New Zealand's flagship padel tournament returns in 2026, with Auckland confirmed as the host city for the second consecutive year. The NZ Padel Open runs April 12-14 and entries are now open for all skill levels.
Format
The tournament features four divisions: Open (advanced), A Grade (intermediate-advanced), B Grade (intermediate), and Social (beginners welcome). Each division plays a round-robin group stage followed by knockout rounds, ensuring every team gets multiple matches regardless of results.
All matches are best of three sets with golden point at deuce and a match tiebreak replacing the third set if needed. This format keeps matches moving and ensures the schedule stays on track.
Venue & Schedule
Matches will be played across multiple Auckland venues, with the finals hosted at Indoor Padel NZ's new facility. Friday evening features the opening ceremony and social mixer. Saturday runs group stage matches from 8am to 6pm. Sunday is knockout rounds and finals, with prize-giving at approximately 5pm.
How to Enter
Registration is through the Padel NZ website. Entry fees are $80 per team for the Open and A divisions, $60 for B Grade, and $40 for Social. This covers all matches, balls, and a tournament pack. Register with your doubles partner — if you don't have one, the organisers will help match you with another solo entrant.
Why It Matters
The NZ Open is the most important event on the domestic calendar. It brings together players from across the country, raises the profile of the sport, and gives competitive players a benchmark for their development. Last year's inaugural event attracted 64 teams and sold out in under a week.