NZ Tertiary Ultimate Championships Return to Auckland This Weekend

The 2025 New Zealand Tertiary Ultimate Championships will take place this weekend at Lloyd Elsmore Park in Auckland, bringing together the country’s leading student-athletes for two days of competitive Ultimate. The event is a highlight of the tertiary sporting calendar and will showcase the growing strength of Ultimate across Aotearoa.

This year’s competition features 10 teams representing seven universities, reflecting both the sport’s depth and its continued growth at the tertiary level. The universities and teams contesting the title are:

• University of Auckland Flood
• University of Auckland Flash
• University of Auckland Flow
• AUT
• University of Waikato
• Massey University
• Victoria University of Wellington
• University of Canterbury Honey Badgers
• University of Canterbury Pythons
• University of Otago Toroa

The University of Canterbury Honey Badgers enter the tournament as defending champions, having secured the 2024 title at home with a memorable universe point victory over the University of Otago Toroa. Both teams return in 2025 determined to build on their strong records, setting the stage for another compelling chapter in this developing rivalry.

As hosts, the University of Auckland Ultimate Club will play an integral role in welcoming the competition to the city. With three teams — Flood, Flash, and Flow — in this year’s draw, Auckland will be well represented on the field and motivated to impress in front of a home crowd. Their presence, alongside teams from every corner of the country, underlines the spirit of inclusivity and community that is central to Ultimate.

Lloyd Elsmore Park will be a hive of activity on Saturday in particular, with the local junior rugby season coming to a close on the surrounding fields. The weather forecast is predicting challenging conditions with wind and rain anticipated, which could lead to more measured and calculated play. Whatever the conditions, spectators can expect to witness a blend of athleticism, skill, and the unique “Spirit of the Game” ethos that defines Ultimate at all levels.

Supporters will have the opportunity to follow the event both in person and online. Attendance is free for those wishing to experience the atmosphere at Lloyd Elsmore Park, while games on Field 1 will be streamed live via the UTSNZ YouTube channel. Followers can also track the results online via the event’s Ultimate Central website.

With a strong field of teams, proud rivalries, and the chance for new champions to emerge, the 2025 NZ Tertiary Ultimate Championships promise to deliver a weekend of high-quality competition and an enduring celebration of university sport in New Zealand.