Last updated June 2026
Fitzherbert Park is a city sportsground on Fitzherbert Avenue in the West End area of Palmerston North, set in parkland beside the Manawatū River. The venue serves as a primary cricket ground and home base for the Central Districts provincial team while also hosting hockey and rugby league. It features an unusual layout with three cricket blocks and a practice block within one facility. The ground regained its New Zealand Cricket warrant of fitness in the 2021-22 season and now hosts Plunket Shield, T20 and one-day matches. Originally known simply as the Sportsground, it was renamed Fitzherbert Park in 1973.
Practical Information
| Location | Fitzherbert Avenue, West End 4410, Palmerston North |
| Sports played | Cricket (primary), hockey, rugby league |
| Cricket layout | Three cricket blocks (two club, one representative) plus a practice block |
| Notable status | Central Districts home ground; regained NZC warrant of fitness in 2021-22 season |
| History | Originally known as the Sportsground; renamed Fitzherbert Park in 1973 |
| Facilities | Changing rooms, drinking fountain, parking, seating, shade areas, toilets |
| Dogs | Prohibited |
| Cost | Free entry to grounds; representative fixtures may be ticketed |
About Fitzherbert Park
Fitzherbert Park occupies a riverside setting on Fitzherbert Avenue on the southern side of central Palmerston North. The site has functioned as a sportsground for well over a century and remains one of the city’s main multi-sport venues.
The ground is best known for cricket. It serves as a home venue for the Central Districts team and hosts provincial matches across formats. Its distinctive three-block configuration allows multiple games and training sessions to occur simultaneously.
Outside the cricket season the park supports hockey and rugby league. No winter sport is now played over the cricket blocks. The venue sits within established parkland that provides shade and a pleasant spectator environment.
Cricket at Fitzherbert Park
Fitzherbert Park has hosted representative and international cricket for many decades. It staged a women’s ODI between New Zealand and England in February 2000 and an earlier women’s ODI in 1982. The ground first recorded a match in 1902.
The three-block layout (two club blocks and one representative block) plus a dedicated practice block is unusual for a single facility. A new 10-lane practice facility was added in the north-eastern corner in 2020-21. Significant upgrades since 2013, including drainage, irrigation, block resurfacing and facility improvements, enabled the ground to regain its NZC warrant of fitness in the 2021-22 season.
Current fixtures for Plunket Shield, Super Smash T20 and one-day matches are listed on ESPNcricinfo and Central Districts Cricket sites.
Other Sports and Facilities
Hockey and rugby league clubs use the park when cricket is not in season. The pavilion and changing rooms support these codes along with cricket.
Official facilities listed by Palmerston North City Council include changing rooms, a drinking fountain, parking, seating, shade areas and toilets. Dogs are prohibited on the grounds.
What Visitors Often Say
Cricket supporters praise the three-block layout that allows concurrent matches and the pleasant riverside setting with mature trees. The regained first-class status and recent facility upgrades receive positive mentions from regular attendees.
Practical notes include checking fixture lists in advance for representative matches, noting that dogs are not permitted, and appreciating the free general access with possible charges for major games. The pavilion and shade areas are frequently highlighted for comfort during longer matches.
Where to Learn More
Palmerston North City Council: Fitzherbert Park: official page listing location, sports use and facilities.
Wikipedia: Fitzherbert Park: ground history, redevelopment details and international match records.
ESPNcricinfo: Fitzherbert Park: full ground profile, statistics and fixture archive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Fitzherbert Park?
Fitzherbert Avenue, West End 4410, Palmerston North, in parkland beside the Manawatū River.
What sports are played at Fitzherbert Park?
Cricket is the primary sport, with hockey and rugby league also using the venue.
Is Fitzherbert Park a Central Districts home ground?
Yes. It is a recognised home ground of the Central Districts provincial cricket team.
How many cricket blocks does the ground have?
Three cricket blocks (two club and one representative) plus a practice block within the single facility.
When did Fitzherbert Park regain first-class status?
The ground regained its NZC warrant of fitness in the 2021-22 season.
When was the ground renamed Fitzherbert Park?
1973. It was previously known simply as the Sportsground.
Are dogs allowed at Fitzherbert Park?
No. Dogs are prohibited according to the Palmerston North City Council listing.
Has Fitzherbert Park hosted international cricket?
Yes. It hosted women’s ODIs in 1982 and February 2000.
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