Welcome to the website of Auckland Petanque. On these pages you will find information regarding the game of Pétanque, also known as Boules or French Bowls, within the Auckland region of New Zealand.
Petanque is a target sport, where participants throw metal balls as close as possible to a small wooden ball called a cochonnet or jack, while standing inside a circle with both feet on the ground. The game is normally played on hard dirt or gravel.
Petanque rules are simple, learned within minutes, and a novice can play immediately without having to be "taught" to play; yet it is strategic and complex and difficult to master if you want to become an accomplished player.
As an activity it is low tech, inexpensive and easily accessible, it requires no fancy equipment, clothing or sports grounds, just a patch of dirt or gravel and a set of boules which will likely last a lifetime. It provides social stimulation, friendly fun, exhilarating challenge and intense competition depending on the level you want to play at. It may be the only sport that can be played competitively by any age group from five to 95 and is suitable for players with a range of abilities and disabilities; you don't have to be fast, fit or strong. It is gender neutral - men and women compete on an equal basis and it can be played any time of the day and any time of the year. Individuals can choose to play purely for social fun, or can go on to achieve National and even International recognition if they want to put the time and energy into the sport.
In summary, Petanque can be played by anyone, anywhere, anytime, with minimal input or equipment.
So all you have to do is contact the club closest to you and they will be happy to lend you some boules and introduce you to the game with no obligation. See you on the piste!
Special thanks to Sandy Austin for the use of her photos.