Saxton Oval
Stadium International cricket ground in Nelson hosting major matches
Cricket ground in Nelson hosting domestic and occasional international matches; visitors come for games, the local sporting atmosphere and views of surrounding hills.
Saxton Oval is a purpose-built cricket ground in the Saxton Field sports complex near Nelson in New Zealand’s South Island. The ground hosts domestic first-class cricket and has staged international fixtures, particularly women’s internationals and age-group matches.
The venue includes a pavilion, practice nets and temporary and permanent spectator areas that are configured to suit the match level and expected crowd. Saxton Oval is used year-round for local and regional cricket and for larger scheduled events when Nelson hosts representative matches.
The ground lies in the Richmond/Stoke area just outside Nelson city, within the broader Tasman/Nelson urban region on the northern coast of the South Island.
- Role: Located within the Saxton Field sports complex near Stoke and Richmond, it is Nelson's primary cricket venue for domestic first-class and international women's matches.
- Facilities: Facilities include a pavilion, practice nets and spectator stands; larger international fixtures usually require advance booking for seating.
How to Get to Saxton Oval #
Saxton Oval sits off Saxton Road in Stoke, about 4-5 km north of Nelson city center. It’s a 10-15 minute drive from central Nelson; local buses (Nelson Coachlines/Intercity connections and regional routes) stop within a short walk of Saxton Field. There is ample parking on-site for match days.
Tips for Visiting Saxton Oval #
- If attending a domestic cricket match, buy tickets in advance from the Nelson cricket association website; for practice sessions the ground is often open to spectators.
- Walk the perimeter car park on Saxton Road for good vantage points and picnic spots - the long straight boundary gives excellent sightlines.
- Check local weather; wind off Tasman Bay can influence late-afternoon matches and make the outfield feel colder than central Nelson.
Best Time to Visit Saxton Oval #
Best visited during New Zealand's cricket season (spring-summer) for matches and the liveliest atmosphere.
Weather & Climate near Saxton Oval #
Saxton Oval's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 3°C to 22°C. Abundant rainfall (1141 mm/year), wettest in October.
January
January is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (121 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (135 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
