Free Hip Hop Workshop

Date: Saturday 5 September 2026

Time: 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Venue: Mercury Baypark Arena

This workshop is open to all dancers registered in a Zespri AIMS Games Hip Hop crew (and Hip Hop managers, coaches and choreographers too!)

Have fun learning from one of Aotearoa’s top choreographers, Mikey Te Whata.

Free to attend and pre-registrations are not required - just show up on the day!

Hip Hop Finals (Ticketed Event) 

Date: Saturday 5 September 2026

Time: 4:00pm – 9:00pm

Venue: Mercury Baypark Arena

The Zespri AIMS Games Hip Hop Finals at Mercury Baypark are an absolute must‑see event! Watch the country’s top intermediate‑aged Hip Hop crews go head‑to‑head for the 2026 title in a high‑energy showcase of sharp choreography, bold costumes, big attitude and seriously smooth moves.

The fun will continue outside the Arena too, with food vendors, free activities, a photo booth and the Zespri AIMS Games merchandise pop-up shop.

Head to the 'Shop' tab to purchase tickets.

Mercury Free Team Photos

Date: Sunday 6 - Thursday 10 September 2026

Venue: Bayfair Shopping Centre

Sunday 6 September 2026 - 12pm-3pm

Monday 7 September 2026 - 9am-3pm

Tuesday 8 September 2025 - 9am-3pm

Wednesday 9 September 2026 - 9am-3pm

Thursday 10 September 2026 - 10am-7pm (late night)

Head down to Bayfair Shopping Centre to get your professional team photo and create a keepsake for the 2026 Zespri AIMS Games. 

Catch The KiwiCruiser

Date: Monday 7 - Friday 11 September 2026

The KiwiCruiser is hitting the road again, bringing fresh Zespri Kiwifruit and plenty of fun directly to the action. Stop by between games to refuel with a nutritious fruit snack, take part in the KiwiQuiz or Cornhole challenge, win points for your school and be in with a chance to pick up some fun prizes.

Check out the schedule below to see when the KiwiCruiser will be visiting a venue near you.

Bring your teammates, test your knowledge, show off your aim and help your school climb the leaderboard while you enjoy a fresh kiwifruit boost.

You can also check the KiwiCruiser schedule on the Zespri AIMS Games app.

LifeChanger Foundation Zone

Date: Monday 7 - Thursday 10 September 2026

Time: 9am - 3pm daily

Venue: Gordon Spratt Reserve

Visit the LifeChanger team at Gordon Spratt Reserve during the Zespri AIMS Games for practical tools, strategies to support your athlete's mental wellbeing.

Hear from current and former elite athletes on building confidence, managing pressure, and performing at their best. Plus, meet Auckland FC players through fun interactive activities and special appearances.

What you'll find inside the LifeChanger Tent:

• Wellbeing & Recovery Workshops - practical tools and guided sessions to help athletes reset, refocus and recharge.

• Mini Goal Posts and Score Trying Nets - test your skills, challenge your mates and have some fun between games.

• Gratitude Wall - share a message, celebrate your team, and spread some positivity throughout the Games.

• Auckland FC Trophy Display - get up close to the silverware and snap a photo with an iconic Auckland FC achievement.

• Team Building Games - quick, energetic activities designed to boost connection, confidence and teamwork.

• Chill Out Zone - a calm space to relax, breathe and take a moment away from the action.

Zespri Zones

Date: Monday 7 - Friday 11 September 2026

Time: 9:00am-4:00pm daily (Monday-Thursday); 9:00am - 12:00pm Friday

Venue: Blake Park and Gordon Spratt Reserve

Keep an eye out for Zespri across tournament week, with activities taking place at two sites in Tauranga. Whether you are testing your skills, collecting points for your school, learning more about healthy habits or simply grabbing some fresh kiwifruit, there’s something for everyone.

Be sure to stop by and get involved!

Tauranga Racecourse Funzone

Date: Monday 7 September 2026

Time: 12pm - 3pm

Venue: Tauranga Racecourse

Head to the Tauranga Racecourse for a free afternoon of fun activities! Challenge your friends to a Hungerball match, get your face painted or check out the lawn games. The Zespri AIMS Games Merchandise Pop-Up Shop will also be there.

Hockey Under Lights

Date: Tuesday 8 September 2026

Time: 4:00pm – 8:00pm

Venue: Tauranga Hockey Centre, Blake Park

Come down to Hockey Under Lights and support the 105 Hockey teams playing at the 2026 Zespri AIMS Games!

It will be action packed off the turf too, with roving entertainers, face painting, lawn games, food vendors, a photo booth and the Zespri AIMS Games merchandise pop-up shop.

Tauranga Nightflix 

Brought to you by Tauranga City Council

Date: Tuesday 8 September 2026

Time: 6:00pm - 9:00pm

Venue: Blake Park

The ultimate post-game chill session - a FREE outdoor movie night!

Looking for a fun way for your team to relax after a big day of competition? Bring your athletes along to watch a family-friendly movie under the stars at Blake Park and watch Eddie the Eagle. A feel-good sports story described as Cool Runnings meets Billy Elliot.

Tauranga Nightflix is a chance for teams to unwind, connect with other athletes in a relaxed setting before another exciting day of competition. Bring a blanket, grab some snacks and settle in for a fun evening. Food trucks will be on site with food available to purchase, plus popcorn for athletes who have worked up an appetite.

Register your attendance so we know how much popcorn to have ready!

Please note that the movie night is weather dependent, any cancellation will be advised via the Zespri AIMS Games app prior to the event.

Netball Under Lights

Date: Wednesday 9 September 2026

Time: 3:30pm – 7:30pm

Venue: Tauranga Netball Centre, Blake Park

Come down to Netball Under Lights and support the 157 Netball teams playing at the 2026 Zespri AIMS Games!

It will be action packed off the court too, with roving entertainers, face painting, food vendors, lawn games and the Zespri AIMS Games merchandise pop-up shop. While you’re there, create a special Zespri AIMS Games photo keepsake to take home, thanks to our friends at EVES Real Estate.

Rip Rugby Finals Under Lights

Date: Thursday 10 September 2026

Time: 4:00pm – 8:00pm

Venue: Bay Oval

The 2026 Zespri AIMS Games Rip Rugby Finals will be played under lights at Bay Oval International Cricket Ground. This year's Games sees a record-breaking 100 Rip Rugby teams entered and the local community and athletes playing in other sporting codes are encouraged to come along and enjoy the finals fun!

It will be action packed off the field too, with roving entertainers, face painting, food vendors, hair braiding, the Zespri AIMS Games merchandise pop-up shop and pre-finals performances.

When there's a break in the draw, swap the sidelines for a little adventure and head to The Historic Village to refuel, recharge and explore. Start with coffee or bite to eat at one of The Village's three eateries, choose a sweet treat from Sugar and Spice, then round up the team for a photo at the vibrant Tauranga Runway mural – a colourful backdrop that's become one of the city's favourite photo spots.

Take your time wandering The Village's character streets and peaceful nature walk, where hidden fairy doors at the enchanting Fairy Garden add an element of discovery along the way. With free entry, boutique shops, galleries, artisan studios and plenty to explore, The Historic Village is a memorable place to spend time between games.

historicvillage.co.nz