Welcome
Welcome to the 48th NZ Disc Golf National Championships at Knottingley Park, Waimate.
The organising committee of Waimate Disc Golf, Timaru Disc Golf, Disc Golf Wānaka, and Vortica Disc Golf proudly welcomes players, supporters, and the wider community.
This historic event, presented by RPM Discs, marks nearly half a century of competition, friendship, and growth in the sport we love. We look forward to players from across the country showcasing their skills against the beautiful backdrop of Knottingley Park & Arboretum.

Practice Day / Optional Doubles
Both courses will be open for practice and optional doubles on Thursday, 19 March 2026.
NB: Please give way to doubles players.

Singles
Four rounds of singles, on two courses. One round per day starting Friday, 20th March 2026, with allocated tee times. You will play each course twice over the four days of singles competition.

The National Distance Champs
On the Saturday evening, the National distance driving champs will take place on the big field opposite the cricket oval, with solid tunes to keep the energy up… more details to follow.

Player Packs
There will be a minimum $50 retail value player pack available for all competitors (professionals and amateurs), featuring RPM's newest mold disc with a custom tournament stamp and a special personalised keepsake.

Payout
The payout is currently set at a minimum B-Tier level for both professionals and amateurs. We will work hard toward achieving an A-Tier level as finances and sponsorship support allow.

Closest to the Pin – CTTP
There will be special tournament Disco Fever CTTP discs https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571742807908 available to win throughout the event. Your chance to win one of these beauties is included in your registration fee.

Courses
There will be two 18 hole courses. The standard Knottingley Park course (https://udisc.com/courses/knottingley-park-D9bG) and a new 18 hole course at Knottingley Park (information to follow). Both will be ready for practice by Thursday 19th March 2026 if not before.

Side Events
Thanks to the crew from The Basket Tiers https://www.facebook.com/groups/906520926596655, there will be a fun night-golf course setup, as well as the awesome Round The Clock putting game.

Food & Beverages
Players may opt in for lunches on each singles day at $15 per lunch. This is still a work in progress, but we expect to have at least a tasty taco truck and a coffee cart on site.

Sponsorship
If you or your business are interested in participating, we welcome your involvement. To volunteer or offer support in any capacity, please contact Peter Vendetti by clicking on his name above - you will then be able to message him.

Event App
There will be a Nationals event app available for macOS and Android leading up to the tournament. It will include:

(i) Full schedule of rounds and pre-/post-tournament events
(ii) Instant push notifications for updates and hole-note changes
(iii) Caddie books for both courses
(iv) Full sponsor information
(v) All PDGA event info
(vi) Local accommodation, food and beverage options, and points of interest
(vii) A community forum for players—post about lost discs and enjoy some good-humoured banter!

Vendors
There will be an allocated area around tournament HQ for vendors to setup their tournament shop and sell their wares. please contact Mat Prichard by clicking on his name above - you will then be able to message him.

Flight Information
For those travelling from further afield, Timaru Airport is a 50-minute drive from Knottingley Park. There are daily flights from Wellington to Timaru, with a flight time of approximately 1 hour 25 minutes.

As of 28th November 2025 ...

Return flights from Wellington to Timaru (1hr 25min), close to the tournament period, are available from $92 each way for you and 7kg worth of hand luggage only or $122 each way for you, hand luggage and a 23kg checked bag with Air NZ https://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/

Flights from Auckland to Timaru (via Wellington) take approximately 3 hours and are around $171 each way.
Several regional airports (e.g., New Plymouth, Tauranga) also offer routes via Wellington at similar pricing—for example, New Plymouth to Timaru (via Wellington) for $166 each way, approximately 4 hours travel time.

Accommodation

WAIMATE

https://waimate.org.nz/stay-all

Current Supporters of Waimate Disc Golf Inc:

The Waimate Lodges

Set in the heart of Waimate, The Waimate Lodges offers accommodation for everyone. The newly renovated Nunnery features Queen Studios on the ground floor and luxury backpacker rooms upstairs. Custom-built two-bedroom lodges are also available—perfect for families, bridal parties, or reunions.
Address 5–7 Timaru Road, Waimate
Phone: 03 689 6221
https://thewaimate.co.nz/

Knottingley Park & Arboretum Campground – Waimate District Council

Set within a magnificent 36-hectare park of old exotic trees, just 2 km from Waimate, this peaceful campground is often described as a “hidden jewel”—but we know it as a disc golf mecca. The park includes a playground and picnic tables. WDC will extend the non-powered area if there is demand.
Note: Freedom camping will not be allowed in Knottingley Park during the tournament.
Address: Waihao Back Road, Waimate
Phone: 027 439 2759
https://www.waimatedc.govt.nz/community/camping/2knottingley-park-arboretum

Victoria Park Campground

Great camping in an outstanding location in Waimate township. Family-friendly, with superb gardens, animal enclosures, tennis courts, a cycling oval, and a playground. Located beside the Victoria Park Disc Golf Course.
Address: Naylor Street, Waimate
Phone: 027 439 2759
https://www.waimatedc.govt.nz/community/camping/3victoria-park-camping-ground

St Andrews Recreation Reserve

A large grass campsite with basic facilities south of St Andrews township. Plenty of space, with 10 powered sites and many non-powered sites.
Address: St Andrews Domain, SH1, St Andrews
Phone: 027 439 2759
https://www.waimatedc.govt.nz/community/camping/4st-andrews-recreation-reserve

Kingswood Motel

Easy walking distance to all town amenities. Quiet location with garden surroundings.
Address: 16 Timaru Road, Waimate
Phone: 03 689 8022 or 027 694 5633
https://www.kingswoodmotels.co.nz/

NZMCA Site

Queen Street, Waimate
https://www.nzmca.org.nz/towns/waimate

Gunns Bush Camp

A cool spot with great hosts—perfect for club bookings. They have offered to waive the camp booking fee and charge $35 per person per night.
Address: 36 Gunns Bush Road, Waimate
https://www.gunnsbushcamp.co.nz/

Morven Camping Ground

Managed by the Morven Domain Board. Includes 12 powered sites and 50+ non-powered sites. Toilets and kitchen available; no showers. Tennis courts and domain available.
Fees: $10 per person per night (powered or non-powered)
Address: 23 Morven Beach Road, Waimate
https://www.waimatedc.govt.nz/community/camping/5morven-reserve

Glenavy’s Waitaki River Motor Camp

Affordable powered and non-powered sites, cosy cabins, excellent communal facilities, and park-like grounds. Walk to the river, catch a fish, or visit the local hotel, takeaway shop, or Riverstone Restaurant. NZMCA and Gold Card discounts available.
Address: 7–9 Cherry Avenue, Glenavy
Phone: 03 689 2856
https://www.waitakimotorcamp.co.nz/

Additional Options

B&B + Holiday Homes: https://waimate.org.nz/stay/bb-holiday-homes

Glamping: https://waimate.org.nz/stay/glamping

Hotels: https://waimate.org.nz/stay/hotels

Nearby Towns
Timaru – 30–45 minutes from Waimate

https://www.timaru.govt.nz/services/planning/visitor-accommodation

Oamaru – 30–45 minutes from Waimate

https://www.visitoamaru.co.nz/

Kurow – 50–60 minutes from Waimate

https://www.holidayhouses.co.nz/search/Canterbury/Kurow

Waitaki Region

https://waitakinz.com/accommodation

TRAVEL SAFE… SEE YOU ALL IN MARCH 2026

Details last updated: 28th November 2025

Players who officially request to withdraw from this event before 2nd February 2026 (at least 45 days before the start of the event) will receive a 100% monetary refund of their entry fee (minus PayPal, discgolfscene fees and a $10 admin / refund handling fee).

Players who officially request to withdraw from this event between 3rd February 2026 and 4th March 2026 (15 to 44 days before the start of this event ) will receive a 100% monetary refund of their entry fee (minus $50 player pack costs, PayPal and discgolfscene fees and a $10 admin / refund handling fee) only if their spot in the tournament is filled by another player. If the player’s spot is not filled, the player will receive a 50% monetary refund.

Players who officially request to withdraw from this event from 5th March 2026 onwards (within 14 days of the start of the event) will receive a 100% monetary refund (minus $50 player pack costs, PayPal and discgolfscene fees and a $10 admin / refund handling fee) only if their spot in the tournament is filled by another player. If the player’s spot is not filled, the player will receive a 25% monetary refund.

Players who request withdrawal after 12th March 2026 at 6pm (the published close of registration) are not entitled to a refund.

Player Pack and merchandise - If you cancel your registration but would still like to receive your player pack and pre ordered merchandise, we can arrange for it to be shipped to you at an additional cost, or you can designate someone to pick it up on your behalf during the tournament please click on the staff CONTACT link in orange above.

Special Circumstances – In the event of injury, illness, or other extenuating circumstances, please contact the tournament director as soon as possible. These situations will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Tournament Cancellation - In the unlikely event that the tournament is cancelled by the organisers, all registered players will receive a full refund, including processing fees.