Netball in Paradise 2025 brings competitive netball, island culture, and sun-filled downtime together in Rarotonga from 28 November to 5 December, with confirmed dates and registrations managed by the event’s long-time organizers. The tournament welcomes junior, women’s, social, and mixed teams, and recent editions have drawn more than 300 players and supporters from New Zealand, Australia, and the Cook Islands for a week of high-energy games and warm hospitality.
What is Netball in Paradise
Netball in Paradise is an annual, multi-division tournament hosted in the Cook Islands that blends quality competition with the relaxed rhythm of island life, making it popular with clubs and social teams alike. Matches are staged on Rarotonga’s main courts, with recent years using the Nikao Multi Sports Complex and earlier editions at Arorangi and other hubs, giving participants convenient facilities close to resorts and beaches.
2025 dates and location
The 2025 tournament runs from 28 November to 5 December on Rarotonga, giving traveling teams a full week to compete and enjoy the island. Organizers have confirmed these dates publicly, inviting teams to inquire and register through the coordinating events team.
Tournament format and divisions
Netball in Paradise typically features a broad set of divisions designed to include a range of ages and abilities, including under 15 and under 17 combined grades, Open Ladies, Social Ladies, and Open Mixed. These categories allow youth development squads, club-level teams, and social groups to all find the right competitive fit in a supportive, festival-style environment.
Venue and spectator access
In 2024 all games were played at the Nikao multi sports arena, with free entry that encouraged locals and visitors to watch and cheer throughout the week. The arena setting and island-size scale make it easy to catch matches and return to nearby beaches, cafes, and accommodations between games.
A decade of growth
The event celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2023, with over 200 international players and supporters attending, a milestone that underscores its staying power and appeal. Each year has built a stronger connection between regional netball communities and the Cook Islands, reinforcing the tournament’s reputation for both competition and camaraderie.
Registration and team entry
Teams for 2025 can register with the organizers and will find dedicated information packs and forms outlining divisions and fees, including youth and social categories. Registration is coordinated by the Rarotonga events team, who field inquiries and provide the steps required to secure a place in the draw.
Why it stands out
The tournament pairs structured fixtures with island experiences, from sunrise swims to post-match barbecues and resort gatherings, which helps teams build bonds beyond the court. With courts near visitor infrastructure and a friendly sports culture, it is a seamless blend of destination travel and netball immersion.
Typical weekly rhythm
Teams arrive before opening matches to acclimatize, pick up welcome materials, and complete briefings, then play across several days with scheduled rest time to explore. The final days often include deciders for each grade, social functions, and time to celebrate with rival teams who have become new friends.
Player experience and culture
Past coverage notes the energy of the opening turou welcome and the tournament’s festive atmosphere, with chants, drums, and family support on the sidelines that give matches a community feel. The environment rewards spirited play and fair competition, framed by Cook Islands hospitality that makes visiting athletes feel at home.
Practical travel tips
- Book early: With confirmed dates at the start of the Southern Hemisphere summer holiday period, flights and preferred resorts can fill quickly, especially for groups.
- Plan logistics: Base near Nikao or central areas for easy court access if the multi sports arena is confirmed again; monitor organizer updates for any venue adjustments.
- Build rest days: Balance training and recovery with beach time, lagoon swims, and light sightseeing to keep legs fresh for late-week fixtures.
Costs and budgeting
Teams should account for entry fees per grade and potential per-person participation costs, along with accommodation, island transport, and group meals. Organizers publish divisional fee structures and registration forms to help managers plan budgets and timelines for deposits and final payments.
Things to do between games
Rarotonga’s circumnavigating road makes exploring simple, whether stopping at markets, snorkeling spots, or scenic cafes between matches. The compact layout reduces travel stress for teams, letting players switch from courtside to lagoon in minutes during off hours.
For junior and social teams
Dedicated youth grades keep development pathways vibrant, while social categories ensure mixed-ability squads can compete without pressure. This inclusive structure has been central to the event’s popularity with school groups, alumni teams, and mixed community clubs.
Community and tourism impact
Local news reports describe large participant numbers and free public entry, which create a positive knock-on effect for food venues, transport operators, and cultural businesses. The week boosts visitation in the shoulder-to-peak transition, supporting the island economy while promoting active travel.
How it compares to other 2025 netball events
Netball in Paradise complements the separate Tiare Netball Celebration held earlier in the year, which focuses on celebration formats and graded play at Raemaru Park tied to a resort partner. Together these events highlight the Cook Islands’ commitment to netball year round while offering distinct tournament styles and seasonal windows.
Planning a team trip
- Confirm divisions: Choose the grade that fits fitness and goals, whether competitive open or social mixed, and lock in roster sizes and positions early.
- Coordinate accommodation: Group booking policies and lead times can be strict; appoint a travel lead to liaise with resorts and manage rooming lists.
- Prepare for heat: Hydration, shade breaks, and rotation strategies matter in tropical conditions, especially for back-to-back match schedules.
Spectator guide
With free entry reported in recent editions, families and supporters can build itineraries around key matches and still enjoy island excursions. Look for marquee fixtures later in the week and arrive early to secure shaded seating and good sightlines.
Key facts for 2025
- Dates: 28 November to 5 December 2025, Rarotonga.
- Divisions: Youth, Open Ladies, Social Ladies, and Open Mixed, in line with the published 2024 structure. Final 2025 divisions will be confirmed by organizers.
- Venue: Recent tournaments used the Nikao Multi Sports Complex with free entry for spectators; watch for official 2025 venue confirmation.
Step onto island courts where the cheers are loud, the sun is bright, and the welcome is genuine. Rally the team for Netball in Paradise 2025 and secure a place on the draw, then start planning a week that balances hard-fought games with lagoon swims, beach sunsets, and memories made in the heart of the South Pacific.
