From tennis rackets to cricket bats, and squash balls to rugby balls, Tauranga is gearing up for an incredible summer of sport.

"The sheer amount of upcoming large sporting events like the New Zealand Festival of Squash opening this weekend, represents Tauranga's growing reputation as a global sports destination," says Tauranga City Council, manager venue & events, Nelita Byrne.

"We are proud to support these events, showcasing Tauranga City Council’s commitment to community, sports and attracting both athletes and visitors to our city."

New Zealand Festival of Squash

Kicking off this summer's sporting calendar is the New Zealand Festival of Squash 2023, which will be the largest squash event New Zealand has ever hosted.

Squash player. Photo: Katie Cox.

This event promises incredible entertainment for squash fans as athletes from 24 countries, including renowned elite athlete Paul Coll take to the courts over two weeks.

Unfortunately, due to injury, Joelle King, announced today that she has had to pull out of the Barfoot and Thompson Women’s NZ Open, but will be at the festival.

Paul Coll, the reigning US Squash Open champion and a proud New Zealander, expresses his excitement about participating in the New Zealand Festival of Squash.

"Being in Tauranga is always a joy for me - the venues are exceptional, the community hospitality is outstanding, and this festival truly showcases our sport," says Paul.

The festival includes The New Zealand Squash Open, the WSF Men’s World Team Squash Championship, and the Oceania Junior Championship.

The Oceania Junior Championship is free entry to the public and a great chance for the community to watch some incredible squash action.

EVES Open World Tennis Tour

EVES Open World Tennis Tour is returning to Tauranga this December and the anticipation is high.

The event promises to showcase top-tier international talent, serving up incredible tennis action and sets the scene for the upcoming ASB Classic.

Tennis. Photo: EVES Open World Tennis Tour.

Spectators can anticipate unforgettable moments, all set against a backdrop of court-side excitement at this free community event.

New Zealand Beach 5s Rugby

Sun, sand, and rugby balls converge at the New Zealand Beach 5s tournament, showcasing beach rugby at its finest.

Beach 5s rugby at Mount Maunganui. Photo supplied.

Forty teams from Australia and New Zealand will engage in scrums, passes, and tackles on the stunning shore of Mount Maunganui beach, setting the sandy stage for a rugby showdown.

A high-energy, fast-paced rugby competition on one of our best beaches will be a summer highlight for many.

The competition kicks off on Saturday, December 2, and is free for the community to attend.

Beach volleyball

Mount Maunganui is host to a scorching summer of beach volleyball with a month-long series of thrilling events that will leave sports enthusiasts in awe.

Beach Volleyball at Mount Maunganui Main Beach. Photo supplied.

From the Inter-Provincial Beach Volleyball Championship to the New Zealand Tertiary Beach Volleyball Championships, New Zealand Secondary School Beach Championships, and the G.J. Gardner Homes NZ Beach Tour, this stellar line-up will draw diverse crowds of spectators and participants.

With top-tier talent competing at various levels, these tournaments are set to showcase New Zealand's beach volleyball prowess.

Hot Spring Spas T20 Black Clash in association with Wolfbrook

Black Clash is where cricket legends and rugby sporting stars come together to swing their cricket bats and deliver boundary-smashing shots in a T20 match.

Cricket at Bay Oval. Photo: Colin Beere.

West Indies superstar and crowd favourite Brian Lara is coming out of retirement to take on his former cricketing foes and help Team Rugby to try to level the series.

It's not just a cricket match - it's a hugely fun event filled with laughter, camaraderie, and some serious cricketing action.

It’ll be an epic clash of codes at the Bay Oval on Saturday, January 20.

International Cricket

The BLACKCAPS are coming to Tauranga again this summer, playing Bangladesh and South Africa.

This is your chance to watch some world-class cricketing action and several exciting international cricket matches at the iconic Bay Oval, starting with New Zealand versus Bangladesh on Friday, December 29 and Sunday, December 31.

International cricket at Bay Oval. Photo: Supplied.

Mohammed Zaber, a member of the Bangladeshi community in Tauranga, is thrilled about the upcoming matches.

“The Bangladeshi community are so excited to see our team playing at the Bay Oval this summer, taking on the BLACKCAPS,' says Mohammed.

“We’ll definitely be in the crowd, cheering them on in true Bangladeshi style!

“The Tauranga community are so welcoming so it’s an honour to be able to host our cricket team in our adopted home this summer."

Nelita Byrne expressed the impact these sporting events have in fostering community unity and infusing vibrancy into Tauranga this summer.

"Tauranga City Council takes pride in endorsing and facilitating these events, spotlighting the diverse range of sports and the spirit of our city," says Natalie.