South Island Masters Games

For the first time, the South island Masters Games will come to sunny Nelson, where it’s all here, all year!  Golden sand beaches, clear turquoise water, award-winning wineries and a vibrant arts and culture scene are all here to explore while you enjoy our fabulous climate that rivals the Mediterranean.
More than 3,000 visitors are expected to pack out Nelson/Tasman for the nine day sporting festival, making it one of the largest participation events in the South Island.

The party runs from 15 - 23 October and entry is open to anyone who is old enough – and for most sports that’s anyone over 30 years. You don’t have to belong to a club or meet qualifying standards and you’ll be joining in with 3000 other participants from across New Zealand. Registrations are accepted from any area of New Zealand or overseas, not just the South Island. Simply put, anyone can enter as long as you’re old enough!

We have a jam-packed sports programme. There are 50 sports including a whole range of new events – Beach Volleyball, Cribbage, Disc Golf, Indoor Cricket, Snooker, Softball, Ten Pin Bowling and even Ultimate – a fast paced team frisbee game.

Many sports will be based at Saxton Field, the $30m world class sporting complex in Stoke, just a short drive from Richmond CBD. The Games Village and Registration Centre will also be based at Saxton, with the full range of event and athlete services available along with the Taste of the Tasman expo showcasing the best in local products and services.

With the move to Nelson, expect the Games social programme to hit overdrive. Not only will we link in with the Nelson Arts Festival and the Rugby World Cup, we have lined up exotic new venues for our legendary Masters Games theme parties.

The Games is more than a sporting event, it is a major cultural event. People participate to test themselves in sporting competition, find an interest, and meet new friends, all in the interests of mental and physical wellbeing. The Masters Games helps to promote the ‘Masters movement,’ and get more people participating in sports.

Entries are now open.