Transport Details
This post explains how transport will operate during the upcoming 2026 National Māori Bowls Tournament held in Waiariki over Waitangi Weekend.
Six (6) 12-seater vans have been arranged for use throughout the tournament. Each club has been allocated one van; therefore, seating is limited, particularly for travel to venues outside the Rotorua area.
Participants and supporters are responsible for making their own way to the marae for breakfast each morning. Tournament transport will operate from the marae to the playing venues and, at the conclusion of play, from the venues back to the marae and/or Headquarters.
Airport transfers are available for players arriving at Rotorua Airport on Thursday 5 or Friday 6 February. If you require airport transport, please visit www.bowlswaiariki.org (under Key Information click ‘Transport’), and complete the transport request form with your name and flight details.
Thursday 5 February 2026
Airport transfers will operate in accordance with online transport requests, providing transport from Rotorua Airport to accommodation and/or Ngongotaha Bowling Club Bowling Club Headquarters.
Friday 6 February 2026
Transport will be available from Te Koutu (Karenga) Marae to Ngongotaha Bowling Club Bowling Club Headquarters from 7.00pm, following the pōhiri and hākari.
Return transport from Headquarters to the marae and accommodation will operate every 30 minutes, with the final van departing at 11.45pm.
Saturday 7 February 2026
7.15am Transport Departs Te Koutu (Karenga)Marae to Te Puke via HQ (Ngongotaha Bowling Club)
7.30am Transport Departs Te Koutu (Karenga) Marae to Reporoa
7.45am Transport Departs Te Koutu (Karenga) Marae to Rotorua East Bowling Club, Rotorua Bowling Club, Arawa Bowling Club and Ngongotaha Bowling Club (HQ)
Transport leaves all venues at 6.30pm AFTER DINNER returning to Headquarters and Te Koutu (Karenga) Marae.
Return transport from Headquarters to the marae and accommodation will operate every 30 minutes, with the final van departing at 11.45pm.
Sunday 8 February 2026
7.00am Transport Departs Marae to Te Puke via HQ (Ngongotaha Bowling Club)
7.15am Transport Departs Marae to Reporoa.
7.30am Transport Departs from Marae to Rotorua East Bowling Club, Rotorua Bowling Club, Arawa Bowling Club and Ngongotaha Bowling Club (HQ)
Shuttle vans will depart all venues at 12.30pm, following lunch, returning to Headquarters.
Return transport from Headquarters to the marae and accommodation will operate every 30 minutes, with the final van departing at 11.45pm.
Please Note:
The top two place getters in each Flight section are required to be at Headquarters (Ngongotaha Bowling Club Bowling Club) for a 1.30pm start. Trial ends will be available from 1.15pm and must be completed prior to the commencement of play.
Transport Shuttles from Entertainment
Shuttle van services are operated by volunteers who generously give their time. All passengers are expected to treat drivers with courtesy and respect at all times.
Shuttle vans are available solely for the transport of registered bowlers and registered supporters participating in the Māori Bowls Tournament, and will operate only between designated venues. Attendee wristbands will be checked prior to departure.
Transport to other clubs or activities must be arranged independently and at the passenger’s own expense.
Shuttle services will conclude at midnight.
Smoking and the consumption of alcohol are strictly prohibited in all shuttle vans.
Drivers reserve the right to refuse entry to any passenger who is overly intoxicated.
Thank you for your cooperation and support.