Quick answer
New Zealand cricket fans visiting Sri Lanka usually see Tests at Galle and in Colombo at the SSC or P Sara Oval, sometimes at Pallekele, and white-ball matches at the Premadasa, Pallekele or Dambulla. New Zealand played the first Tests at the SSC, in 1984, and at Galle, in 1998. Flights from Auckland connect via Asia or Australia. Check New Zealand Cricket and Sri Lanka Cricket for current schedules.
Key takeaways
- New Zealand played the first Test at the SSC (1984) and at Galle (1998).
- Tests are usually at Galle and in Colombo; white-ball at the Premadasa or Pallekele.
- Flights from Auckland connect via Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or Australia.
- Sri Lanka is 6.5 to 7.5 hours behind New Zealand.
- Spin-friendly pitches make Sri Lanka a tough tour.
New Zealand in Sri Lanka
New Zealand's first tour of Sri Lanka as a Test nation came in 1984, when the SSC hosted its first Test. Fourteen years later, in June 1998, New Zealand played the first Test at Galle, which Sri Lanka won. The Black Caps' history is woven into Sri Lanka's grounds in a way few visitors realise.
Later tours have featured Galle, Colombo and Pallekele, along with white-ball series and World Cup matches, including the 2011 World Cup semi-final at the Premadasa, which Sri Lanka won. Sri Lanka's spin-friendly pitches have made it a hard place for New Zealand to win, but there have been memorable contests.
For Kiwi fans, seeing the grounds where those firsts happened adds depth to a tour.
- →1984: the first Test at the SSC.
- →1998: the first Test at Galle.
- →2011: World Cup semi-final at the Premadasa.
The grounds to see
Galle is the highlight of any tour, with the fort ramparts above the ground and the ocean beyond. The SSC and P Sara Oval in Colombo are compact club grounds with history and close views of the play, and Pallekele near Kandy has grass banks and hills that remind some visitors of New Zealand's own grounds.
White-ball matches are usually at the Premadasa, the largest and loudest ground, or Pallekele and Dambulla, often under lights.
Lankan Stays & Trails can plan a trip around New Zealand's fixtures, with drivers between grounds and sightseeing on the days in between.
Practical tips for Kiwi fans
Flights from Auckland and Christchurch to Colombo connect via Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok or Australian cities, usually taking 15 hours or more in total. Sri Lanka is 6.5 hours behind New Zealand in the southern winter and 7.5 hours behind in summer.
New Zealand passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authorisation before arrival; check the official site for current fees. Traffic drives on the left, as in New Zealand.
Sri Lanka is hot and humid, especially at Galle and Colombo, so hats, sunscreen and plenty of water are essential on match days.
- →Flights: via Asia or Australia.
- →Entry: an ETA before arrival.
- →Time: 6.5 to 7.5 hours behind.
When tours happen
New Zealand tours of Sri Lanka have fallen at different times of year, including mid-year and late in the year. Mid-year tours fall in the southwest monsoon, with showers in Galle and Colombo, while late-year and early-year tours fall in or near the southwest's dry season.
Check New Zealand Cricket and Sri Lanka Cricket for current schedules, and plan for weather accordingly: a rain layer for the monsoon months, extra sun protection for the dry season.
There is always a dry coast in Sri Lanka, so rest days can be spent wherever the weather is best.
- →Mid-year: monsoon showers in the southwest.
- →Late and early in the year: drier southwest.
- →Always a dry coast.
Adding to the cricket
Between matches, Kiwi fans often add the Cultural Triangle, with Sigiriya and the ancient cities, Kandy and the tea country, or the south-coast beaches. Whale watching from Mirissa runs roughly November to April, and safaris in Yala and Udawalawe run most of the year.
The hill country, with its cool air and tea estates, is a popular escape from the heat, and the train from Kandy to Ella is one of the great rail journeys.
Surfing on the south coast, in season, appeals to many New Zealand visitors.
- →Cultural Triangle and Sigiriya.
- →Tea country and the Ella train.
- →Whales, safaris and surf.
Crowds and culture
Sri Lankan crowds are friendly and noisy, with papare bands playing throughout, and New Zealand fans are warmly welcomed. Small travelling groups often find themselves adopted by local fans.
Off the ground, cover shoulders and knees at temples, remove shoes and hats, and never pose with your back to a Buddha statue. Clothing or tattoos showing the Buddha can cause serious offence.
Alcohol rules at grounds change, so check on the day, and remember that poya days bring alcohol restrictions.
Frequently asked questions
Did New Zealand play the first Test at Galle?
Yes. New Zealand played the first Test at Galle International Stadium in June 1998, which Sri Lanka won. New Zealand also played the first Test at the SSC in Colombo in 1984, so the Black Caps have a special place in the history of Sri Lankan grounds.
Which Sri Lankan grounds does New Zealand play at?
New Zealand Tests in Sri Lanka have been played at Galle, the SSC, the P Sara Oval and Pallekele, among others. White-ball matches have been played at the Premadasa, Pallekele and Dambulla. Venues change from tour to tour.
How do I fly from New Zealand to Sri Lanka?
There are no direct flights, so travellers connect via Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok or Australian cities. Total journey times are usually 15 hours or more from Auckland. Bandaranaike International Airport is near Colombo, about two and a half to three hours from Galle.
Do New Zealanders need a visa for Sri Lanka?
New Zealand passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authorisation before arrival, applied for online through the official ETA site. Fees and waivers change, so check them when you apply, and carry a passport valid for at least six months.
What is the time difference between New Zealand and Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka is 6.5 hours behind New Zealand during the New Zealand winter and 7.5 hours behind during New Zealand daylight saving. A 10 am Test start in Galle is late afternoon or early evening in Auckland.
Is Sri Lanka a hard tour for New Zealand?
Sri Lanka's spin-friendly pitches, heat and humidity make it a hard tour for most visiting teams, including New Zealand. Galle in particular tends to turn more each day. That challenge is part of what makes watching a tour there so interesting.
What can Kiwi fans do between matches?
Popular additions are Sigiriya and the Cultural Triangle, Kandy and the tea country, the Kandy to Ella train, the south-coast beaches and surf, whale watching from Mirissa in season, and safaris in Yala or Udawalawe. There is always a dry coast somewhere on the island.