Rotorua to host national petanque championships

Rotorua's Government Gardens will be abuzz with petanque action this weekend. Photo / Supplied

Some of New Zealand's best petanque players will converge on Rotorua this weekend.

One-hundred and twenty players will play on Rotorua's international petanque terrain, at Government Gardens opposite the Blue Baths, which has been called "the best setting for a petanque tournament in New Zealand".

The National Petanque Club Championships, which comprise club teams of six - two triples - will be played from 8.30am-5pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Clubs from as far north as the Hibiscus Coast and as far south as Dunedin will battle for bragging rights at this year's tournament.

The reigning champions from Herne Bay, Auckland, will be defending their title against past winners Bayview from Napier.

Among the players will be a number who have played in world championships, Oceanias and transtasman tournaments.

Spectators are welcome to head out to gain an understanding of a sport which is waiting to hear if it will be included at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France - the home of petanque.