Croquet mallets and balls in Palmerston North

The short answer: Palmerston North players can have an Invictus mallet made to their handle length and delivered to the Manawatu. On a windy plain, many will find the steadier Invictus Rise the better place to start, and clubs can add Invictus X championship balls.

Croquet in Palmerston North

Today's main venue is the Rose Gardens Croquet Club, set inside the 26-hectare Victoria Esplanade. Its six lawns lie next to the Dugald Mackenzie Rose Garden, which gives the club its name,, with entrances off Manawaroa Street and Park Road. Members play both association and golf croquet, under Croquet Central Districts and Croquet New Zealand. In 2024 the council proposed a new lease for the club.

The city's croquet roots run deep. The Manawatu Bowling and Croquet Club opened on the corner of Park Road and Fitzherbert Avenue on 30 November 1918. At Takaro, a croquet section is thought to date from 1911, with lawns in Featherston Street laid in 1922. By 1926 the Manawatu Croquet Association was holding its sixth annual championship in the city.

What Palmerston North's lawns and weather mean for your mallet

The Manawatu is known for wind funnelled through the gap between the Ruahine and Tararua ranges. A steady breeze dries lawns in summer and can nudge a long roll off line, while winter and spring leave the turf soft. A heavier head tends to feel more settled in a gusty swing.

Which Invictus mallet suits Palmerston North players

Invictus Rise. Our best-selling model carries roughly 3 lb in its aluminium head. The sweet spot is a touch larger, so off-centre hits are a little easier to manage. We generally advise an 11 inch head.

RF Pro. Built with input from World Champion Robert Fletcher, the flagship pairs a 3D printed aluminium head with brass weights and composite faces. At around 2 lb 12 oz it is lighter, and very precise for association players on a firm lawn.

Every mallet is made for its owner: give us your handle length and choose an 11 or 12 inch head. Graphite Black comes standard; Rose Gold, Deep Purple, Snow White or NRA Blue cost extra. The weight cannot be changed. Our mallet comparison sets out the differences.

Balls for Palmerston North clubs

Invictus X balls are 450 g, made entirely in Australia and approved by the World Croquet Federation for championship play. Six lawns call for planning: we suggest one set in first colours and one in second per lawn. See croquet ball colours explained.

Delivery to Palmerston North

Allow usually 4 to 8 weeks from order; that is an estimate only.

Questions Palmerston North players ask

Does the wind really change which mallet I need? It can. A heavier head like the Rise is harder to knock off line, though comfort in your own swing matters most.

I play both codes. Which head length? Most people do well with 11 inches; taller players sometimes prefer 12.

Can I return it if it does not suit me? Choose the optional 30-day satisfaction guarantee at checkout. Prices sit on the product pages.

Also near you: Wellington. All towns: croquet mallets and balls in New Zealand.

Designed in Queensland, made in Australia.