Padel vs. Pickleball! The Key Differences & Where to Play in NZ

Mike Wood · 7 February, 2025

Racket sports are having a bit of a moment, and if you haven't given them a go yet, you might be missing out on your next favourite hobby. Whether you're looking for a social sport to play with friends, a competitive outlet to channel your energy, or simply a fun way to stay active without hitting the gym, there’s something for everyone.

Enter padel and pickleball (and no, they are not the same sport). Padel and pickleball offer a blend of strategy, movement, and social play, making them accessible and engaging for players of all levels. These sports provide an excellent way to stay active if you’re looking to switch up your weekend routine, meet new people, or just try something different.

With their relatively small court sizes and emphasis on doubles play, both sports encourage teamwork, quick decision-making, and a dynamic style of play that keeps things exciting. Plus, they are easy to pick up, even if you've never played a racket sport before, making them ideal for beginners and seasoned athletes alike.

But what sets them apart, and where can you play in New Zealand? Let’s break it down.

Origins: How Did Padel and Pickleball Begin?

Padel: From Mexico to Global Fame

Padel traces its roots back to the late 1960s in Acapulco, Mexico. Enrique Corcuera, looking to modify Basque pelota, built a court with walls to prevent balls from flying into his neighbour’s property. Inspired by paddle tennis, he introduced rackets, creating the first-ever game of padel. The sport quickly gained traction in Spain after Prince Alfonso de Hohenlohe introduced it to Marbella, where the first padel courts were built. From there, padel expanded across Spain, then to Argentina and Uruguay, before becoming a global sensation. In 1991, the International Padel Federation was established, further cementing its status as a worldwide sport.

Pickleball: A Family Game Turned Worldwide Phenomenon

Pickleball has a more recent history, originating in the summer of 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington. A group of neighbours, lacking a full set of badminton equipment, improvised a game using an old badminton court, ping-pong paddles, and a Wiffle ball. The result was pickleball, which steadily grew in popularity. In 1972, the first pickleball organisation was formed, and by the 1980s, the first official rulebook was published. By the 1990s, the sport was played across all 50 U.S. states, and in 2010, the International Federation of Pickleball (IFP) was created to expand the sport globally. By 2022, pickleball was the fastest-growing sport in the United States.

Why Do People Confuse Padel and Pickleball?

It’s easy to see why some people think these sports are the same. In our previous blog, we explain that both are racket-based and played on a smaller court than tennis. However, padel incorporates elements of squash, using walls for strategic play, whereas pickleball is more similar to a mix of tennis and table tennis. The techniques, strokes, and footwork in pickleball closely resemble those in tennis, while padel players must adapt to a unique set of tactics involving walls.

What Are the Top Brands for Each Sport?

Finding the right gear can make all the difference in your game, and both padel and pickleball have top-tier brands producing high-quality equipment. Whether you're just starting out or looking to upgrade, choosing the right racket or paddle can enhance your performance and enjoyment on the court.

When it comes to padel, brands like Wilson, HEAD, and Babolat are leading the way, offering high-quality padel rackets and balls designed for durability and precision. These brands cater to all levels, from beginners to seasoned players, ensuring you have the best equipment to step up your game.

For pickleball enthusiasts, Wilson, HEAD, and Diadem are among the go-to brands, providing a variety of paddles, nets, and balls. Whether you're after a lightweight paddle for quick reactions or a more solid design for controlled power shots, these brands offer something for everyone.

Where to Play Padel and Pickleball in New Zealand

Padel in New Zealand

Padel is still growing in New Zealand, but there is a national governing body - Padel New Zealand, a member of the International Padel Federation. Currently, there are four sports clubs with padel courts:

Auckland (2 clubs)
Tauranga (1 club)
Wellington (1 club)

More clubs and courts are set to open in 2025.

Pickleball in New Zealand

Pickleball, on the other hand, has seen faster adoption, with Pickleball New Zealand leading the charge to promote the sport. There are currently 62 clubs, communities, and playing locations across the country. Regular tournaments are also held for those looking to test their skills competitively.

Final Thoughts: Why Choose One When You Can Try Both?

Why choose when you can test out both? Padel and pickleball each bring something different to the court - padel’s fast-paced, wall-assisted action keeps things exciting, while pickleball’s strategic, quick exchanges make for a fun challenge. The best way to find your favourite? Play a few matches of each and see what fits your style. Whether you’re in it for the competition, the fitness, or just a good time with friends, padel and pickleball each have something unique to offer.

New Zealand has fantastic opportunities to try both - so grab a racket, a paddle, or both, and get on the court. The only real decision you need to make is which game you’ll play first!

Shop our full range of pickleball paddles here and padel rackets here.

Frequently Asked Questions - Padel vs Pickleball in New Zealand

What’s the difference between padel and pickleball?

Padel and pickleball are both social racket sports played on smaller courts, but they are not the same.

Padel uses solid rackets and allows players to use the surrounding walls, similar to squash.
Pickleball uses paddles and a perforated plastic ball, with gameplay closer to tennis and table tennis.

Padel involves wall strategy and rebound play, while pickleball focuses on quick exchanges and controlled placement.

Is padel or pickleball easier for beginners?

Both are beginner-friendly.

Pickleball is often considered slightly easier to pick up because the strokes resemble tennis and table tennis. Padel has a short learning curve but requires players to adjust to wall play and unique court positioning.

If you’re new to racket sports, either is a great starting point.

Which sport is more popular in New Zealand?

Pickleball currently has wider adoption in New Zealand, with over 60 clubs and playing locations nationwide. Padel is growing steadily, with clubs currently located in Auckland, Tauranga and Wellington, and more courts planned.

Both sports are expanding rapidly across NZ.

Where can I play padel in New Zealand?

Padel courts are currently located in:

Auckland
Hamilton
Tauranga
Wellington
Nelson

Padel New Zealand is the national governing body and more clubs are expected to open in 2026.

Where can I play pickleball in New Zealand?

Pickleball has more than 60 clubs, communities and playing venues across New Zealand. Pickleball New Zealand oversees development and regular tournaments are held around the country.

Do I need special equipment for padel and pickleball?

Yes. Each sport uses different equipment:

Padel requires a padel racket and specific padel balls.
Pickleball requires a pickleball paddle and perforated plastic ball.

Standard tennis rackets are not suitable for either sport.

What are the best brands for padel rackets?

Leading padel brands include:

Wilson
HEAD
Babolat

These brands offer rackets suited to beginners through to experienced players.

What are the best brands for pickleball paddles?

Top pickleball brands include:

Wilson
HEAD
Babolat

They offer a range of paddle weights and constructions to suit different playing styles.

Is padel or pickleball better for fitness?

Both provide excellent cardiovascular exercise, agility work and coordination benefits. Because both sports are played mostly in doubles on smaller courts, they offer high movement and quick reactions without the long-distance running of tennis.

They’re a strong alternative if you want to stay active without traditional gym training.

Can I play padel or pickleball if I’ve never played tennis?

Yes. Neither sport requires previous tennis experience. Many players come from non-racket backgrounds and pick up the basics quickly.

Which sport is more social?

Both are highly social sports because doubles play is common and rallies are frequent. Smaller courts also encourage conversation and interaction between points, making them popular for weekend social play.

Where can I buy padel rackets and pickleball paddles in New Zealand?

Players Sports stocks a growing range of padel rackets and pickleball paddles online and in store. You can shop our full pickleball range and padel range on our website with NZ-wide delivery.

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Written by Mike Wood
Founder & Managing Director, Players Sports
21+ years across retail and wholesale sporting goods in New Zealand

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