Mauao beach Events
The Mauao Challenger Beach Events are a key part of the VBOP beach volleyball calendar, bringing together athletes for a day of competitive beach volleyball in Mount Maunganui. Each event provides an opportunity for players to compete at a high level on the iconic Mount Main Beach.
2026/2027 Event Details
Mauao Challengers
The Mauao Challenger events are a key part of the regional beach event calendar, providing competitive athletes with the opportunity to compete in high-quality regional events while earning VNZ ranking points that contribute towards seeding and eligibility for higher-tier competitions.
Mauao Challenger 1 - Saturday the 31st of October 2026
Mauao Challenger 2 - Saturday the 13th of February 2027
Prize money will be awarded to the top 3 place getters in division one only for both the men’s and women’s grades.
Mauao Open
Mauao Open - Saturday and Sunday the 12th and 13th of December 2026
The Mauao Open is back! It is a two-day regional event offering athletes a high-level competition experience and the opportunity to earn more VNZ ranking points than Challenger events. As VBOP’s biggest beach volleyball event, it attracts a strong field of competitive athletes from across the country.
Prize money will be awarded to the top 3 place getters in division one only for both the men’s and women’s grades.
For information about each event, scroll down!
All event information
Mauao Challenger 1
31st of October 2026
Where
Mount Maunganui Main Beach, Tauranga
Estimated Event Time:
8:30am - 5pm.
Registration
Registrations will open on the 18th of September 2026. They will close on the 23rd of October 2026. Late entries may be allowed at the discretion of VBOP but will incur a fee in line with our Conditions of Entry (see below in the additional information section).
Entry fee
$70 per team, including GST.
divisions
Division 1 Men
Division 1 Women
Division 2 Men
Division 2 Women
Seedings
Tournament seedings will be based off the VNZ points system using the best 3 results from the last 365 days.
Tournament entry minimum
There is a minimum requirement of 16 teams entered across all divisions for the event to go ahead.
Mauao Open
12th and 13th of december 2026
Where
Mount Maunganui Main Beach, Tauranga
Estimated Event Time:
8:30am - 5pm.
Registration
Registrations will open on the 29th of October 2026. They will close on the 30th of November 2026. Late entries may be allowed at the discretion of VBOP but will incur a fee in line with our Conditions of Entry (see below in the additional information section).
Entry fee
$140 per team, including GST.
divisions
Division 1 Men
Division 1 Women
Division 2 Men
Division 2 Women
Seedings
Tournament seedings will be based off the VNZ points system using the best 3 results from the last 365 days.
Tournament entry minimum
There is a minimum requirement of 16 teams entered across all divisions for the event to go ahead.
mauao challenger 2
13th of February 2026
Where
Mount Maunganui Main Beach, Tauranga
Estimated Event Time:
8:30am - 5pm.
Registration
Registrations will open on the 4th of January 2027. They will close on the 5th of February 2027. Late entries may be allowed at the discretion of VBOP but will incur a fee in line with our Conditions of Entry (see below in the additional information section).
Entry fee
$70 per team, including GST.
divisions
Division 1 Men
Division 1 Women
Division 2 Men
Division 2 Women
Seedings
Tournament seedings will be based off the VNZ points system using the best 3 results from the last 365 days.
Tournament entry minimum
There is a minimum requirement of 16 teams entered across all divisions for the event to go ahead.
additional information
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A decision will be made the day before the event by 5 pm with regard to weather cancellations, so please keep an eye on your email if the weather is looking questionable. We will go ahead in light rain, but anything worse may result in a cancellation. If the tournament is cancelled, you will be offered a refund.
Refunds may be issued at the discretion of VBOP and in line with our conditions of entry document. We do understand things such as injuries and sickness happen, but please, if this happens, let us know ASAP.
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