Last week competitors from Wānaka, Cromwell and Alexandra came together for the annual interclub petanque competition.
A french version of bowls, petanque has competitors attempt to the get heavy metal balls — known as a boules — closer to a small wooden ball known as a jack, than their opponent.
The competition was played in teams of three, with the teams drawn at a random to help competitors get to know other petanque players from across the region.
Wānaka petanque club president Mary Thomas said the sport was very social.
"We play three days a week and sometimes after a game people just want to sit and talk.
"Its good exercise for everyone a couple days a week," she said.
Formed in 2022, the Wānaka petanque club started with three members after an ad in a local paper brought them together.
Now, the club hosts 33 regular players.
The group began playing on a "dusty road out in Hikuwai" and has then gone from "strength to strength", with a new dedicated area for playing the game — known as a boulodrome — at Three Parks, with the club paying thanks to Allan Dippie for the grounds.
"We have really young players right up to 85-year-olds and everyone loves it," she said.
Ms Thomas said the club welcomes new players of any age.
In addition to thanking Mr Dippie for the grounds, the pétanque club gives thanks to Mitre 10 and New World Three Parks for raffle items.
