Pickleball FAQs
Everything New Zealand pickleball players ask us most — shipping, returns, choosing a paddle, and getting started. Can't find your answer? Email pickleballstuffnz@gmail.com and we'll reply within 24 hours.
Shipping and delivery
How much does shipping cost within New Zealand?
Shipping is a flat $10 to any address in New Zealand. Free shipping is applied automatically on orders over $300 — there's nothing you need to select.
Free shipping may not apply to oversized items such as ball machines and court bundles, or to deliveries to Waiheke Island and Stewart Island. If that affects your order we'll contact you before dispatch.
How long does delivery take in New Zealand?
Most New Zealand orders arrive within 2 working days. Allow an extra day or two for rural addresses, and up to 3–7 working days for standard delivery at busy times.
If your parcel hasn't arrived after 7 working days, email us at pickleballstuffnz@gmail.com and we'll chase it with the courier.
When will my order be dispatched?
Orders placed before 12pm on a business day are dispatched the same day. Orders placed after 12pm, or at the weekend, go out the next working day.
We pack and send Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.
How do I track my order?
You'll get an automated email with a tracking number as soon as the courier collects your parcel. Every New Zealand order is trackable online.
We book through GoSweetSpot, which uses Castle Parcels, PostHaste and NZ Post depending on your address.
Do you deliver to rural addresses and offshore islands?
Yes — we ship anywhere in New Zealand, including rural delivery addresses and both main islands.
Waiheke Island and Stewart Island are the two exceptions to the free shipping threshold, and oversized items may attract an additional freight charge. Everything else is the standard flat $10 rate.
Prices, returns and warranty
Do your prices include GST?
Yes. Every price on our website includes GST, so the price you see is the price you pay before shipping.
Can I return a paddle if I change my mind?
Yes, within 30 days, as long as the paddle is returned in its original condition. Return freight is at your cost, and the refund is the purchase price less our payment processing fee of 2.8% + 30c.
We look at every return request individually, so if something isn't right, email us before you send it back and we'll talk it through.
Can I return pickleball balls?
No — pickleballs aren't eligible for return or refund. Balls crack for all sorts of reasons in normal play, and there's no reliable way for us to tell a manufacturing fault from ordinary wear.
If you're unsure which ball suits your court, ask us first and we'll point you to the right one.
What happens if the price drops after I buy?
If an item you bought goes on sale within 5 days of your purchase and is still in stock, we'll credit you the difference as store credit. Just email us with your order number.
Are the paddles you sell covered by warranty?
Yes. We're an authorised reseller for every brand we stock, so manufacturer warranties apply and we handle claims for you.
Warranties cover manufacturing defects such as core delamination or edge guard failure. They don't cover wear and tear, or accidental damage like paddle drops and clashes. For warranty claims we'll ask for photos or a short video, and for our own PSNZ-branded gear we'll replace anything with a significant defect.
Are you an authorised New Zealand reseller?
Yes — we're an authorised reseller for all the brands we carry, including JOOLA, Selkirk, Six Zero, Gearbox, Engage, Paddletek, CRBN, ProXR and Honolulu.
That means genuine stock, valid warranties, and NZ-based support if something goes wrong. It's worth checking, because paddles bought from overseas grey-market sellers usually have no warranty cover here.
Choosing your gear
How much does it cost to start playing pickleball in New Zealand?
Around $100 gets you playing. A beginner paddle starts at about $90 and balls are $4–$6 each, which is all you need if your local club supplies nets.
If you want to set up at home, add a portable net at $239.99 and a court line marking set from $39.99. A complete two-player home setup lands at roughly $450–$550.
What paddle should a beginner buy?
Most beginners are best served by a mid-weight paddle around 7.6–8.0oz with a standard or hybrid shape and a 16mm core — it's the most forgiving combination while you're learning. Expect to spend $90–$180.
Don't buy the most expensive paddle you can afford. Pro-level paddles are built for players who already have a consistent swing, and they're less forgiving off-centre. Our Paddle Finder asks four questions and matches you from our range.
What's the difference between a $100 paddle and a $300 paddle?
Mostly the face material and how the paddle is built. Cheaper paddles use fiberglass or composite faces on a moulded core; premium paddles use raw carbon fibre faces, thermoformed or cold-pressed construction, and foam-injected edges.
In practice that buys you more spin, a bigger sweet spot and better durability. It does not buy you better technique — which is why we usually tell newer players to spend less on the paddle and more on court time.
What's the difference between indoor and outdoor pickleballs?
Indoor balls are lighter, made from thinner plastic, and have 26 larger holes, which gives a softer feel and less bounce on gym floors. Outdoor balls use thicker, heavier plastic with 40 smaller holes so they hold their line in the wind and survive abrasive courts.
They aren't interchangeable. An outdoor ball indoors feels harsh and bounces high; an indoor ball outdoors blows off course. Match the ball to the surface you actually play on.
How long does a pickleball paddle last?
Between 1 and 5 years, depending on how hard and how often you play. A social player hitting once a week will get years out of a paddle; someone playing competitively several times a week may replace one annually.
The signs it's done: the face goes smooth and stops gripping the ball, the sound turns dull or rattly, or you feel dead spots near the edges.
How often should I replace my pickleballs?
Replace a ball when it stops performing — when it goes soft, out of round, or cracks. There's no fixed timeframe, because it depends entirely on how hard you hit and what surface you play on.
Outdoor balls on rough asphalt wear fastest. Indoor balls on a gym floor last considerably longer.
What size grip do I need?
Most adults suit a 4–4.25 inch grip circumference, which is what the majority of paddles ship with. If in doubt, size down — you can always build a grip up with an overgrip, but you can't make it smaller.
A quick check: hold the paddle in your normal grip, and you should be able to fit roughly one finger's width between your fingertips and the base of your thumb.
Can I try a paddle before I buy it?
Yes — we run a demo paddle programme by post, anywhere in New Zealand. We'll send you demo paddles to try on court, then you send them back and buy the one you liked.
Email pickleballstuffnz@gmail.com with your playing level and what you're after, and we'll suggest a few to trial.
Which paddles do you have under $160?
We keep a genuine budget range, with paddles starting around $90. Current options under $160 typically include the Standout RF1, HEAD Kickstarter, Six Zero Quartz and Gearbox CP7.
Stock on entry-level paddles moves quickly, so check the paddles collection for what's available right now, or use our Paddle Finder and filter by budget.
Playing pickleball in New Zealand
Where can I play pickleball in New Zealand?
Pickleball is now played in every region of New Zealand, through clubs, community centres, school halls and a growing number of dedicated venues. Our Find a Session tool lists open sessions around the country.
Pickleball New Zealand (pnza.org.nz) also maintains a national places-to-play directory, and most regions have their own association — Pickleball Auckland, for example.
Do I need my own net to start playing?
No. Almost every club and community session provides nets, so a paddle and a ball are all you need to turn up and play.
You'd only need your own net for a home or backyard court, or if you're starting a new group. Our portable net is $239.99 and sets up in a few minutes.
Do you supply schools and clubs?
Yes — we've helped over 100 schools, clubs and organisations across New Zealand start their pickleball programmes. We supply startup bundles with paddles, balls and portable nets, and we can quote for any class or club size.
We also provide teaching materials, including mini-game ideas and lesson plans for using pickleball in the school curriculum. See our Schools & Clubs page or email us for a quote.
Do you offer bulk or club pricing?
Yes. Bulk ball pricing is available directly on the website, and we'll quote custom discounts for larger club, school or corporate orders.
Email pickleballstuffnz@gmail.com with what you need and roughly how many, and we'll come back with pricing.
About Pickleball Stuff NZ
Where are you based?
We're a New Zealand-owned family business based in North Canterbury, shipping nationwide. Pickleball Stuff has been supplying New Zealand players since 2018.
Do you have a physical store?
No — we're online only, which is how we keep our range the largest in New Zealand and our prices competitive. Orders ship from our North Canterbury warehouse to anywhere in the country.
If you'd like advice before buying, email us and you'll hear back from someone who actually plays. We aim to answer every enquiry within 24 hours, Monday to Friday.
How do I contact you?
Email pickleballstuffnz@gmail.com and we'll reply within 24 hours, Monday to Friday.