Saxton Field

Saxton Field is a jointly-owned and funded regional sport and recreation facility benefiting the residents of Nelson and Tasman District. You can take part in a broad range of activities at Saxton Field including cricket, athletics, soccer, hockey, softball, archery and netball among others.

Latest additions to Saxton Field

HOCKEY AND SOFTBALL PAVILION

The Hockey and Softball Pavilion is a two-story facility with viewing decks overlooking Saxton Field and across to the Arthur Range and Kahurangi National Park.

The two-storey Pavilion has a lounge and bar (with views across the turfs), offices, meeting rooms, changing rooms, and viewing decks for softball.
– Licensed Bar Area with Seating and viewing of Artificial Surfaces
– Small Kitchen
– Small PA system suitable for inside use

Did you know?
Nelson hockey got its first artificial turf field in 1993, and in 2006 the second water surface was laid. Hockey has approximately 900 registered players of all ages. Nelson softball has approximately 600 registered players and has four all-weather diamonds at Saxton Field. Both associations host annual tournaments and the new pavilion will help attract top national events.

SAXTON PAVILION

The most distinctive building at Saxton Field is the Saxton Oval Pavilion, which won a NZIA Nelson Marlborough Architecture Award for Arthouse Architecture.

The sleek cylindrical shaped building features internal spaces that work independently of the outer shell and house a function space, bar, kitchen, administration, cricket team facilities, athletics timekeeping and storage areas.

The 100m long structure has covered walkways that extend from each end into the central function space, giving spectacular views over the Athletics/Football area or out to the Cricket Oval. Ramps and terraced seating provide additional spectator seating.

The facility has an amazing Lounge Suite which is perfect for all types of functions, celebrations and parties.

SAXTON STADIUM

As the largest building at Saxton Field, Saxton Stadium houses numerous indoor sports as well as large-scale expos such as the annual Home & Garden Show.

The main sports hall is 3,800m sq with a sprung wooden floor. It offers optimal flexibility for national tournaments and can be adapted according to the scale of the sporting activity. The hall has permanent markings which accommodate for 5 international sized netball or basketball courts or 12 volleyball courts or 4 badminton courts  as well as the introduction of its newest sport, Pickleball. It can be taped by arrangement. A Kiosk is now located at the reception desk, which serves sporting goods, cold and warm drinks, snacks and hot food on event days. Find out more about the Saxton Stadium. Include the website https://www.saxtonfield.co.nz/venue-hire/hire-indoor/saxton-stadium/

CRICKET OVAL

Saxton’s Cricket pitch is world-class. The recently refurbished Saxton Oval has been purpose-built for high-level matches and international competitions, it’s truly one of the best cricket pitches in NZ. If you’re just wanting to practice your cricket skills, hire our indoor Cricket centre or stop by our outdoor batting practice nets.

The Oval hosted three ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 games: West Indies v Ireland, Zimbabwe v UAE and Bangladesh v Scotland.

ATHLETICS

The Saxton Field Athletics Track is an all-weather track and field facility situated directly alongside the Saxton Oval Pavilion. The facility caters for a wide range of athletics activities, including running, jumping, throwing and walking. The track has hosted the Colgate games in which over 1000 participants came together to compete.

Picnics and play

There are plenty of lovely spots for picnics in Nelson, and especially at Saxton Field. Whether you’re after a shady spot under a tree, a spot close to the kids playground, or somewhere to watch the ducks splash about in Orphanage Stream.

There are toilets in the Football Pavilion, and at Avery Field (near Saxton Road) and also under our Netball Pavilion.

 Saxton’s Secluded Picnic Spots Highlights:

• The park is meticulously maintained and there are many ideal picnic spots situated throughout the park
• With a vast array of free facilities, playgrounds, and recreational offerings, add to your picnic experience by exploring what Saxton Field has to offer

Looking back

The first parcel of land at Saxton Field was bought by the Nelson City Council in 1977. In 1983, work started on the first sports facility and the site was planted up with trees and shrubs. There is a buffer of native trees along the main road and deciduous, trees including oaks and liquidambers, around the field. Read more about the history of Saxton Field. Insert website https://www.saxtonfield.co.nz/about-us/history/

Recreation

Saxton Field Sports Complex has space for all of Nelson’s favourite recreational activities. Whether you love Cycling, Walking your Dog, Enjoying Nelson’s Walks, or just having a picnic in the park, our spectacular 65-hectare park has space for everyone.

Explore our many recreational, sporting, and venue hire facilities for offer.

More information

For more information on Saxton Field please contact the Saxton Field team by email or on +64 3 5380072

Please note all Nelson City Council facilities are smokefree.

 

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