Your Gateway to Competition Sport Shooting
The Rotorua Pistol Club is home to the largest range complex in the Southern Hemisphere. Situated just 16km from central Rotorua, our 33 ranges are nestled amongst native New Zealand old growth forest, plantation pine trees, and rolling farmland—with distances from 15m to 200m and many designed for practical shooting with up to 270 degrees of safety.
Our club welcomes shooters of all skill levels, from beginners eager to learn the basics to experienced competitors refining their precision. We provide structured training, competitive opportunities, and expert guidance within a supportive community. Some ranges are set amongst native bush with natural obstacles, while others are cut from solid clay deep into the volcanic ash from the historic Mount Tarawera eruption.
Master Four Exciting Competition Disciplines
IPSC
Fast-paced competition combining accuracy, power, and speed across varied scenarios
Steel Challenge
Pure speed shooting - race the clock to hit steel targets as fast as possible
Service Pistol
Precision marksmanship with time pressure - perfect your accuracy under stress
Pistol Carbine
Tactical shooting with enhanced stability for speed and practical scenarios
Our History
The Beginning
Shortly after pistol shooting became legal in NZ, enthusiasts from the Bay of Plenty formed the Rotorua Pistol Club. Starting with single shot .22 pistols at a temporary range in Sala St, the club soon found its permanent home at Te Wairoa Valley.
Service Pistol Era
The Australian Service Pistol match was approved for club shooting in NZ and became immensely popular. RPC was at the forefront, running national events and pioneering holster shooting.
Action Shooting Arrives
Action Shooting (now IPSC) revolutionised the sport. With new range development led by dedicated members, the club grew to 11 ranges and hosted most national IPSC and Speed Shooting championships through the late 1990s.
Major Redevelopment
To host the Australasian IPSC Level IV Championships, the club undertook a complete rebuild. New club rooms, 33 ranges, upgraded roads, and world-class facilities were constructed—creating the best range in the Southern Hemisphere.
Flourishing Community
The Rotorua Pistol Club continues to thrive with growing membership, ongoing facility upgrades, and a commitment to running national and international events while making shooting sports accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
