Cook Islands Squash Open 2025

Fast-paced, fun and memorable squash tournament open to players of all ages and skill levels from around the Pacific.

The Cook Islands Squash Open 2025 brings a week of fast-paced matches, island hospitality, and social nights to Rarotonga from Thursday, October 23 to Thursday, October 30, 2025, with play based at the Rarotonga Squash Club courts inside the Multi Sports Arena and a program designed for players of all ages and grades, from social to competitive divisions. Organizers position the Open as a relaxed but well-run destination tournament: come for a full draw with lots of court time, stay for the meet-and-greet, club barbecue, Island Night dinner and show, and a lively closing party with a live band and kai kai that caps off finals day.

Dates, venue, and who it’s for

• Dates: October 23–30, 2025 (seven days on-court).
• Venue: Rarotonga Squash Club, Multi Sports Arena, Avarua (central location with bar, social space, and easy access to island accommodation).
• Eligibility: Open to all ages and grades, with draws structured to ensure plenty of matches for visitors and locals alike throughout the week.

Event pages by the Cook Islands tourism team and destination management partners confirm the 2025 dates and open-entry format, noting it is “guaranteed to be a fast paced, fun and memorable event for all” — the same ethos that has made the Open a favorite on the island sports calendar for years.

2025 program rhythm

While 2025’s daily schedule will be posted closer to the event, the 2024 official program outlines the established structure that repeats annually:

• Thursday: Meet & Greet at 6 p.m. at the Squash Courts; check draws, play social sets, book add‑ons like the pub crawl or Island Night; bar open, no formal ceremony.
• Friday–Saturday: Day 1 and 2 of competition — matches all day; players check draws for exact times.
• Sunday: Church, rest, and island time; many participants join lagoon activities or cultural experiences.
• Monday: Day 3 of competition; 7 p.m. Club BBQ for visitors and locals at the courts.
• Tuesday: Day 4 of competition; suggested Island Night & Show, typically pre-booked via the club office.
• Wednesday: Day 5 — semifinals.
• Thursday: Finals day with prize‑giving and a 6:30 p.m. closing party featuring a live local band and kai kai dinner included in the entry fee.

This cadence blends purposeful scheduling for maximum play with signature Cook Islands social touches, giving visitors time to experience the island between match sessions.

Entries and inclusions

The 2024 fee structure offers a guide to 2025 expectations:

• Player fee: NZD $170 per player, covering competition fees and the closing night dinner and live band.
• Supporter fee: NZD $60 per adult; NZD $50 per child (12 and under), providing access to social functions.
• Merchandise: Souvenir event T‑shirts offered with pre‑order at NZD $40.

The 2025 listing confirms the October 23–30 dates and directs players to enquire now for registration and travel planning, with contact via destination partners and the local events team. Organizers typically publish the final draws, court allocations, and social schedule a week or two before the tournament.

Playing format and atmosphere

Draws are built to ensure island‑time enjoyment: plenty of games across the week, a supportive courtside vibe, and evening socials where visiting and local players connect. The club’s bar and barbecue nights keep things casual; semifinals Wednesday and finals Thursday add competitive intensity before everyone reunites for prize‑giving and the closing party. Oceania squash materials note the island’s thriving club scene, which anchors the event with experienced volunteers and a welcoming membership base in Avarua.

Travel logistics

• Getting there: Fly to Rarotonga International Airport (RAR), a short transfer to Avarua and the Multi Sports Arena. Accommodation rings the island; many players base near Avarua or Muri for easy access to courts and nightlife.
• Getting around: The round‑island bus is convenient between matches; car or scooter hire offers flexibility for beach and dining runs.
• What to pack: Indoor court shoes with non‑marking soles, spare grips, strings, and a towel; island casual wear for barbecues and the closing party; light layers for evenings.

Destination listings and the island events hub group the Squash Open alongside other late‑season fixtures, confirming it as part of an active October–November sports calendar on Rarotonga.

What to do between matches

• Beach time: Muri Lagoon, Black Rock, and Titikaveka beaches are within easy reach for snorkeling and downtime.
• Culture: Consider an Island Night buffet and show on Tuesday to pair Cook Islands dance and drums with local cuisine — the club often coordinates block bookings.
• Food and drink: Avarua cafés and nightspots offer casual eats near the arena; island fish, ika mata, and fresh fruit smoothies are perfect between matches.

For supporters and families

Supporter passes open the door to the club’s social life; finals day and closing night are particularly festive. Mixed‑ability social hits during meet‑and‑greet night and the Monday BBQ help non‑players feel part of the week. Booking lagoon cruises or reef snorkeling for the Sunday rest day keeps the group energized for the second half of the tournament.

Tips for a great tournament

• Hydration and recovery: The tropical climate and indoor court heat call for steady hydration and electrolyte top‑ups; plan cool‑down swims or light mobility sessions after play.
• Scheduling: Check daily draws early; give yourself transport buffer for island bus timings.
• Respect the courts: Non‑marking shoes only; wipe soles pre‑match; keep the court clear between games so schedules stay on time.

Why October 23–30 works

Late October sits in the Cook Islands’ friendly shoulder season — warm days, manageable humidity, and plenty of accommodation options. The week‑long spread gives every division space to breathe, while Sunday’s pause lets players reset and explore the island before knockout matches.

Verified details at a glance

• Event: Cook Islands Squash Open 2025.
• Dates: Thursday–Thursday, 23–30 October 2025.
• Venue: Rarotonga Squash Club, Multi Sports Arena, Avarua.
• Format: Open to all ages and grades; full week of draws; social program and closing party with live band and dinner included in player fee.
• 2024 program reference: Meet‑and‑greet Thu; competition Fri–Sat; rest Sun; BBQ Mon; Island Night Tue; semis Wed; finals and closing party Thu.
• Contacts/registration: Enquire via Turama Pacific and DMCK events; 2025 dates published with “enquire now” call to action.

Book flights to Rarotonga, lock in accommodation within easy reach of Avarua, and register early to secure your spot in the draw. Then get ready for a tournament that pairs serious court time with island‑style hospitality — from the first handshake at Thursday’s meet‑and‑greet to the last chorus at the closing night kai kai, this is squash in the tropics at its friendliest and most fun.