Kapiti Tenpin in Paraparaumu is the only Tenpin Bowling centre between Porirua and Palmerston North. Come on in and enjoy our family atmosphere, we have 14 lanes with automatic pinsetters complete with a computerised scoring system

We have bumpers for the kids (or anyone else!) to stop the ball going into the gutter so all members of the family can enjoy a fun night’s entertainment. Our centre is climate controlled, keeping it warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

On weekend nights we have Glow Bowling (glow in the dark bowling) where we dim the lights and turn the centre into a party atmosphere! The lanes, carpet and balls glow under UV light and the lanes showing a pattern of highways or cobwebs not seen under normal light. Two projectors play music videos or music TV channels onto the wall above the pinsetters. Glow bowling is a really fun night out and an ideal venue for your Children’s Birthday Party, or your next Work / Group Function.

Our Tucker Bowl cafe is fully licensed and provides excellent food from an extensive menu. Dine in or step out onto our deck area and check out the views of Kapiti Island!

We have regular Tenpin bowling leagues for all ages and abilities during the week and Tenpin bowling lessons for those who want to take their bowling to the next level.

Presenting the Inaugural Kapiti Tenpin Centre Championship

Congratulations to our Divisional Winners.

Open Singles Champion – Jordan Tuite

Graded Singles Champion – Todd Ambler

Doubles Champions – Mikayla Bevan and Roger Tucker

Thanks to all the bowlers who participated in this tournament.  See you all next year.

Qualifying round 1 Results. Round 2 Results. Finals Results. Finals Statistics.

The History of Tenpin Bowling

Bowling became increasingly popular in New England during the 1800’s. But gambling on the sport became so widespread that it was considered to be a social evil. In 1841 the Connecticut legislature outlawed the “bowling at nine pins”, bowlers evaded the ban by adding an extra pin - thus Tenpin bowling was born.

Until 1951, bowling pins were set by ‘Pin boys’ or a machine that had to be loaded and operated by hand. That year saw the introduction of the automatic pinsetter which sped the game up greatly. Then in the mid 1980’s, computerised scoring came about, prior to that all scoring was done by hand. Today more people participant in bowling than any other sport worldwide.

For more info on specials and promotions, go to the Prices page.

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