New Zealand Open Dance Championships — 2026 Competitor Guide
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The 75th New Zealand Open brings national titles and international participation together across three days in Auckland. This guide is for preparing to attend the 2026 edition; the organiser now says entries are closed.
Current edition. 2026 competitor guide. Check the official entry status and final programme before travelling; published schedules can change.
| Edition | 23 - 25 Oct 2026 |
|---|---|
| Venue | Barfoot & Thompson Stadium, Kohimarama, Auckland |
| Region | New Zealand — North Island |
| Prices and times | NZD where prices are quoted; venue-local times |
Competition and registration
Open to the World and NZ Closed titles run concurrently. Categories include couples, solo, recreational, professional and Pro/Am. NZ competitors need NZRDI registration; overseas DanceSport entrants must show current registration with their national body. Overseas recreational entrants need NZRDI recreational registration.
Venue and daily timing
Barfoot & Thompson Stadium, 203 Kohimarama Road, Auckland. Doors open 8am and marshalling starts 8:30am each day. Published first events: Friday 9am; Saturday and Sunday 8:45am. All times are local.
Entry structure and eligibility
The organiser requires separate entries for different event types and partnerships, with one partner per event. Where permitted, DanceSport competitors are limited to two age groups; recreational competitors use one. Check the full rules for Pro/Am and juvenile dress requirements.
Tickets and final checks
General-seating spectator tickets are advertised for sale at the venue. Ticket prices and individual heat times should be checked directly. Contact enquiries@nzopendancechampionship.co.nz for unresolved admission or entry questions.
Your preparation checklist
Build your travel plan around the day assigned to your category, not just the three-day headline dates. For an overseas trip, keep registration evidence, entry confirmation and essential shoes in your carry-on luggage. Compare the final programme with your accepted entries, then plan transport and warm-up time backwards from your earliest required arrival.
Check the shoes you already train in before deciding whether anything needs replacing. Use our fit and sizing guide and shoe-care and heel-protector guide. Trial changes during practice, with enough time to resolve fit issues before competing.
Official information and updates
Sources checked 30 September 2026. This independent Elite Dancer guide summarises selected practical points; the organiser’s full conditions and final programme govern participation.
Back to this event in the Australia & New Zealand competition directory