Sports facilities

The University of Waikato fields (the largest sports fields of any New Zealand university) cater for a wide range of sport and recreation activities and are the home fields of the University of Waikato Rugby Football Club, Waikato Unicol Association Football Club, Hamilton Star University of Waikato Cricket Club and Hamilton Junior Cricket Association.

Download Field Map

These fields are available for hire throughout the year:

Summer:

• 6 x Touch fields
• 4 x Mini-Soccer fields
• 4 x Artificial cricket wickets

Winter:

• 2 x Football fields (full-sized)
• 2 x Rugby fields

To make a booking, please:

1. Complete the Field and Court Booking Form
2. Email the completed Booking Form to: fieldsandcourts@waikato.ac.nz

For more information about bookings, call the Sport and Clubs Coordinator: (07) 838 4312.

Located by the sports fields and accessed via Gate 3B, Knighton Road, the Don Llewellyn Pavilion offers a range of courts and facilities see map.

The official home of the University of Waikato sports clubs, the licensed Don Bar offers an ideal location to socialise after a game. ‘The Don’ is available for functions and fundraisers, with student discounts offered on hireage.

To make a booking, please contact: union@thedon.org.nz

The outdoor newly surfaced court area hosts two basketball courts, four tennis courts during the summer months (reduced to one over winter) and three floodlit netball courts during the winter. The courts are free for casual use and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Bookings can be made for groups. Please note that the number of courts and availability may differ depending on any events being held.

To make a booking, please contact: fieldsandcourts@waikato.ac.nz

For more information about bookings, call the Sport and Clubs Coordinator: (07) 838 4312.

Two courts are available for 24-hour, membership only access. Memberships are available to university students and staff as well as the general community and can be purchased from UniRec reception. All membership cease on 6th February. Once registered, members will be given a swipe card which grants access to the courts. Court bookings can then be made online.

2023 pricing is as follows:

Basic changing room facilities, including showers and toilets, are available for member use at the Pavilion. For more information, please contact UniRec on 07 838 4177 or email unirec@waikato.ac.nz

Click here to check court availability and make a booking.

We have a new fitness island located next to Gate 2B which is free to use anytime. There is also a 100m running track marked out next to this.

Outdoor Table Tennis Table

There is now a outdoor table tennis table located outside L Block that's free to use. Bats and balls are located at Pita Pit and can be borrowed during Pita Pit's opening hours, otherwise bring your own to use the table anytime.

Located close to the Don Llewellyn Pavilion, there are three cricket nets available for hire. These nets are managed by Hamilton Star University of Waikato Cricket Club. Please note that all bookings are to be done at least 2 days in advance. For bookings, please contact cricket@hsucc.co.nz.

School of Education (SOE) Facility

The School of Education gym and mirror dance room are available for bookings. Please email fieldsandcourts@waikato.ac.nz with your inquiry.

Waikato is the first New Zealand university to develop a purpose-built esports arena. The new facility houses 14 high-tech OMEN gaming computers and will be used for training, competitions and socialising.

Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre (QEYC)

20-minute walk or five mins cycle from Tauranga central campus the Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre is an ideal location for sports activities and events. Free parking is available. The free drop-in sport opportunities are available here.

Fitness Centres

Gym memberships for University of Waikato staff and students in Tauranga will be available through our partner gym providers – The Gym and Toi Ohomai Aquatic and Fitness Centre.  For more information, email: uowsport@waikato.ac.nz

Memorial Pool

A 20 minute walk or 5 minute cycle from Tauranga central campus the Memorial Pool is a popular summertime swimming destination. The outdoor heated lap pool opens for summer on October 22. Open weekdays 6am to 6.30pm, weekends 9am to 6pm. Free parking is available.

Refer to Bay Venues for details of other sport facilities, such as the Trustpower arena, Baywave and other venues.

For walking refer to Tauranga Walkways

For cycling refer to Tauranga City Cycle Network