The 2026 GJ Gardner Homes New Zealand Beach Volleyball Tour made a powerful debut at Lake Karapiro, setting the tone for an exciting season of elite beach volleyball in New Zealand.
Women's Division Highlights
Japan’s Non Matsumoto and Ren Matsumoto clinched the gold with a commanding straight-sets win over New Zealand’s top-seeded pair, Shaunna Polley and Olivia MacDonald. Demonstrating poise and synergy, the Matsumoto duo outplayed their opponents in a clean sweep.
The bronze medal match saw a gripping face-off where Meile Rose Green (New Zealand) and Kayla Cook (USA) edged out Megan Gebhard and Jenna Belton. The match was tightly contested, showcasing both teams’ resilience and competitive spirit.
Men's Division Recap
New Zealand players Joshua Tiplady and Gregory David Vukets dominated the court, winning gold against Timothee Philippe and Lewis Jupp in straight sets. Their chemistry and consistent play led them to a decisive victory.
Third place was awarded to Juraj Krajci and James Sadlier by walkover, after their opposition forfeited the bronze medal match.
A Strong Launch to the Season
This season opener brought together a blend of top-tier local talent and international contenders. Lake Karapiro proved an ideal stage for world-class competition, featuring well-established athletes and emerging stars in action.
Looking Ahead
The national tour will continue across multiple venues in the coming months. Fans can anticipate a series of electric matchups as teams compete for national titles and crucial ranking points. This season promises breakout performances and fierce rivalries as the sport gains momentum in the region.
For more details on the tournament and future event dates, visit the official FIVB website.
