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 (1969), 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 a few years later in Te Wairoa Valley, Mead Road.
Service Pistol Era
The Australian Service Pistol match was approved for club shooting in NZ and became immensely popular. RPC was at the forefront. Competitors were excited to be able to carry pistols in holsters, though holster shooting was not yet permitted.
Handgun Metallic Silhouette (HMS) Shooting Approved
Large caliber handguns gained approval, and silhouette shooting surged in popularity. RPC was again at the forefront, hosting many of the first national silhouette events due to the range's 200-meter capacity.
Action Shooting Arrives
This period saw the pioneering of holster shooting. Action Shooting (now IPSC) revolutionised the sport. With new range development led by dedicated members, the club grew to 11 ranges and hosted all of the National IPSC events from late 1980s to early 2000s along with the Speed Shooting (Steel Challenge) Championship matches.
Consolidation Years
After three decades at the forefront, the club faced changing times and declining membership. This period of reflection led to a gradual rebuild and renewed focus.
Major Redevelopment
Having rebuilt membership, in 2011 the club made the bold decision to host the 2013 Australian IPSC Level IV Championships. This required a complete range facility rebuild. Over the next two years, the club was transformed, constructing 33 ranges, new club rooms, and upgrading infrastructure. The result: a world-class facility and the best range in the Southern Hemisphere.
Australian IPSC Level IV Championships
RPC, with senior members organising in conjunction with Australian counterparts, hosted the largest single firearm event ever held in NZ. With approximately 800 competitors over 10 days, the event became the benchmark for future championships.
Flourishing Community
The Rotorua Pistol Club continues to thrive with growing membership, ongoing facility upgrades, and a commitment to running national events while making shooting sports accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
