SITE REPORT
THE ARENA - NEW ZEALAND
Guys that know how to run and gun with pistols proved
very hard to challenge. Although players using AEG’s of
all sizes were getting good kill tallies too.
Another great aspect of the field was that most of the
buildings had multiple entries to them. This allowed you
to travel through the building. But also meant players
couldn’t camp out in one spot, simply because it wouldn’t
be long before someone on the other side would most
likely to come across your hideout and get you. There
were two referees on the field, one up high and the other
roaming. They, thankfully, were almost not required. All
the games seemed to play very well. Not once did I see
or hear of any cheating or non-hit taking. Just good old
fashioned honest airsoft skirmish.
There are various hire gun packages available,
which include the walk-on as well as some ammo and
magazines. These start at $39. I went for one of the Arena
“Premium Gun” packages, which cost $44. I had to go for
the ICS SA80 (L85) A2’s for our motherland. There were,
however, many other options that I could have gone for,
from AKs, light machine guns, MP5s and, of course, the
usual M4 variants.
The hire gun fleet seemed to be in great working
condition for guns that no doubt have been used
vigorously for months. Using .25 bbs, I gave a slight
adjust of the hop up and it was easily ranging ¾ of the
field length - around 70m or so. Definitely
couldn’t complain. The hire gun came
equipped with a reflex sight, making
it quick and easy to line up targets as I
passed through the site. I even had ample
opportunity to be sneaky enough to use my
rubber knife on a few occasions!
The games we played varied from simple
team vs. team death match, to more
objective-driven games with actual missions
to complete in order to win. On average
the games ran for around half an hour and
each time I was able to find a different way
through the maze of cover.
Overall, this is a site worth checking
out. Even if you’re over here on a holiday
make sure you can fit it in. You won’t be
disappointed. I look forward to going to
the Arena every year I visit Christchurch for
the larger game with OZ1 airsoft club from
Australia. You can check them out online:
www.thearena.co.nz AA
www.airsoftaction.net
55