world championships

Countdown to Hip Hop Unite
World Championships 2026

Tauranga, New Zealand
29-31 October 2026

WELCOME TO HHU WORLD 2026

Hip Hop Unite is excited to announce the HHU World Championships 2026, which will take place in
New Zealand from 29-31 October 2026.

“HIP HOP” is “UNITING” – coming together, sharing, respecting each other and learning from one another  in order to grow and create better results. During 2025 we had “full house”, and this year we expect a great event in New Zealand.

  • International event with over 20 country members.
  • International judge panel, where majority of the judges are HHU certified.
  • International workshops, and coming together.
  • Clear Rules & Regulations for all divisions.
  • Small Crew competitions in: Cadet, Junior, Adult and Senior.
  • Mega Crew competitions in Cadet, Junior and Adult
  • DUO competitions in cadet, junior, adult and senior divisions
  • Youth Battle 1vs1 Hip Hop
  • Adult Battle 1vs1 Hip Hip
  • Medals, Trophies and Prize Money
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Official flyer for HHU World Championships 2026

OUR REGISTRATION FEE

€25
  • DUO – Fee for each Duo dancer
  • Participation fee for Duo dancer
  • Certificate for all dancers
  • International judges
€30
CREW – Fee for each crew dancer
  • Participation fee for crew competition per dancer – Each dancer is paying for each division. If a dancer is participating in both Small Crew division and Mega Crew Division, then the dancer will be invoiced for both divisions.
  • Certificates for all dancers
  • Medals for all Medalists
€10
BATTLE – Fee for each Battle dancer
  • Participation fee for each Battle dancer
  • All dancers have to pay, also if competing in the Crew competitions.
  • Price Money and Medals for all Winners in Adult
  • International Judges

City: Tauranga , New Zealand

About Tauranga

Tauranga is the largest city in the Bay of Plenty and one of the fastest growing population centres in the country. Central to Auckland, Rotorua and Hamilton, and just a 15 minute drive from one of New Zealand's most popular beach towns, Mount Maunganui.

Downtown Tauranga

Downtown Tauranga has several historically significant areas to view during a scenic walk around the area. The Strand waterfront area is modern and always buzzing, and is home to a number of cafés, restaurants, pubs and nightclubs, as well as a range of accommodation options. Across the road on the water’s edge, tidal stairs bring the harbour literally to your feet and children are easily entertained at the local playground. Imaginations run wild as they clamber over the Hairy Maclary bronze sculptures – a story-book scene featuring the beloved characters from Tauranga author Dame Lynley Dodd’s famous children’s books.

Tauranga's Harbour

Tauranga’s harbour is in evidence almost everywhere you go, providing the urban area with an attractive waterfront setting. Fishing, sailing, diving and dolphin tours are easy to arrange, or check out one of the local beauty spots – McLaren Falls or the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park.

City Center

Venture to the city centre to experience the exciting development transforming the civic precinct. The newly opened waterfront playground is a must-visit destination for families. Walk along the recently completed Southern Waterfront Boardwalk to take in great views of the harbour and marine life and follow it up with a meal or drink at one of the lively bars or restaurants.

Historic Sites

There are historic pā sites (fortified settlements) located throughout Tauranga. The most significant is Pukehinahina (Gate Pā) where a major battle took place during the New Zealand Wars (1845-1872) where Māori and British fought over land ownership and sovereignty. At the Battle of Pukehinahina, Māori defenders were hugely outnumbered by British forces but still managed a victory — one of the biggest military disasters for the British Army during the New Zealand Wars. For more in-depth information about the Battle of Pukehinahina (Gate Pā).

TRANSPORTATION

International Airport
  • Airport to fly into is Auckland International Airport
  • All major airlines serving New Zealand fly into Auckland Airport.
  • Auckland is also well connected to the rest of the country with domestic flights operated by Air New Zealand, Jetstar and other providers.
  • Getting between Auckland Airport international and domestic terminalsA free bus runs between the international and domestic terminals every 15 minutes from 5am to 10.30pm daily.
    There is also a signposted walkway between the international and domestic terminals, which takes approximately 10 minutes.
How to get to Tauranga
  • Shared Shuttle ~3–3.5 hrs  – $35–$65
  • Private Shuttle ~3 hrs – $180–$300
  • Intercity Bus ~3.5–4 hrs – $30–$55
  • Rental Car ~2.5–3 hrs – $55–$180/day + petrol
  • Private Transfer ~2.5–3 hrs – $220–$350+
  • Domestic Flight ~45 mins –  $150–$280
Charter Buses

HHU NZ will also put on some charter buses from Auckland to Tauranga and can help people arrange bus transport.
HHU NZ are in connection with a good company for a good price of around $40 per person – this is suitable for groups of 20+ arriving at the same time

ACCOMODATION

Close to Baypark Arena / Mercury Baypark (Great for events)

Mid-Range / Comfortable

  • Bay Palm Motel – Excellent location within walking distance of Baypark — clean rooms, well-rated and affordable.
  • Beach House Motel – Highly rated and good value in Papamoa Beach, still very easy drive to Baypark.
  • The Tauranga on the Waterfront – Beautiful views and central Tauranga location (10-15 min drive).
  • Trinity Wharf Tauranga – Stylish hotel right on the harbour (about 10–15 min by car). Booking.com

Budget-Friendly (Hostels, cheap motels)
These are great options if cost-efficiency matters or if your group is flexible:

  • Wanderlust NZ – Stylish hostel in Tauranga city centre — great for solo travellers or small groups wanting a social vibe.
  • Mount Backpackers – Budget hostel in Mount Maunganui close to shops and beach.
  • Seagulls Guesthouse – Affordable guesthouse with great reviews.
  • Pod Bach on Tweed – Cozy, budget lodging perfect for couples or small groups.
  • Strand Motel – Simple and cheap motel option in Tauranga.
  • 18th Avenue Thermal Motel – Lower-cost motel with basic amenities. Booking.com

Mid-Range Hotels & Motels
Good balance of comfort and value, often with parking and easy access.

Mount Maunganui

  • Blue Haven Motel – Well-rated, comfortable budget/mid-range choice.
  • Gateway Motor Inn – Relaxed units close to beach and amenities.
  • Motor Inn Mount Maunganui NZ – Comfortable motel close to cafes and shops.
  • Mission Belle Motel – Reliable mid-range option in town.
  • Baywatch Motor Inn – Excellent location close to beach and eateries. Booking.com+1

Tauranga

  • Hotel Armitage & Conference Centre – Bigger rooms and conference facilities — useful for group bookings.
  • CitySide Hotel Tauranga – Highly rated central Tauranga hotel close to transport and dining.
  • Taiparoro house 1882 – Boutique-style stay with strong local character. Booking.com

Upscale / Group & Apartment-Style
Great choices for families, larger groups, or longer stays.

Mount Maunganui Area

  • The Pacific Apartments – Apartment hotel with kitchenette options — ideal for families or stays of a few nights.
  • The Anchorage – Apartments – Spacious apartments for groups.
  • Atlas Suites & Apartments – Larger serviced units, suitable for extended stays.
  • Pavilion Apartments – Larger holiday apartments with premium space.
  • The Beaumont Apartments – Well-reviewed complex right near the beach — perfect for families or shared stays.
  • Victoria Road B&B – Charming B&B with excellent reviews — great for smaller groups or couples. hotels

Holiday Parks & Large Group Options
Perfect if your group loves outdoor spaces or some flexibility:

  • Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park – Beachfront campground with cabins and sites.
  • Tasman Holiday Parks – Papamoa Beach – Holiday park with caravan/RV spots, cabins and communal facilities — well loved by families and groups.
  • Welcome Bay Hot Pools & Campground – Smaller, more rustic camping option if your group is into budget adventure. Mount Maunganui Beachside+1

Global Vacation Rental Platforms
These are excellent for finding Airbnb-style houses, apartments, cottages, and larger homes you can book directly online:

Airbnb

  • Mount Maunganui holiday rentals — There are many houses, family homes, beachside stays, pet-friendly places and larger group-sized homes available on Airbnb. Airbnb+1
  • Tauranga holiday rentals — A wide variety of homes, pool houses, cottages, and larger Airbnb stays throughout Tauranga and nearby areas. Airbnb+1

💡 Tips:

  • Use filters for entire home, number of bedrooms, beds, and amenities so you find places suitable for groups of your specific size.
  • You’ll find everything from 1-bedroom beach homes to big family houses that sleep 8+, many with kitchens, outdoor space, and laundry — perfect for longer stays or group trips. Airbnb

VRBO / Vacation Rentals

  • VRBO also has a large collection of house rentals in Tauranga & Mount Maunganui, including homes with pools, backyards, multiple bedrooms and family-friendly spaces — great for groups or multi-family stays. vrbo

Other Rental Collections

  • Sites like Bookabach and Holidayhouses.co.nz list local homes, baches, cottages, and larger holiday houses (often with filters for group size, pool, beachfront, pets, etc.). vrbo+1
  • Time in a Place also lists self-contained apartments and houses that you can book directly. Time in a Place

Tips for Groups & Events

Baypark proximity: Many of the above (e.g., Bay Palm Motel, Beach House Motel) are within 5–10 min drive of the venue — valuable if you’re attending concerts, sports events or conventions nearby. wotif

Group bookings: Reach out directly to hotels/motels for group discounts — many offer better rates for 10+ rooms or block bookings.

Holiday parks and apartments can be excellent value for families or larger crews staying multiple nights.