Black Caps progression into the T20 World Cup final is only going to make cricket lovers even more keen to get the cricket bat out this summer.
But a great thing about summer in Aotearoa is how cricket becomes more than a sport - people who have never bowled a ball in their lives get involved, as do those who normally just head back home when they hear someone mention "over".
As the summer heat builds up, there's a variety of bowling conditions across the country, from the hard, dry sands which turn moist as the tide changes, to the more grippy fresh grass of the bach back lawn.
Research from Booking.com has found backyard cricket is a very common Kiwi pastime, with 85 percent of New Zealanders surveyed having played it.
That puts it well ahead of how popular other summertime activities are, including:
- Going to the beach - 50 Percent
- Catching up with friends over some drinks - 45 percent
- Traveling and exploring different parts of the country - 46 percent
- Barbequing at a holiday home or beach - 40 percent.
With the cricket season now underway, Booking.com is recommending five of the best baches around New Zealand for enjoying a spot of backyard cricket this summer.
Coromandel
For fun in the sun and the biggest backyard for cricket, look no further than this Hahei Beach Bach. The large flat backyard provides a good-sized boundary for smashing sixes, all just a three-minute walk from the centre of Hahei and 600m from the beach.
Hahei is home to the famous Cathedral Cove, a short drive from the delicious Luke's Kitchen and of course, an Aotearoa must-do - Hot Water Beach.
West Coast
For those after a combination of a modern Kiwi bach and the childhood wonder of big open spaces, the Out of the Bay Rua baches are ideal for cricket lovers wanting to head west.
Located in Cape Foulwind (which could easily be the name of a fielding position) the beachfront property offers access to a terrace, plenty of green spaces and a barbeque. A romantic getaway for two with some outdoor cricket fun, Out of Bay is the perfect place to unwind and recharge after a day on the pitch.
Papamoa
Just up the road from Bay of Plenty's home of cricket, this Kiwi holiday park is the ideal place to pick up a few extra players for your match? The Papamoa Beach Resort offers modern conveniences and a range of accommodation types for families with plenty of wide-open spaces to enjoy a few overs.
The property is beachfront, if you want to take the game to the sand, and also features a covered barbecue area with picnic tables for post-game refreshments, and a children's playground to keep the kids happy.
Northland
To avoid any rain delays, head North to Cable Bay. Driftwood Beachfront Accommodation is located right on the beachfront in Doubtless Bay, offering the most picturesque pitch for a day-nighter on the sand with a shaded deck perfect for drink breaks.
If you're after more outdoor activities, the property also provides free sea kayak hire, free fishing equipment if you're in the mood to catch something other than a cricket ball, as well as free boogie boards to make the most of the location.
Wanaka
While Queenstown is arguably the most scenic international cricket venue, this venue is big enough for an entire cricket team: Oasis Yurt Lodge in Wanaka. The cluster of yurts are set around the boundary of the perfect pitch, while a central lodge holds everything you could need to cater to your first eleven. Located alongside the Cardrona River and just five minutes from central Wanaka, there's plenty of fun to be had between innings.
