National and international 2025–2026 Pétanque Tournaments

When steel balls fly and the air buzzes with tension, Pétanque fans know that the tournament season has begun. These days, the courts have become arenas where it is decided who is more accurate, who is more level-headed, and who can outmaneuver their opponents with their tactics. National and international competitions are the heart of the game, a celebration of strategy and skill. And if you love Pétanque as much as I do, this calendar will be your guide to the new season.

What’s Happening in New Zealand this season

October opens the calendar in style: in Herne Bay, fans can look forward to a double celebration with a precision throwing competition and a mixed pairs championship. These are events where every throw sounds like a challenge and every mistake can cost the game.

In Dunedin City, autumn brings an atmosphere of great battles. First, there is the singles competition, where it’s every man for himself, and the next day, the doubles competition, where it is essential to feel your partner as well as your own ball.

December in Christchurch is the time for experienced masters. Senior Doubles brings together veterans who know how to win with wisdom. Their throws are a living encyclopedia of Pétanque.

February is the month of female energy. Horowhenua will host a triple show: team competitions and individual shooting. This is where new stars are born and the stands witness true dynasties.

By March, the tension reaches its peak. Kapiti hosts two tournaments at once: Triples and Men’s Shooting. This is where the fate of the season is decided, and these games often become a real test of nerves.

Tauranga concludes the cycle. The April club championship is a celebration of team spirit, where the players’ skill and pride in their club come to the fore.

The international arena

September 2025, Rome. The city where the walls remember the gladiators will host the world championship in three formats. The best of the best will gather here to show that Pétanque is more than a game on gravel.

In three weeks, France, the cradle of Pétanque, will host a real celebration for women. In Sin Le Noble, the queen of the season will be crowned.

Oceania will shake up October with its rhythms. Wallis and Futuna will become the arena for the battle for regional supremacy, where teams will fight for medals and the prestige of the continent.

At the end of October, Spain will host the juniors. Isla Cristina will give the world new champions and give us a chance to see the future of the game today.

In the spring of 2026, Trans Tasman in Australia will remind us that the rivalry between New Zealand and Australia extends beyond sport. The honor of the country is at stake here, and every match turns into a small derby with a big heart.

Keep an eye on these dates!

The tournament calendar is an adventure map for anyone who loves Pétanque. Here, you can see how a local pastime gives rise to an international movement, where every court, from Herne Bay to Rome, becomes a point on the global map of passion for the game.

And even if you’re not planning to fly to France or Spain, national tournaments offer the same atmosphere of excitement and joy. After all, the most crucial thing in Pétanque is the people. Those who stand in the circle and those who support them from behind the line.

Thanks to Pétanque.nz for the complete list of events!