There are more than 700 lawn bowling clubs in the country and almost every small town and every city suburb will boast a couple of immaculately kept greens and a clubroom that is the focus of social activities. There are serious competitions and tournaments, but bowls is considered a friendly, inexpensive sport that encourages participation by providing free coaching and equipment for beginners. It’s a summer sport, but continues on a social basis in the winter. New Zealand has both men’s and women’s national teams that compete at the highest level.

The governing body is Bowls New Zealand, 09 579 5853 www.bowlsnz.co.nz.

Auckland Bowls
Level 3
19 Great South Road
Newmarket
09 524 4577 www.aucklandbowls.co.nz

Wellington Bowls
Jackson Street
Petone
04 568 5664
www.bowlswellington.com

Bowls Canterbury
28a Makora Street, Fendalton
03 351 2070
www.bowlscanterbury.co.nz