The national championships, which will be held at Dunedin Ice Stadium from tomorrow until Sunday, have attracted 132 competitors.
Skaters from around New Zealand had to qualify to compete in the event, while guests from Australia will also be present.
They are divided into grades ranging from juvenile, in which the youngest competitor is 8, to masters.
The championships were previously held in Dunedin in the 2014-15 season, but Dunedin Ice Skating Club vice-president Virginia Cathro said it was exciting to host them again.
''It is exciting to be able to host it and have a facility that is of world standard is quite amazing for the size of our city.
''I think all the ice sports benefit from it ... this is such an under-used facility.
''Everyone tells us that the ice is just amazing when they come here from overseas.''
The club would supply 18 of the event's competitors and while Cathro said there were some quietly hopeful skaters, she could not pick out specific medal contenders.
She said the nature of ice skating was that it could very much come down to what happened on the day, with the anyone capable of crashing.
She did not know much about the Australian contingent, but said they were spread among various grades and that they were always good.
Having them was a bonus as it would lift everyone's standards.
Nationally there were some top skaters entered too, including Brooke Tamepo and Nicola Korck, both who have been to junior grands prix.
Much preparation had gone into the event, with a large team of volunteers helping to ensure it ran smoothly.
The opening ceremony starts tomorrow at 2pm, with competitions running in the afternoons of each day through to Sunday.
