Padel Court Set to Open at Bishopdale Tennis Club in Christchurch

Eighteen months after first crossing paths, Bishopdale Tennis Club head coach Gareth Robb and finance professional Paul Morris are on the brink of launching the first padel court in New Zealand’s South Island. The opening is scheduled for six weeks from now, marking a significant milestone for the growing sport in the region.

Padel, a dynamic sport that blends elements of tennis and squash, is played in doubles and features small walled courts that facilitate longer rallies. This unique setup has contributed to the sport’s increasing popularity, boasting an estimated 30 million players worldwide, particularly in Europe and South America. Although relatively new to New Zealand, padel’s roots trace back to its creation in Acapulco, Mexico, by Enrique Corcuera in 1969, the same year the Bishopdale Tennis Club was established.

Morris, who first experienced padel while living in Switzerland seven years ago, described it as “a real easy sport to get addicted to.” In contrast, Robb’s introduction to padel came later, during a trip to Auckland in 2023, after a friend returned from abroad and shared their enthusiasm for the game. “We had three tennis players and a golfer playing, and we all left frothing about it, just thinking what an amazing sport,” Robb recalled. This shared excitement prompted the duo to brainstorm ways to bring padel to Christchurch.

After reaching out to Padel New Zealand regarding potential court development in the South Island, Robb and Morris were connected. The pair decided to self-finance the project, driven by their desire to promote the sport locally. Unlike traditional club facilities, the new court will be accessible to the entire community, featuring a fixed hourly rate and options for racket rental.

Players will be able to reserve the court using an app or participate in ‘open games’ with others. Morris’ wife, Madeleine, noted that padel is appealing for all skill levels: “It’s really quick and easy to pick up, but equally to get really good is a challenge, so I think it speaks to a wide range of people.”

The social aspect of the game is another inviting feature. “It’s like playing golf; you can end up with four different people that you don’t know,” Morris added, highlighting how padel fosters community engagement.

As the initiative progresses, Robb envisions collaboration with nearby Wilding Park, which will also use the same booking app. This could pave the way for inter-club activities and tournaments in the future. Both Robb and Morris express a strong interest in integrating padel into local schools and holiday programmes, aiming to cultivate a new generation of players who can continue to grow the sport.

With the opening of this padel court, Bishopdale Tennis Club is set to become a focal point for enthusiasts and newcomers alike, fostering a vibrant sporting community in Christchurch.