Cricket is New Zealand's quintessential summer game and many of of us have adapted it to suit our backyards.
It goes beautifully with hot summer days, barbecues, family and friends.
Reporter Rhys Chamberlain tracks down some of the best backyard cricket spots in the region.
Cricket can be played almost anywhere as long as you've got a bat and ball. For the Carmichael family, of Alexandra, there is no truer statement.
Kaka Point Beach is their backyard cricket pitch. Mum Kirsty Deans says the kids organise games in between swimming and touch rugby on the beach. They often take a picnic with them.
Q What's so special about your pitch?
A It's soft and sandy with lines drawn in the sand. Sometimes we use driftwood for wickets if we don't have our trusty plastic set with us. We used a pinecone for a ball once but that didn't work so well. We have made balls out of bull kelp too. Sometimes when the girls are fielding we practise our handstands and cartwheels. This tends to frustrate the more passionate cricketers.
Q When does it get used?
A [The bat and ball] always come with us when we head to the beach but sometimes we go down to the local park. There is usually a game on Christmas Day.
Q How do you go about preparing it?
A Remove all dried seaweed and driftwood. The kids set up the wickets and draw the lines in the sand.
Q Are there any special rules?
A You [can't be out] in the first three hits while you warm up.
Q What's a good score?
A Ten runs or up. We don't have someone in for too long.
Q Have you had anyone famous play on it?
A No but it is quite cool who randomly ends up playing with you.
