Players pack out Ruakākā beach for national volleyball tour event

Ruakākā beach was packed to capacity on Saturday for the first day of the G.J. Gardner Homes New Zealand Beach Volleyball Tour.

The tour, which was in its fourth leg after competitions were held in Mount Maunganui, Gisborne and Nelson, featured more than 40 domestic and international teams competing across the weekend, before a social tournament is held today.

While over a hundred swimmers occupied the water, hundreds of players and fans surrounded multiple volleyball courts which spanned a large area of the beach outside the Ruakākā Surf Life Saving clubrooms.

Read more: Northland talents Crabb and Jennings set to star on national tour

Results and photos from yesterday's finals will feature in tomorrow's Northern Advocate.

Today's social competition:

Four-a-side social tournament
Up to six players per team of any age and gender
9am registration in front of Ruakākā Surf Life Saving Club
$10/person (cash or card)
Spot prizes including for best team costume