Hockey New Zealand is thrilled to announce the return of international hockey to our home turf this summer. The Vantage Black Sticks Women are set to compete in the Summer of Hockey, a Four Nations Tournament in Dunedin, Otago, from January 21–25, 2026 at the Alexander McMillan Hockey Centre.
Hosted in partnership with the Dunedin City Council and the Otago Hockey Association, the event will bring New Zealand, Korea, Japan, and the United States together for a four-day, eight-match international series, celebrating world-class hockey right here in Aotearoa.
“It’s great to have home content in January”, said Head Coach, Phil Burrows. “We don’t often get the chance to play in New Zealand, so it’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase to our hockey community how we’re tracking on the road to the World Cup. After a successful 2025, winning both the Nations Cup and Oceania Cup, we’re eager to build momentum and measure our progress early.”
The Four Nations will not only showcase the best of women’s hockey but also create a true festival atmosphere for fans. The event will feature a Fan Zone, food trucks, local vendors, and live entertainment between matches. Turning the Alexander McMillan Hockey Centre into a buzzing summer destination for the whole community.
After a packed international calendar overseas, this event marks a special homecoming for the Vantage Black Sticks Women. Playing in front of friends, family, and fans is a moment the players and staff have been eagerly anticipating.
The Summer of Hockey also strengthens New Zealand’s relationships across the global hockey network, particularly within Asia and the North America. By hosting Korea, Japan, and the USA, the series deepens Hockey New Zealand’s partnerships and builds an important pathway of competition toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, fostering shared development and competition opportunities in the lead-up to the next Olympic cycle.
With eight international matches across four action-packed days, fans can look forward to fast-paced competition, family-friendly fun, and an atmosphere that celebrates everything great about our game and our community.
Match Schedule:
Wednesday January 21
4.30pm: United States vs Korea
6.30pm: New Zealand vs Japan
Thursday January 22
4.30pm: United States vs Japan
6.30pm: New Zealand vs Korea
Saturday January 24 2.00pm: New Zealand vs United States
4.00pm: Japan vs Korea
Sunday January 25, The Summer of Hockey Finals
2.00pm: 3rd place vs 4th place
4.00pm: 1st place vs 2nd place
CLICK HERE to join the ticket waitlist.
