Over 100 years of tennis and community at Nelson Lawns Tennis Club

For more than a century, the Nelson Lawn Tennis Club has been part of the sporting fabric of the Nelson community. From the early grass courts of the 1920s to today’s modern all weather facilities at Rutherford Park, the club has welcomed generations of players who share a love of the game.

Throughout its history the club has been shaped by the dedication of volunteers, members and supporters who have helped build and maintain the facilities, organise competitions and create a welcoming environment for players of all ages. Today the club continues that tradition, providing opportunities for social play, competitive tennis and junior development, ensuring tennis remains an important part of the Nelson community for many years to come.

The Nelson Lawn Tennis Club has a long connection with tennis in New Zealand and has been part of many important moments in the sport’s history in the region.

One of the most notable early events was the 1908 New Zealand Tennis Championships, which were held in Nelson on grass courts near Manuka Street. The men’s championship was won by Anthony Wilding, who would later become one of New Zealand’s greatest tennis players and a Wimbledon champion.

Over the decades the club has continued to support and develop players of all ages, from junior beginners through to competitive regional players. Many members have represented Nelson in interclub competitions and regional tournaments, contributing to the strong reputation of tennis in the area.

Today the club remains focused on encouraging participation, developing young players and providing opportunities for competitive and social tennis within the Nelson community.

A Timeline of the Club

1908 – National Tennis Comes to Nelson

The New Zealand Tennis Championships were held in Nelson on six grass courts near Manuka Street. The men’s championship was won by Anthony Wilding, who would go on to become one of New Zealand’s most famous tennis players and a Wimbledon champion.

Early 1920s – Planning for a New Club

Members of a private tennis group in Nelson began discussions about forming a club that would be affiliated with the New Zealand Lawn Tennis Association, allowing local players to compete more formally within the national tennis structure.

1925 – Nelson Lawn Tennis Club Established

The Nelson Lawn Tennis Club was officially formed in 1925. The club was located at the top of Tasman Street and originally featured eight grass courts.

1940s – The War Years

During the Second World War many club members were serving overseas, making it difficult to maintain the courts and facilities. Three courts were eventually sold, leaving five courts remaining after the war.

1951 – Move to Rutherford Park

In the early 1950s the club relocated to Rutherford Park on Paru Paru Road. A new complex of sixteen grass courts was developed, providing improved facilities for the growing tennis community.

1950s – A Pavilion Built by Volunteers

The original pavilion from the Tasman Street courts was relocated to the new site and extended through the efforts of dedicated club members and volunteers. This work reflected the strong community spirit that has always been part of the club’s identity.

Later Years – Continued Growth

Over the following decades the club continued to develop and adapt, with facilities improving as tennis in Nelson expanded and the club welcomed new generations of players.

Today – A Vibrant Tennis Community

Today the Nelson Lawn Tennis Club operates from the Nelson Community Tennis Centre at Rutherford Park, with eight all weather floodlit courts. The club continues to be a welcoming place for players of all ages and abilities, supporting both social and competitive tennis in the Nelson region.

As the club moves towards its second century, it remains proud of its history and the community that has built and sustained it over the years.

Looking to the Future

While the Nelson Lawn Tennis Club is proud of its long history, the focus remains firmly on the future. The club continues to grow and evolve, welcoming new members and encouraging people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the game of tennis.

With modern facilities at the Nelson Community Tennis Centre in Rutherford Park, the club provides opportunities for social play, junior development, coaching and competitive tennis throughout the year.

The strong community spirit that has supported the club for more than a century remains at the heart of everything it does. With the continued support of members, volunteers and the wider tennis community, the Nelson Lawn Tennis Club looks forward to many more years of tennis in Nelson.

View more history here