Tournament Update #2
Rainbow Games
Aotearoa 2026
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
29 October – 1 November 2026
Registrations are open for the Emerald City Kickball tournament at Rainbow Games Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland 2026. Two days of kickball, a scavenger hunt, a Halloween party the whole city turns out for, and teammates from five leagues across two countries.
- Dates
- 29 Oct – 1 Nov 2026Kickball runs Saturday and Sunday
- Likely venue
- HiWa RooftopAuckland CBD. Subject to change.
- Divisions
- One Open DivisionGuardians only if four teams can be formed
- Expected players
- 60–100 in kickball800+ across all Rainbow Games sports
Haven't registered yet?
Registrations are open.
Register through the official Rainbow Games portal. Individual players and small pods are welcome — we allocate people across teams where we can, and mixed-city and international teams are actively encouraged.
Registration is non-refundable. It can be transferred to another participant if your plans change.
What the weekend looks like
Four days, and only two of them involve running.
Friday · Social
🔎 Auckland scavenger hunt + drinks
A daytime scavenger hunt built to get everyone out into the city. First visit or fifth, it is a good way to find the highlights and meet the people you will be playing with on Sunday.
We finish with casual drinks alongside the teams playing in the Rainbow Games tennis tournaments.
Saturday · Daytime
🥎 GAG Day & Training
A relaxed, social day. Local New Zealand players learn the fundamentals of kickball, experienced players warm up and get a feel for the venue.
It is the first proper chance to meet the Australian and New Zealand crews and settle into the Rainbow Games atmosphere before anything counts.
Saturday · Night
🎃 Auckland's famous Halloween party
Most participants head to PROPAGANDA Halloween at Studio The Venue. This one is not organised or run by the Rainbow Games — it is a local institution and a community favourite every year.
Saturday 31 October, 10pm–4am at 340 Karangahape Road. Tickets are required and sell fast.
Sunday · Tournament day
🏆 Crown the champions
Teams play through the day in a round-robin format, subject to final team numbers, and we crown the Rainbow Games Kickball Champions.
Played under ECKB National Rules with one exception: the Tag Up rule is not used, because Melbourne and Perth do not currently play it.
Where to stay
Accommodation & hotel discounts
ECKB has negotiated discounted rates close to the proposed sports venues in the Auckland CBD.
The likely venue
HiWa Rooftop, Auckland CBD
Subject to change, but currently the front-runner and right in the heart of the city. Several Rainbow Games sports run at the same location, so there will be athletes and supporters from across the whole event in one place. Food and drinks are available throughout the day.
Recommended hotels
Book directly with the provider using the code. Discounts are expected to stay available until early October.
Hotel pricing is dynamic and promotional offers move around, so check the price both with and without the discount code before you book — sometimes the public rate wins.
The hotels listed are not affiliated with ECKB and are suggestions only, for members who would like to stay near other Emerald City participants. There is no obligation to book any of them, and you are welcome to arrange accommodation that suits your own preferences and budget. Extending your stay before or after the tournament is arranged directly with the hotel.
Frequently asked questions
The questions we keep getting
When should I book flights?
Watch prices between now and September and buy when they look right. Flight confirmations are required by early September.
Book flexible fares where you can — registrations cannot be refunded, so flexibility on the flight is the part you control.
Is registration refundable?
Rainbow Games registration is non-refundable. It can be transferred to another participant.
How many divisions will there be?
ECKB is planning one Open Division at this stage, subject to final registration numbers.
Guardians will only run if there are enough players for at least four teams, which keeps the division competitive and worth playing. Sydney is currently the only league that plays Guardians regularly, so it would need players from across all leagues to be viable.
The tournament is played under ECKB National Rules, with one exception: the Tag Up rule will not be used, as it is not currently played in Melbourne or Perth.
Do I need travel insurance?
Travel insurance is required. Health insurance is optional.
Can I register individually?
Yes. Individual players and small pods are allocated across teams where possible.
Can I play with interstate or international players?
Absolutely. Mixed-location and international teams are welcome.
What will the tournament look like?
Two days, with plenty of room to meet people, play, and connect.
Saturday — GAG Day & Training. A relaxed, social day where local New Zealand participants learn the fundamentals and experienced players warm up and get familiar with the venue. It is also the first chance for everyone to meet players from across Australia and New Zealand before competition starts.
Sunday — Tournament Day. Teams compete through the day in a round-robin format, subject to final team numbers, to crown our Rainbow Games Kickball Champions.
Will there be fundraising opportunities?
Yes. The Over the Rainbow Champions fundraising program through GiveOUT launches in September, alongside local fundraising initiatives.
What additional costs should I expect?
Budget for:
- Flights
- Accommodation
- Local transport
- Food and beverages
- Ticketed Friday and Saturday night events
Will uniforms be provided?
ECKB is working with sponsors on a commemorative player kit and jersey. Every team also receives an official ECKB bandana in their team colours.
Are there free social events included?
Yes. The Opening and Awards events are included in your registration, along with most ECKB activities.
What if my plans change?
Buy flexible flights where you can. Registrations cannot be refunded, but they can be transferred to another player.
How many players are expected?
Rainbow Games expects more than 800 participants across all sports. ECKB is planning the kickball tournament for 60–100 players.
Queries & Events Team
Ask these three anything
Planning for Rainbow Games NZ is run by the Events Manager and the ECKB Events Team. Please send all tournament enquiries straight to them.
Events Manager
Marcus Gadd
Perth
ECKB Events Team
Freddie Lenclud
Melbourne
ECKB Events Team
Andrew Coulthard
Sydney
📧 Email the team
📱 WhatsApp community
Tournament updates, announcements, accommodation chatter, team talk and social planning, all in one place.
🌏 See you in Auckland
This is the biggest thing Emerald City Kickball has ever done.
Whether you are coming to compete, connect, travel, volunteer, or just stand courtside in a costume and absorb the atmosphere — we cannot wait to welcome our community to Auckland this October.
Further tournament updates, accommodation details, fixtures and social event information will be released over the coming months.