What is the AIMS Games?
The Zespri AIMS Games (Association of Intermediate and Middle Schools) is an annual multi-sport championship held in Tauranga, New Zealand. It is the largest sporting event for children aged 11 to 13 in New Zealand and Australasia - the 2025 event attracted more competitors than the Paris Olympics, with 14,022 athletes from 431 schools competing across 27 sports.
The event was founded in 2004 and has grown every year, now drawing families from across New Zealand and internationally. Most events are spread across venues throughout Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, and the wider Western Bay of Plenty. Athletes compete by sport rather than as school teams, meaning schedules vary significantly across the week.
Student athletes must be aged over 10 and under 13 as of 31 December 2025. Eligible birth years for the 2026 Games are 2013, 2014 and 2015. Registrations open 20 March 2026 through school AIMS Games coordinators. All official information is at nzaimsgames.co.nz.
Where to Stay - Pāpāmoa & Tauranga
Pāpāmoa is ideally positioned for AIMS Games families - 10 to 20 minutes from all major Tauranga venues, directly connected to Mount Maunganui, and with Pāpāmoa Beach for after-competition downtime. Accommodation across all of Tauranga books out every year during Games week. Book as early as possible.
Pāpāmoa’s top-rated accommodation on TripAdvisor - 321 reviews, 4 stars. Family-friendly cabins, motel units, powered campsites and group lodges two minutes from the beach. Alcohol and smoke-free. Hot tub, jumping pillow, games room. Beyonder is the official AIMS Games accommodation partner - Pacific Park works with visiting AIMS families annually.
View Pacific Park listing →Browse all Pāpāmoa accommodation on Papamoa.info:
See all Pāpāmoa accommodation →Food & Restaurants for Families
Pāpāmoa and Mount Maunganui have a wide range of dining options for families between and after competition days. Pāpāmoa Beach Road has cafes, pizza, takeaways, bakeries and restaurants along its length - easy access for families staying locally.
This spot reaches 14,000+ visiting families searching for somewhere to eat during Games week. Available with a Gold listing. Register interest now and we’ll help you sort the rest.
Claim this spot →Pāpāmoa has takeaway, pizza, Indian, Thai, Chinese, fish & chips and fast food options within easy reach. The suburb’s shopping centres include food courts suitable for quick family meals. Most restaurants can accommodate large groups with advance booking during Games week.
Mount Maunganui’s main street has a wide range of cafes and restaurants within walking distance for families staying on the Mount. The Tauranga CBD has the largest concentration of dining options across all cuisines.
Browse Pāpāmoa food & drink listings →Getting Around - Distances from Pāpāmoa
Pāpāmoa sits on State Highway 2, giving direct arterial access to Tauranga, Mount Maunganui and most AIMS Games venue areas. Allow extra travel time during Games week as traffic around Tauranga increases substantially on competition days.
| Destination | Distance | Drive time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tauranga CBD | ~18 km | 15–20 min | Via SH2. Allow extra time peak hours and Games days. |
| Mount Maunganui | ~8 km | 10–15 min | Direct via Maunganui Road. Several AIMS venues in the Mount. |
| Baypark / Stadium | ~10 km | 12–15 min | Multiple AIMS sports held at Baypark Arena complex. |
| Tauranga Domain | ~18 km | 15–20 min | Athletics and field events venue. |
| ASB Arena | ~17 km | 15–20 min | Indoor sports venue, Tauranga CBD. |
| Pāpāmoa Beach | 2 min walk | - | Perfect for after-competition downtime. |
Family tips for AIMS Games 2026
- Download the AIMS Games app for real-time results and schedules
- Bring camp chairs, sun hats and sunscreen to outdoor venues
- Many venues have limited food - pack snacks and water for competition days
- Pāpāmoa Beach is minutes away for a post-competition swim
- Gordon Spratt Reserve is available for warm-up runs and training
- Allow 20–30 min travel to Tauranga venues on busy competition mornings
- Most sports have public spectator access - check nzaimsgames.co.nz for specifics
- Accommodation sells out fast - lock in Beyonder or Pacific Park now
27 Sports at AIMS Games 2026
Athletes compete in one of 27 sports codes. Venues are spread across Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty. Check the official AIMS Games website for sport-specific venue and schedule information.
Sport codes and venues confirmed at nzaimsgames.co.nz. Some sports may vary year to year.
Explore Pāpāmoa While You’re Here
If your athlete has a rest day, or you’re staying the full week, Pāpāmoa has plenty for visiting families. Browse the directory for local businesses, activities and services.