- Living in New Zealand all season long
- Improving your game in a Kiwi club
- Exploring the wonders of New Zealand
- Boosting your CV with a part time job
Sport Lived
Active Breaks In Australia, New Zealand And Argentina
- Call: 0844 858 9103
- Request a brochure
- Ask us a question
- Account log-in
Cricket: Play the season in New Zealand
Duration: 25 weeks
Overview
Experience the thrill of cricket New Zealand style. You’ll join a Kiwi club, hand picked to suit your ability, and spend the season enjoying competitive cricket and laid back fun - unless you fancy a bungee jump! Get ready for loads of adventures with a group of new Sport Lived friends plus your Kiwi team mates.
Recommended for:
At a glance:
- Hand picked Kiwi cricket club
- Regular matches, training & social events
- Shared accommodation
- 24/7 mentor support during your stay
Sporting adventures
The Season allows you to spend 6 months living, working and playing cricket in New Zealand. With so much time you can become fully integrated into overseas life and explore the natural beauty and wonders of New Zealand.
You have the chance to live in an amazing city where our centrally located accommodation puts you at the heart of the action.
FAQs
1. What type of visa do I need?
New Zealand Working Holiday Visa
If you would like to obtain paid work during your programme you will need to obtain a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa. UK citizens aged 18-30 are eligible for a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa which enables holders to live and work in New Zealand for up to 12 months. It costs around £150 and can take up to 4 weeks to process so we recommend getting the paperwork sorted well in advance of your departure.
Visitor’s permit
If you don’t plan to find paid employment in New Zealand and have a British passport you do not need to apply for a tourist visa as you’ll be eligible for a visitor’s permit which covers you for up to six months. The visitor's permit is granted on arrival in New Zealand. For more information see the Travel & Visa section in the Need to Know area of our site.
2. Do I need to be an elite player?
Absolutely not! We cater for players of all abilities. We will obtain further information on your sporting ability once you have submitted your booking form. This will allow us to match you with a suitable club.
3. How can I find out more general information?
Hopefully, most key pieces of information are available on the website where you can download programme notes, prices and dates. Our Need to Know section also contains lots of useful information. If you have other questions or just want to have a chat, we’re always available either on the phone or via email.
We know that planning a trip overseas can be scary at times and there’s loads to think about. So don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need to discuss anything at all.
Working overseas
You’ll have plenty of spare time between training and competing if you’d like to get a job. As well as enhancing your CV and boosting your bank balance, working overseas will help you meet new people and provide more structure to your time away.
Top tips for getting work:
- Plan the type of work you'd like to obtain
- Try to gain relevant work experience
- Prepare a CV and have two references
- Be proactive & persistent in job hunting
Employment options:
- Café/bar work: sociable environment
- Office work: good rates of pay
- Coaching: fulfilling and well paid
- Work experience: boost your CV
Working in New Zealand
You’ll be living close to lots of employment options like offices, shops, bars and restaurants. Contacts at your sport club might also help you to find coaching work.
In addition, your mentor will provide guidance on working in New Zealand but you should ensure you’re well prepared as the job market can be as competitive as the sports arena!
Playing cricket in New Zealand
We have links with a very wide range of good cricket clubs in New Zealand. They all offer a warm welcome and great facilities, so whether you’re a top class cricketer or just want to have some fun, you’ll fit in perfectly!
Club structure
Cricket clubs in New Zealand tend to have lots of teams for men and women plus active junior sections. The top teams at each club play in the highest provincial leagues, whereas lower level teams are more focused on social cricket. Many of our clubs are home to international and provincial players giving you the chance to play (or at least have a beer) with some famous names.
Matches and training
You’ll train 2-3 times per week with matches played at the weekends. Competitions include a number of formats meaning you’ll play a combination of two day and one day matches plus Twenty20 cricket. The season takes a 2-3 week break over the Christmas period, giving you a great chance to enjoy the festivities or perhaps go off and do some travelling.
Off the pitch
With so many members, your club will be a hive of social activity. There’ll be drinks after training and matches, plus social events throughout the season. Many clubs also arrange tours, a great chance to get to know your teammates whilst exploring a new part of New Zealand.
Cricket development
Our clubs are selected for their high quality coaching and facilities, helping you to return home as a much improved player.
...and finally
New Zealand’s such a beautiful country especially in the summer. Leave the UK winter behind and come and play some cricket!
Social life
On your New Zealand cricket programme you’ll work and train hard. But there’s plenty of time for fun too.
Through your cricket club...
Kiwis are famous for their warm welcome, and your cricket club will be at the centre of your social life. Prepare for plenty of fun on and off the pitch! We try to ensure all clubs offer a vibrant social scene with regular events such as club tours, post-match drinks, fancy dress parties and pub crawls.
With Sport Lived…
You’ll live alongside other Sport Lived participants who are playing and coaching a wide variety of sports. This provides a ready made group of friends for you to get together with and explore life in New Zealand.
Your programme will begin with introductory drinks during the first week, co-ordinated by your mentor who will also organise regular social events. These might include a day out at a seasonal sporting event, a traditional Kiwi dinner, pub golf, etc.
Your pad
- STANDARD ACCOMMODATION
- PREMIUM ACCOMMODATION
STANDARD ACCOMMODATION
Choose our Standard Accommodation in New Zealand and you will live right in the centre of a fantastic city at one of the best hostels. Your pad is close to public transport which makes it easy to get to your sports clubs for training and matches. It's location also gives you the chance to try out all the bars, clubs and restaurants in and around the city.
At a glance:
- Accommodation in hostels & lodges
- 2-6 dormitory style shared rooms
- City centre location
- Communal lounge and kitchen
Your place in New Zealand...
You'll share a dorm room with other Sport Lived participants. You'll enjoy good facilities including web access, comfortable communal areas and fully equipped kitchens. By living in a hostel you'll also get to meet travellers from around the world.
NB: Illustrative accommodation pictures.
PREMIUM ACCOMMODATION
Choose our Premium Accommodation in New Zealand and you’ll live in a 4 star apartment in the centre of town. Your club will be easily accessible by public transport and with lots of bars, clubs, restaurants and shops close by there are plenty of places to explore.
At a glance:
- 4-star fully furnished apartments
- Located close to transport and nightlife
- Shared with Sport Lived participants
- Relax! Most bills are included
Home from home....
Apartments are shared with other Sport Lived participants and include a 24 hour reception plus many mod-cons. Apartments are fully furnished including a tv, linen, kitchen appliances, washing machines etc. They are also serviced weekly so you can spend your time having fun.
NB: Illustrative accommodation pictures.
Reviews
JAMES HAWLEY – FULL SEASON CRICKET IN NEW ZEALAND
What was the highlight of the experience?
I went over to New Zealand to ultimately improve as a cricketer and develop as a person. To play cricket for 6 months abroad in different conditions was a fantastic opportunity. Training twice a week and playing amongst and against international and first class cricketers gave me a good insight to what is required to become a professional cricketer.
Do you think your Sport Lived experience has changed you as a person?
Yes, most definitely, I returned from New Zealand with a lot more confidence, personality wise and on a cricketing front. I became very self sufficient and this was ideal preparation for university life. The experience gave me so much freedom and my communication skills developed immensely through meeting new people.
What tips would you give to future Sport Lived participants?
Don’t be nervous or apprehensive about the opportunity to go abroad, you will have an amazing time and it is an experience no-one can take away from you. Everyone you meet is so friendly and suddenly you will have lots of people to call upon. Get as much out of the experience as you can and if money allows, try and fit some travelling in around Christmas / New Year time to split up your time away. Always be positive whilst you are away, a lot of people would love to travel abroad given the opportunity, so don’t waste it and be proud of your achievement of travelling around the world at a young age.
Why should someone choose Sport Lived?
Experiencing a whole different culture and way of life whilst playing sport abroad is something I would encourage everyone to experience. The whole package from Sport Lived is not to be missed, the accommodation was fantastic in a great location and to have a mentor nearby was also useful.
How have you improved as a player?
I felt I improved immensely as a player because of the exposure I gained through training twice a week and the high standard of cricket played. I developed a greater understanding of my own game and how to play in different conditions and match situations. My attitude towards training changed a lot because of extra training sessions and compulsory fielding sessions. This has made me more determined to work on my bad habits whilst improving on my strengths.
...Finally I am glad I went on a Sport Lived programme because
the amazing memories I have of my time in New Zealand will stay with me forever.
A week in the life...
...of Dan Footitt, a bowling allrounder, who played cricket in Christchurch from September to March. Dan joined the largest club in New Zealand who are based at the beautiful Hagley Park. He travelled around the South Island during the Christmas break.
Monday
Monday is the day I do all my shopping for the week at the local supermarket. Then I go into town for a long gym session followed by a look around the city centre and walk back through the gardens. Chill out in the evening watching TV with my flatmates.
Tuesday
Played a game of front yard cricket with the lads in the morning. Training in the evening where we’re put through our paces with fielding and bowling practice. Drinks afterwards with clubmates and tonight we head into town to make a night of it.
Wednesday
Another trip to the gym in the morning followed by a relaxing sauna. One of my teammates calls over in the afternoon to take the Sport Lived gang to a local lake where we went on his jet-ski and chilled out by the water in the afternoon and evening.
Thursday
Busy day today. A morning gym session and head straight off to my club to coach some of the juniors section in the afternoon. Training session in the evening with the usual hard work of fielding and a lot of bowling. Good fun session left us in the mood for a few drinks in the clubrooms followed by “thirsty Thursday”.
Friday
Not much of a morning after “thirsty Thursday”, but eventually make it into town to explore the shops. Get the PSP out for a session on Champ Manager with the Sport Lived guys. It’s a relaxing night as we’re out early in the morning.
Saturday
We’re up at 7.30am to get everything ready for the day’s game. Arrive at the ground about 9.15am for a warm up. Bit of a yarn in the changing rooms after the game, then make our way back to the clubrooms for a catch-up with the other teams.
Sunday
Cleaned up the flat this morning then go out and head to the beach or for a relaxed day with the Sport Lived crew. BBQ by the water and spend the afternoon chatting and playing some beach cricket.
Prices and dates...
- Location
- Duration
- From
- To
- Price
- Dunedin
- 25 weeks
- 01/10/2012
- 24/03/2013
- Standard
-
- £ 5995
- Dunedin
- 25 weeks
- 01/10/2012
- 24/03/2013
- Premium
-
- £ 8695
New Zealand
Home of the famous Haka, icy glaciers, stunning fjords and of course bungee! New Zealand is the ultimate place to combine sport and adventure. Whichever programme you choose, memories of your Sport Lived experience in Kiwi-land will last forever.
New Zealand highlights:
- Try adventure sports in Queenstown
- Climb the ancient Franz Josef glacier
- Tour the stunning Hawkes Bay vineyards
- Check out Abel Tasman's golden beaches
- Head to Kaikoura for whale watching
Choose your destination city...
Our programmes run in stunning Christchurch located in New Zealand’s south island. Click on Christchurch to learn more about our spectacular Kiwi destination.
Sport Lived in Christchurch
Here’s your chance to meet Sarah, a Sport Lived mentor in Christchurch and local resident with a passion for her local city. See the South Island’s major city through the eyes of an enthusiastic local.
The weather in Christchurch today is...
Your mentor recommends:
- Ride the Gondola for spectacular city views
- Explore the city on Christchurch's trams
- Watch a Canterbury Crusaders match
- Punting through the city on the Avon river
Positioned on the East coast of the South Island, Christchurch has all you would want in a city, plus more! We are the largest city on the South Island but the centre is compact and has so many parks and gardens that it is easy to pretend you are in the countryside. Besides the green space, there are beaches; a city centre packed with pubs and restaurants and several museums. All the ingredients for a great stay.
If adventure and an adrenalin rush is your thing then you won’t be disappointed - we have awesome surfing beaches, river rapids, bush walks, paragliding and some of the best ski fields in the southern hemisphere less than one hour from the city centre - something you definitely wouldn't find in the big smoke up north!
The city centre has an amazing vibe and atmosphere, without having the feel of a "big city". With an awesome range of clubs and bars there is definitely something to satisfy everyone’s partying tastes. You’ll also find that the Christchurch people are an awesome bunch who are more than happy to stop and have a chat.
As for our sporting prowess, Christchurch continually proves that it is the sporting capital of the nation: hockey, cricket, softball, netball, basketball, and need I mention the mighty Crusaders? So whatever takes your fancy, Christchurch is the city that has it all! So what are you waiting for?
OUR 4 STAR ACCOMMODATION
See our range of fully furnished 4-star city centre apartments.
CHECK OUT OUR TOP TIPS
Read our top 5 tips on how to get the most out of your Sport Lived experience.
OUR 4 STAR ACCOMMODATION
See our range of fully furnished 4-star city centre apartments.
CHECK OUT OUR TOP TIPS
Read our top 5 tips on how to get the most out of your Sport Lived experience.
OUR 4 STAR ACCOMMODATION
See our range of fully furnished 4-star city centre apartments.
CHECK OUT OUR TOP TIPS
Read our top 5 tips on how to get the most out of your Sport Lived experience.
OUR 4 STAR ACCOMMODATION
See our range of fully furnished 4-star city centre apartments.
CHECK OUT OUR TOP TIPS
Read our top 5 tips on how to get the most out of your Sport Lived experience.
OUR 4 STAR ACCOMMODATION
See our range of fully furnished 4-star city centre apartments.
CHECK OUT OUR TOP TIPS
Read our top 5 tips on how to get the most out of your Sport Lived experience.
A PICTURE SAYS A 1000 WORDS
See what our Sport Lived participants got up to on their travels.
OUR BOOKING PROCESS
Follow our simple step-by-step booking process to book your place.
FEEDBACK FROM PARENTS
Hear what the parents have to say about the Sport Lived experience.
A PICTURE SAYS A 1000 WORDS
See what our Sport Lived participants got up to on their travels.
OUR BOOKING PROCESS
Follow our simple step-by-step booking process to book your place.
FEEDBACK FROM PARENTS
Hear what the parents have to say about the Sport Lived experience.
A PICTURE SAYS A 1000 WORDS
See what our Sport Lived participants got up to on their travels.
OUR BOOKING PROCESS
Follow our simple step-by-step booking process to book your place.
FEEDBACK FROM PARENTS
Hear what the parents have to say about the Sport Lived experience.
A PICTURE SAYS A 1000 WORDS
See what our Sport Lived participants got up to on their travels.
OUR BOOKING PROCESS
Follow our simple step-by-step booking process to book your place.
FEEDBACK FROM PARENTS
Hear what the parents have to say about the Sport Lived experience.
