weather can change quickly. Pack a light rain layer and check the forecast on the morning of the match.
As Trust Bank Park, the ground hosted New Zealand v Sri Lanka on 25 February and India v Zimbabwe on 7 March. Sachin Tendulkar made 81 as India won the rain-shortened match by 55 runs.
2015
Men’s Cricket World Cup
Three matches were played here: South Africa v Zimbabwe, India v Ireland and New Zealand v Bangladesh. In the last, Mahmudullah’s 128* was matched by Martin Guptill’s 105 as New Zealand won by three wickets.
2022
Women’s Cricket World Cup
Seddon Park staged seven matches at the 2022 Women’s World Cup, according to the official venue history.
Images of Seddon Park
Wikimedia Commons photographs and the Seddon Park seating map, converted to WebP and shown whole without cropping. Individual sources and licences follow.
Photo dates are shown below. These photographs do not show or guarantee current venue conditions.
Match day at Seddon Park26 Dec 2025 · JaumeBG · Wikimedia Commons source and licence · CC BY-SA 4.0Seddon Park from above2007 (exact date varies in file metadata) · Kieran Connellan · Wikimedia Commons source and licence · CC BY-SA 2.0Test cricket at Seddon Park28 Mar 2010 · Brad Haddin at the Seddon Park Test · DXR · Wikimedia Commons source · Public domainSeddon Park seating mapStands, embankments, gates, ticket booths and car parks. Select the map to open it full size.
Pros, cons and real reviews of Seddon Park
Intimate viewing experience with spectators relatively close to the action.
Grassy embankments create a relaxed, village-green atmosphere.
Convenient location within walking distance of Hamilton CBD.
Combination of grass seating and traditional grandstand seating.
Friendly atmosphere and enjoyable international cricket experience.
Limited shade during sunny matches.
Some visitors have reported insufficient shelter during rain.
Parking can become difficult during major matches.
Complaints about seat cleanliness and food or toilet facilities in some older reviews.
Some seating locations may require a longer walk around the ground.
A verified rating and review count for Seddon Park are not shown here. Before relying on a review listing, check that it refers to Seddon Park on Seddon Road, Hamilton.
Checked scope: the Hamilton international ground only, not other parks with the same name elsewhere in New Zealand.
Frequently Asked Questions About Seddon Park
What is the address of Seddon Park?
Seddon Park is located at 50 Seddon Road, Hamilton, New Zealand. It is close to Hamilton’s Central Business District (CBD), approximately 5–10 minutes on foot.
What is the capacity of Seddon Park?
Seddon Park has a spectator capacity of approximately 10,500. Its grass embankments and traditional seating areas give the venue a distinctive village-green atmosphere.
Is Seddon Park a batting-friendly ground?
Seddon Park can offer good scoring opportunities, particularly in limited-overs cricket. However, batting conditions depend on the pitch, weather and match format. Teams should assess the surface rather than assume it is always a batting-friendly venue.
How long are the boundaries at Seddon Park?
Published 2026 boundary measurements indicate approximately 60.6 metres straight and 64.8 metres square. Actual boundary distances can vary depending on the rope placement for individual matches.
Where can I buy Seddon Park tickets?
For international matches, visitors can check the official New Zealand Cricket website for fixtures and ticket-sale information. Ticket availability and prices depend on the match. Check New Zealand Cricket match tickets.
Can I bring food, a chair or an umbrella?
Seddon Park generally permits small quantities of personal food and sealed plastic drinks up to 2.25 litres. However, chair and umbrella rules differ by match. For example, low camping chairs are allowed only in designated zones at some limited-overs matches, while folding chairs and small collapsible umbrellas are permitted under the published Test-match conditions. Always check the event-specific entry rules.
Is there parking at Seddon Park?
There is no guarantee of regular on-site public parking. On match days, controlled parking is available at Circus Park and surrounding streets, subject to availability. Visitors can also use public transport or walk from Hamilton CBD.
Jyoti Bhatia researches cricket-ground history, pitch context, match records and visitor information through source-led editorial research. Read the author profile.
Source note (checked 10 November 2026): Venue history, records and visitor information are based on Seddon Park’s official site, New Zealand Cricket, Hamilton City Council, ESPNcricinfo, Cricbuzz and Wikimedia Commons. This guide is not a live feed; check current conditions before travel.
