Sahara Park Newlands. Photo courtesy mikkelz

The first cricket Test between South Africa and New Zealand takes place at Sahara Park Newlands in Cape Town from January 2 to 6. By this time, the teams will have concluded a three-match T20 series and will be ready to do battle on the ground that The Cricketer magazine rates as the second-most beautiful ground in the world after Lord's.

Cape Town has produced South African cricket legends such as Herschelle Gibbs and Jacques Kallis, while adopting heros like national captain Graeme Smith and fast-bowling sensation Dale Steyn. Sahara Park Newlands always attracts healthy crowds whenever there is domestic or international cricket on the go, with the first few days of the upcoming Test likely to sell out.

Cape Town weather is generally at its warmest in January and spectators will be able to catch a decent tan while enjoying the action. Do not underestimate the heat factor, though, so pack plenty of sunscreen and drink lots of water.

You can catch the train from the Adderley Street station in the Cape Town city centre and jump off at Newlands, which is a very short walk from the cricket ground. Browse Cape Town Tourism's accommodation database if you'd like to find somewhere to stay in the southern suburbs, which include Rondebosch, Claremont and Newlands, among others.

Get your tickets for the first Test between South Africa and New Zealand through TicketPros, or take your chances at the ground on the day.