It’s official, the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup has kicked off and we’re already enjoying a month of cricket on our own shores! The news couldn’t be better for the 60% of Kiwi crickets fans who, according to a recent survey, reckon they’re the most passionate fans in the world.
And with 31 incredible matches across 31 action-packed days, why not turn turn your regular girls trip (because have we ever needed a little break away with your mates more?!) into the ultimate cricket girls getaway and support the amazing White Ferns! Choose from five action-packed destinations with sun, sand and sixes on the cards (and thanks to tournament sponsor booking.com, be on the lookout for an epic giveaway on our Instagram page soon!).
After kicking the World Cup off at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui, don’t worry about missing out as there are seven more matches to catch at the Bay Oval and all while the weather is warm!
From lazing about on the sandy shores of Mount Maunganui to tackling the hike up the Mount itself, there are plenty of options for you and your girl gang to do before or after supporting the talented athletes:
Where to stay
For beachside accommodation and a home away from home, head to The Anchorage Apartments. Centrally located, the apartments are a short five minute walk from the shops and restaurants of Maunganui Road, and the beautiful Mount Maunganui Beach. With a range of options from relaxed double rooms to apartments that sleep up to four, there is something to suit everyone, with many rooms offering stunning views of the ocean or Mauao. Stay in and enjoy the sauna and swimming pools, or head out to the local bars, restaurants and shops all within easy striking distance.
Catch all the action from New Zealand’s national stadium with India v Australia on Saturday 19th March and New Zealand v England on Sunday 20th March. March is a beautiful time of year in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, and you can go bougie or back to basics depending on what you want for a weekend of fun.
In the City of Sails the world is your oyster. Hotel hop to experience the vast array of top notch, world-class spas, or spend the afternoon shopping. Auckland is also home to an array of wineries – jump on a ferry to the iconic Waiheke Island or head out west for some fun in the sun at one of the city’s famed black-sand beaches.
Where to stay
Finish off a day of cricket with cocktails on the rooftop bar of the QT Auckland with gorgeous views over the city. You won’t want to leave the stunningly decorated rooms but if you must, the central location is walking distance from the luxury shopping districts in Commercial Bay and Britomart – where you can easily board a train bound for Eden Park. Nothing says girls weekend like rooftop cocktails and retail therapy!
Seddon Park will host a whole heap of matches during March! The city of Hamilton plays host to seven World Cup matches, with New Zealand facing South Africa on 17th March.
Not just great for a weekend of cricket, Hamilton is well known for its beautiful Gardens, riverside walks and of course the ‘Tron’s nightlife. Hamilton’s central precinct is jam-packed with restaurants, bars and a casino where you can wine, dine and dance the night away.
Where to stay
Just a 15 minute walk from Seddon Park is Central Lake Hamilton, a three-bedroom unit that sleeps up to seven, making it perfect for a group booking. This spotlessly clean, modern apartment offers a sophisticated and contemporary living environment, including a sun terrace. Guests rated it 9.7 for location, and it is an easy walk to all amenities and the CBD plus just 1.1 km from Hamilton Gardens.
The Basin Reserve plays host to a bunch of fixtures, with New Zealand taking on Australia on 13th March as well as one of the semi-finals on 30th March.
Our country’s capital plays host to more than just the Cricket World Cup! For some retail therapy, hit the ‘Golden Mile’, Wellington’s main shopping district, covering Willis Street and Lambton Quay. Then head to lively Cuba Street, Wellington’s most colourful street, for cafes and restaurants as well as record stores, bookshops, music venues and heritage architecture.
Where to stay
The perfect base for your city cricket escape is the 4-star Sojourn Apartment Hotel, just 15 minutes walk from the Basin Reserve. It’s also within 2kms of Te Papa, the National War Memorial and Wellington Zoo, so your cultural tour of Aotearoa’s capital city is super-easy. Choose from the family suite or two-bedroom apartment, but with studio apartments next door to another, larger groups can also enjoy this gorgeous city escape.
Hagley Park is the place to see New Zealand in action on the 26th March. It also hosts one of the semi-finals on 31st March and the final on 3rd April.
Shop until you drop at The Tannery in Woolston – from local labels to beautiful boutiques, there is something for everyone. After you’ve found your perfect outfit for the World Cup Final, forget where you are and satisfy your wanderlust when you step inside the Fresca Mediterranean and enjoy fine wine and food inspired by the delicacies of Greece, Italy and Spain.
Where to stay
A leisurely 20 minute stroll through the gorgeous city centre, Sudima Christchurch City offers chic accommodation with city views. This 5-star boutique hotel, with its own luxe spa, is ideally located on Victoria Street in the city of Christchurch amongst a variety of cafes, restaurants and bars, so you and the girls need not go far to be amongst the action. The luxe twin room is ideal for a group of four and adds a touch of luxury to your girls getaway.
