Winter sports across Central Otago are underway, with traditional games such as rugby, hockey, netball and football still attracting strong numbers every weekend.

Primary and secondary schools will start their winter ice activities this week, with instructors teaching curling, ice hockey and figure skating, in Alexandra. 

The Maniototo Adventure Park will also offer lessons across the different codes in the July school holidays on its natural outdoor rink.

Central Otago Junior football kicked off on Saturday, with games around the region, the women’s division started at the start of April, and the Central Lakes Football League began in mid-March with two divisions and 16 teams across Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago.

Central Otago premier rugby has been underway for a month, and the junior rugby season started with the annual Alexandra 7s tournament in early April.

The Alexandra netball courts will be full every Saturday from this coming weekend, with hundreds of players from across Central Otago from five to senior level.

Alexandra IceInline opened on Friday night - the first time in April under its new roof built in 2024, and the indoor curling rink next door had a free ‘Have a Go Day’ on Sunday to encourage more players.

The squash season is building up with pre-season games now leading into tournaments, and juniors wanting to be involved in Term 2 are invited to come along to the Alexandra club on Sunday afternoons.

If you have an interesting sport or sportsperson story, then contact us [email protected]