New zealand tour

International experiences provide some of the most valuable development opportunities available to young athletes.

The New Zealand Tour challenges participants to step outside their comfort zones, embrace new experiences, build resilience and represent Queensland with pride.

Whether through competition, cultural exchange or personal growth, athletes return home with experiences and memories that last a lifetime.

Represent queensland internationally

The New Zealand Tour forms an important component of the Baseball Queensland Performance Pathway, providing athletes with the opportunity to compete internationally, experience different baseball environments, and develop valuable life skills beyond the diamond.

In 2025, athletes from Cairns to Lismore represented Queensland across eight days of international competition, cultural experiences, leadership development and team building. The tour delivered meaningful development opportunities and created friendships and memories that continue to impact athletes long after returning home.

The 2026 tour aims to build on that success while further strengthening the growing relationship between Baseball Queensland and Baseball New Zealand.

2026 New Zealand tour Details

Event Dates

25 September – 1 October 2026

Location

Hamilton and Auckland, New Zealand (subject to final confirmation)

Tour Format

• Competition against the New Zealand U15 National Squad
• Approximately four days of game play
• Two rest/recovery days
• Cultural and development activities on non-game days (currently being finalised with the Executive Officers)

Age Eligibility

This tour is tailored towards athletes aged 14-17 years old. 

Final age groups and team structures will be confirmed following the expression of interest process.

Contact [email protected] for any queries.

Team Selection & Preparation

The New Zealand Tour is designed to prepare athletes for international tours and tournaments by providing a structured and safe environment to experience playing baseball away from home. 

Athlete Evaluation Day

Players interested in representing Queensland on the New Zealand tour should make themselves available to trial on at least one of the below dates.

Regional athletes are encouraged to apply. Alternate trials will be arranged in the regions. 

Date: Saturday, 18 July
Time: 10:00am – 1:00pm
Location: Bannister Park, Gerler Road, Hendra, Queensland

Athletes will be assessed on their baseball skills, game awareness, athletic ability, teamwork, and coachability.

Contact [email protected] if you are unable to make these dates. 

Selection Considerations

Selection will consider a range of factors including:

• Performance within Baseball Queensland programs
• Futures League and Showcase performance
• State and regional representation
• Attendance and commitment to training
• Coach observations and performance data
• Behaviour and alignment with Baseball Queensland values
• Coachability and team-first behaviours

Selection is designed to identify athletes who will positively contribute to both team performance and team culture.

Team Training Program

Selected players will participate in weekly training sessions in the lead up to the tour. The development program is designed to help athletes build confidence, improve their skills, strengthen team connections and prepare for tours and tournaments. 

Program Cost & Inclusions

The proposed tour package is expected to include:

• International flights
• Accommodation
• Ground transport
• Team apparel
• Cultural activities
• Team functions

Baseball Queensland is currently working with Baseball New Zealand to explore meal package options, with further details to be provided once confirmed.

Estimated Cost

Approximate Tour Cost: $3,850 – $4,250 AUD

Final pricing will be confirmed following venue, accommodation and travel finalisation.

Why New Zealand?

The New Zealand Tour is about more than baseball.

Athletes will have the opportunity to:

• Represent Queensland on the international stage
• Experience New Zealand culture and traditions
• Build lifelong friendships and team connections
• Develop independence through travel and team living
• Learn from new baseball environments and coaching styles
• Challenge themselves both on and off the field

Previous participants identified team dinners, cultural experiences and shared travel experiences as some of the most memorable aspects of the tour.

The combination of international competition, personal development and cultural immersion creates an experience unlike any other within the Baseball Queensland pathway.

Tour Objectives

The New Zealand Tour has been designed to:

• Provide international competition experience against New Zealand representative teams
• Develop athletes within a high-performance environment
• Build independence, resilience and leadership skills
• Expose athletes to different styles of play and coaching
• Strengthen relationships between Baseball Queensland and Baseball New Zealand
• Create future pathway opportunities for Queensland athletes
• Foster cultural awareness and international connections

New Zealand Pathway Opportunities

Baseball Queensland continues to work closely with Baseball New Zealand to strengthen athlete development opportunities across both countries.

Athletes who hold New Zealand eligibility under WBSC regulations may have opportunities to engage with Baseball New Zealand representatives throughout the tour and future pathway activities.

This initiative is designed to create additional opportunities for athletes while respecting and supporting both national programs.

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