Sport at Waikato

Waikato boasts a huge range of sporting opportunities on campus. Endowed with the largest sports fields of any university in New Zealand and other great sporting and recreational facilities such as the Olympic pool and UniRec Centre - Waikato is the place to be if sport is a big part of your life.
Sport at Waikato caters for all people with an interest in sport and recreation. Whether you are wanting to socialise and have fun while keeping fit and staying active, or you are a high-performance athlete in your sporting code, Sport at Waikato has something to offer you. The Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarship covering full fees and other benefits is one example of the celebration and encouragement of sporting excellence at the University of Waikato. A large number of clubs are also based on campus, including rugby, hockey, rowing, snow and ski, soccer, netball.
WSU Tertiary Challenge
The Tertiary Challenge is a fun, social, mixed one-day sporting event, with maximum participation from all the tertiary institutions in the Northern Region (north of Taupo). Visit the WSU Tertiary Challenge for more information.
NZ University Games
The New Zealand University Games is the premiere university sporting event in New Zealand. The first Uni Games was held in 1902 and provide a friendly yet competitive environment with more than 2000 students participating. Visit NZ University Games for more information.
Varstonians Day
The Varstonians Day is an annual event, held to acknowledge past University of Waikato club members. It's an opportunity for ex-players to reconnect with clubs and current club members. "Varstonians" rugby, soccer, netball, rowing and hockey come to celebrate and reminisce with the new crop of players. Visit Varstonians for more information.
Snow Sports
The Snow Games are held annually each winter with the University of Waikato Snow and Ski club organising a variety of activities during the year. Visit the University of Waikato Snow and Ski club for more information.
The Wallace Corporation University of Waikato Blues
The Wallace Corporation University of Waikato Blues represents the University's strong traditions and dates back to 1971. The Blues Awards celebrate the commitment and achievements of students and acknowledges the contributions made to the University of Waikato. The Blues also recognise students and non-students who make a valuable contribution by coaching or administrating University sport or the creative and performing arts. The "Blue" is a prestigious award for excellence in sport or the creative and performing arts. Visit the Blues website for more information.
Interhalls Sport
If you are a current resident at one of Waikato University’s Halls of Residence, take the opportunity to get involved in the Interhall sports. Throughout the year there are a range of sports in which each Hall will enter teams to compete. Visit Interhalls Sport for more information.
Sport Clubs
There are a range of clubs across a number of sporting codes registered with the University of Waikato. Sport clubs are a great way to socialise, keep fit, and stay active during your studies. Visit UoW Sport for more information.
Courts - Tennis, Netball, Squash, Cricket
Netball, tennis, and squash courts form part of the Pavilion facilities. The sealed court areas adjacent to the Pavilion hosts eight tennis courts during the summer months (reduced to five over winter) and four floodlit netball courts during the winter. Two squash courts are available at the Pavilion, via 24 hour key access. Covered three wicket facility. Visit UoW Sport for more information.
The Don Llewellyn Bar and Pavilion
The Don Llewellyn Pavilion is the building by the tennis courts and sports fields off Silverdale Road at Gate 3B. “The Don” is the home of official University sports clubs and its bar provides an avenue for clubs on campus to socialise. It is the only licensed bar on campus. It is the ideal place to socialise after playing sports or to relax in quality student focused surroundings. It is also available for functions and fundraisers with student discounts being available on hireage. Visit The Don Bar and Pavilion for more information.
Fitness Trail and Orienteering
An instructional board for the fitness trail is available at the lakeside of carpark at Gate 2b. The fitness trail runs within the University sports fields along Knighton and Ruakura roads. There is also an orienteering course within the University of Waikato campus. Visit the Fitness Trail for more information.
Mirror Room and Gymnasium
The Mirror Room and Gymnasium are managed by the Faculty of Education. For booking information contact the Faculty of Education on 07 838 4500.
Rec Centre
The Rec Centre gym in Hamilton is open to everybody in the community. Conveniently located and open 7 days; we offer you Hamilton's most extensive range of activity options under one roof! In addition to awesome value gym memberships, the Rec Centre offers a wide range of activity options from kickboxing to Pilates courses, Endless Pools to indoor cycling. Call (07) 838 4177 to arrange an appointment or visit the Rec Centre for more information.
Sports Fields
The University of Waikato sports fields are the biggest of any New Zealand University. They cater for a range of recreation and sporting activities. The following fields are available for hire:
- Summer 6 touch fields
- 4 mini-soccer fields
- 4 artificial cricket wickets
- Winter 2 soccer fields
- 2 rugby fields
Visit UoW Sports for more information.
The University of Waikato Pool
The University of Waikato Pool complex includes a 50-metre aquatic leisure pool and dive pool. The pools are unheated and are located at Gate 4, Hillcrest Road. For booking information and to view a calendar visit the University of Waikato Pool complex.
Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarship Programme
Many of New Zealand’s elite sporting, creative and performing arts legends have studied at the University of Waikato. The Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarship Programme represents the University’s commitment to building well-rounded graduates and supporting high-performance students across sporting, creative and performing arts and academic endeavours. Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarship Programme for more information.



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