Distinction Hotels Te Anau Tennis Invitational

If you love your tennis served with a side of world-class scenery, the Distinction Hotels Te Anau Invitational has the ticket for you.

Since 2012 the cream of New Zealand’s tennis talent have clambered for one of the eight starting spots in this most unique of tournaments, hosted by the Te Anau Tennis Club.

The event draws some of New Zealand’s highest-ranked world talent including multiple winner and Davis Cup stalwart Rubin Statham, and internationally-renowned doubles player Mike Venus, who in 2017 won the French Open Grand Slam Doubles Title. 

Some spots are opened up to the finest rising tennis talent in New Zealand - who like nothing better than taking down the big guns - in the pressure-cooker environment of a hard court tournament.

The invitational has become an important New Zealand tennis fixture, our top men’s players to get three hard matches before taking on the New Zealand and Australian Opens in January.

Next event date: 28 - 29 December 2023
Location: Te Anau
Keen to learn more: teanautennis.co.nz

Grab your spot in the grandstand or throw a picnic blanket down on the grassy surrounds for a fantastic courtside view. There are corporate seats with fantastic hospitality on tap as well. 

And the format means it’s all action from the first serve, with epic matches throughout. 

Make sure you’re courtside from the first set as the intensity of the competition is compelling.

The players love it, and have been known to grab a seat courtside with you, mixing and mingling between matches. 

When you come up for air, there’s specialty ice cream and strawberries on hand to give it a little bit of Wimbledon-flavour.

The invitational attracts several hundred people under the glorious summer sun as the field vie for the coveted Willans Trophy - with funds raised going back into local sport.

Things can get pretty rowdy as the hard-court action hots up, but there’s no shushing the crowd here as a relaxed vibe prevails.

When the last point has been won and the trophy held aloft, stroll across the road for a relaxing drink and something to eat at one of Te Anau’s many great dining spots.

Your tennis pilgrimage takes you to the footsteps of Fiordland Ata Whenua (Shadowlands) - a place of extraordinary scenic beauty.

One of New Zealand’s oldest tourism drawcards, this rugged and remote region offers awe-inspiring landscapes and a wide range of recreational activities. It’s a world-class sightseeing destination and a must-do for anyone exploring New Zealand.

Milford Sound Piopiotahi is the jewel in Fiordland’s crown, while Manapōuri, is the base for discovering Doubtful Sound Pātea and also offers plenty of activities and destinations for travellers.

Come for the tennis, stay for the scenery.

Game. Set. Match.

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