10 Most popular
People are often curious as to our most popular games. Each year, I make a list of all the game hires and see which games are most popular and also which are not going out.
This year we introduced 6 new games to our inventory Table Top Maze, Limbo, Ladder Golf, Ping Pool, Wall Ball Compact, and Crossfire.
A trend we have seen this year is for our customers wanting team games and also something new and different. Both of these trends we are very excited about.
So here are our Top 10 and also some new games which we predict will be big in 2025.
Giant Connect 4 remains our most popular game for 2024
Up and coming
Looking good for 2025 - these are our hot picks for new games
Left to right:
Ladder golf - a seriously fun and underrated game. The new Cornhole
Crossfire: It’s better with more players! This year we are all about multi player games.
Wall Ball Compact: Lots of fun, not so big. Actually this version is a real challenge.
Ten Pin: An enduring classic. Loved by all ages.
So, what is your favourite game? Did it make the top 10?
A chance to play
Woodbotherer aka Phil has been lending his talents to a project for the WestCity play area lately.
An empty shop has been transformed into a safe space for little ones and their carers to rest and play.
Phil has created bespoke furniture, a table and stools, a stacking puzzle blocks and floor puzzle.
Initial sketches for the puzzle blocks
V with their verticle puzzle block paintings
We're thrilled to welcome V to our team as a painter, and they've jumped right in with their unique designs on a set of kinetic puzzle blocks.
The client had a special request to include New Zealand wildlife in the designs. So, V has creatively incorporated a Huhu beetle, an NZ fur seal, a Ruru, and even an Arrow Squid among others.
We can't wait to see these local creatures come to life in the play area!
Can we help you with your next project? Click the button below to send us a message and get things started.
Culture Fest 2024
World of Cultures was a 3-week multicultural festival celebrating the vibrancy of Tāmaki Makaurau and its people.
Woodbotherer was asked to participate in Culturefest, a huge festival that brought together more than 70 communities and cultures at Mt Roskill War Memorial Park.
Thank you to everyone who came along and joined in the fun, the games were being used all day. Heres some photos of the games in action.
Want to add some games fun to your next event?
How it all began…
Woodbotherer Limited is 10! In September is was officially 10 years since Phil and I encorporated the business and and started our new venture.
We have been thorough a few different forms, first a focus on toys, then furniture and now games and woodworking plans.
Reflecting on 10 years has made me a bit nostalgic so I had a look back through some photos of the very first games Phil and I made in 2005 which would later inspire our business on the other side of the world.
We were living in London in a warehouse space with lots of creatives. A giant wooden scrabble game was one of the first games Phil made.
Playing giant scrabble in the warehouse
Backgammon was also a favourite and so we made a giant version with wide elastic and offcuts of fabric found on or around the streets where we were living. One of the benefits of living in an area surrounded by clothing manufacturers.
We took it to a festival and loved the idea of being able to play but also the counters were also comfy pillows for chilling on the grass.
Phil also made an early version of the Giant Connect 4, a design that he has refined over the years to the version we have today.
We took the Giant Connect 4 and Giant Backgammon to Hampstead Heath for a picnic with friends. I have no idea how we got it there, as we didn’t have a car!
Such great memories and of course everyone loved playing the games and we really knew we were onto something special.
Now after 10 years of hiring games, we now have nerly 30 different games for you to choose from, hundreds of events and many happy customers.
All about Commissioning Games
We often get asked if we can make the wooden games to commission and the answer is YES!
We make all our games in our small home workshop in New Lynn we are a small family business and team of two.
Phil as been working as a carpenter for over 25 years, Sam works on the administration side of the business and helps as an extra pair of hands in the workshop as needed.
We take commissions and can personalise our games designs to meet your needs.
Brand colours
Addition of logo (either hand painted or laser etched)
Bespoke sizing
Bespoke game design - got an idea? Maybe we can help.
In this blog I will be answering some FAQ’s and offering some insights into previous projects to help get you inspired.
Most of our customers like to personalise some of our popular game designs Here are a few recent commissions. Click on each image for more information.
Our Design Philosophy
We design and make all our own games, we use very little plastic and use quality long lasting materials.
Ethical - We use NZ certified fsc wood, and local products where possible.
Environmental - We believe in treading lightly. Through years of experience we have developed material intelligence using the best materials for the job.
We only supply our domestic market reducing transport emissions (for international interest we provide woodworking plans and encourage clients to employ a local carpenter).
We keep plastic and paint use to a minimum. Our preferred finishing choices are a food grade Tung oil and wood stains that are long lasting.
Creative - The games we make are unique to us, you can’t get them anywhere else.
High quality - Beautiful games, well designed, strong and long lasting.
Reliable - We do what we say we will and are organised with prompt and clear communication.
FAQ’s
How long does it take for you to make a
commission?
Lead times depend on our workload. We usually recommend allowing 4-6 weeks from payment for your design to be completed. We will update you throughout the process.
Do I need to pay upfront?
Yes, for commissioned work we require payment in advance of starting your order.
Can I visit and discuss an idea and see your games?
Yes we can host visits by arrangement as our workshop is at our family home in New Lynn. We can show you our games range and discuss options with you.
Can I get my logo on the games?
Yes, we usually either laser etch or hand paint logos onto games.
Can I get different colours?
Yes we can do a variety of colour choices and use Resene Woodsman or Colourwood woodstain range.
How much is delivery?
Delivery charges very much depend on your location. We can provide a quote for this with your order.
Why are the games so expensive?
We do try to keep our prices reasonable, the price reflects the quality of the materials and craftmanship. Many of our games last for many many years with constant use. An investment in a quality product will always be worth while.
Can I keep the games outside?
No, it is best to keep the games undercover. We can help you come up with solutions for moving them if needed - we have fitted wheels to games before for school so they can be easily packed away.
How do I look after the wooden games?
The games are finished with a wood oil. A fresh coat of oil once every few years will keep them looking good. For any marks, spills or cake crumbs a wipe with a barely damp cloth is all that is needed.
Do you ship games overseas?
Yes! We have recently decided to start shipping games overseas. Get in touch to find out more about the process.
I have seen a cool wooden game online, do you think you can make it?
I’m sure we can make it or something similar, get in touch and we can discuss it. We are always looking to improve on ideas and make the perfect game for you.
6 Awesome Christmas Party venues in Auckland
Now in our 10th year hiring and delivering games across Auckland, when it comes to venues we have seen it all.
As the weather improves here in Tāmaki Makaurau thoughts are turning to end of year and Christmas parties.
We thought it might be helpful to list some of our favourite venues that we have delivered games.
Across the city from budget beach options, Riverside Taverns, cafes and bars, Auckland has it all. All with space for a few games to help make sure your celebration is next level!
“We hired a couple of games for our Xmas do and they were all a big hit. We had families and all enjoyed them very well. Wouldn’t host an outdoor gathering without these games. Very efficient and friendly crew. Love it”
The Riverhead.
A Riverside tavern with a huge pub garden.
Space to play at The Riverhead
Tucked away in the beautiful countryside of Riverhead and only 25mins from the CBD is the most gorgeous pub perfect for a sunny day in the garden and lots of outdoor games.
Special Christmas event packages are available for 90+ people and you can even travel there by ferry from Westhaven directly to their private dock!
We recommend:
Our 5 Most Popular games package.
2. The Bank, Grey Lynn
Function space at Pocket Bar, this former ASB bank has a wonderful heritage vibe and is a blank canvas for your event. Lots of room for games and our tabletop games work brilliantly in this space for a cocktail or drinks party. Can host up to 110 people.
We recommend:
Table top Party or put together your own collection with games such as Rollers, Target Elastics and Limbo.
3. Long Bay Regional Park
Budget and Family Friendly options
Its a big group and you want to spend your budget on some great food and awesome games. How about booking a site at Long Bay Regional Park? There are 2 sites with permanent structures to provide some shade and shelter if the weather isn’t great, lawns for playing Tug of War or Giant Jenga. The beach is right there and you can host up to 500 people!
We recommend:
The Ultimate Games Package. 10 of our most popular games, with something for everyone.
Tip: Add multiple of the same game for fun compietions.
4. Chelsea Bay
What a delightful set up right on the water next to the Chelsea Sugar factory with a huge waterfront lawn area perfect for games! You might need to supersize the budget for Chelsea Bay but it would be one to remember. Up to 250 guests.
We recommend:
Lawn Game Package Croquet, Quoits, Giant Drafts, Cornhole and Giant Jenga.
5. West Lynn Gardens
A little gem hidden out West and with beautiful gardens, a function room with super reasonable hire rates. West Lynn Gardens has a large lawn for games perfect for a relaxed gathering. Up to 100 people.
We recommend:
6. Auckland Museum
Wow your guests in Under the Dome with its stunning copper roof and breath-taking near 360-degree views across the city. Up to 500 guests.
We recommend:
Bespoke games package.
Message us with your needs and we will create a package for you.
Choose from our great delivery options and we will deliver and set up the games just when you need them and take them away at the end of the night or the following morning if the venue allows.
I hope we have sparked some ideas or even introduced you to some new venues to get you buzzing for your next event.
It’s easy to check your chosen dates and see our games range.
Play Festival 2023
A family has a go at Over the Hill Photo credit: Freestyle Event Photography
Woodbotherer Games was recently delighted to be invited to feature in the first Play Festival in Auckland.
The organisers were inspired by a trip to Tocati which is a large street festival held in Verona in Italy.
They wanted to bring the concept to New Zealand and hold a play festival that would celebrate the diverse cultures we have and also encourage more play in the community.
“The purpose of the play festival is to bring people together to celebrate cultural identity, diversity, inclusion, friendship, integration, wellbeing and fun in life through play.” Play Festival 2023
Photo credit: Freestyle Event Photography
Over 5000 people attended the festival and it was a huge success, not just for our games but also the other 24 play providers who brought games and performances from around the world.
We had a dozen games set up in a stretch tent and they were busy the whole day. It was such a great atmosphere of play, collaboration, tenacity and fun.
Photo credit: Freestyle Event Photography
Photo credit: Freestyle Event Photography
Photo credit: Freestyle Event Photography
Making Rope Rings for Quoits
We make all the accessories for our games and that includes rope rings for Quoits. Each of our Quoits sets requires 4 rings.
We use a 24mm natural hemp or manila rope which is very strong.
You will need:
1.5m Manila / Hemp rope (will make x 3 quoits)
PVA glue
Electrical tape (or other to secure ends)
Sharp knife
Pliers
Manila Rope
Firstly secure the ends with tape to stop it from unravelling and cut to a length of 1.5m.
Split the rope into it’s 3 seperate strands.
Cross over
Take one section of rope and cross the two ends making a circle.
Wind the rope
Take one end of the rope section and wind it through and around the circle following the rope pattern. Twist the rope as you go to keep a tight twist.
You will end up with something like this.
Now take the other end and wind that in the opposite direction following the pattern of the original rope. Again twist as you go.
Now your rope ring should look like this.
Tuck the ends under one of the rope loops. Pull through with a tool if needed as it will be tight.
Trim the excess ends.
Apply PVA glue to the end of the rope to secure.
Leave to dry.
A trip back in time
We recently completed a new games commission for the wonderful people at Historical Maritime Park in Paeroa. In previous years, Phil made the 3 hour round trip by himself but this year we decided to make it a family outing.
The museum is home to an important collection of local maritime history, they offer river cruises on a paddle boat called Tamati and have a growing collection of our games.
Tamati
Owners Gloria and Colin assured us the games are very well loved and used by locals and visitors alike and offer additional fun for weddings and events that are held in the grounds.
The wooden games are outside under a covered area.
They even have a steamboat, although it has seen better days unfortunately.
Kopu Steamboat
A steamboat called Kopu that was built in 1897 and unfortunately sunk in 1936 a mile and a half from Paeroa.
In 1980 it was raised from the water and later brought to the park.
Here are a few photos from around the museum. If you are in the area or passing it is worth a stop and you may even find some of our games to play!
Steampunk in Oamaru
We recently took a family trip to Oamaru which is in the South Island of New Zealand. The town grew rapidly in the 1870's due to wheat and wool production combined with a good port where sailing ships anchored. The legacy of which are some really amazing limestone buildings, and rich historic culture.
Today Oamaru is a hub for creatives, where dressing in Victorian era attire not unusual, where Steampunks roam and a penny-farthing remains a perfectly acceptable mode of transport.
We got to ride on some Penny Farthings, visited the Steampunk museum and just generally enjoyed discovering the town.
We even found some games!
Woodworking plans - Tunnel Ball
This month Phil has been writing the woodworking plans for Tunnel Ball and we are pleased to announce that it is now ready for you to download and start your next project.
The detailed plans will take you through every step of the making process. Tips and techniques for the best finish.
How to make folding legs for easy storage.
All the angles and cutting details for creating the tunnel gates.
Make sure you add this one to your Pinterest board or making list and we look forward to seeing your projects soon.
If you have any questions, we would love to hear from you.
Sam & Phil
Giant Games at Ōwairaka School
We recently ran a facebook competition for the prize of our new Educational Games package to be delivered to a school in Auckland for 1 day.
Our lucky winners with lots of entries from parents and teachers was Ōwairaka District School in the Mount Albert suburb of Auckland.
The children and teachers were very excited about having the games for the day and made sure as many classes as possible got to enjoy the games.
2 classes of different ages - called buddy classes played at the same time, so that the older kids could support the younger ones.
They had 8 classes coming through with some wanting to come back in at lunchtime!
We also provided the school with a handout resource they could use.
Thanks Ōwairaka District School students and staff for your enthusiasm. It was great to see you having fun and working together.
Hedges Estate - Garden Wedding
Nestled in the rural Kiwi countryside, but just under an hour from central Auckland Hedges Estate offered Alice and Gabe the perfect setting for their romantic summer garden wedding.
Postponed in October 2021 due to the Auckland Covid alert level restrictions, Alice and Gabe had to quickly re arrange their plans for their upcoming November wedding. Happily, they were able to re book their choice of Woodbotherer wooden games for a new date in mid January 2022.
‘We envisioned a venue where we could entertain our guests with numerous giant games out on wide green fields and live music to accompany the myriad of food, drinks and dessert served throughout the day.’ Alice
Hedges Estate is set on 55 acres of land, featuring a glade, a stunning open area surrounded by Totara trees and natural bush creating mother earth’s cathedral.
However, it was the front lawn surrounded by roses, picture perfect hedges and looking out to stunning rural views that was to provide the absolutely perfect setting for our lawn games.
We were honoured to play our little part for this lovely couple who wanted a wedding full of love and warmth!
Please enjoy these photos by the brilliant Jesse and Jessie, and scroll to the bottom for the complete list of vendors!
Photography: Jesse and Jessie
Dress: Jessica Bridal (Wedding Societe Label)
Suits: Rembrandt
Venue: Hedges Estate
Music: David Haslett Music
Catering: Viola Kitchen
Cake & sweets: ButterDream Cakery
Stationery: Inkberry
Videography: Valo Photo & Cinema
Streaming: Mata Films
Lawn games: Woodbotherer Games Hire
Furniture hire: Insphire Wedding Hire
Cutlery: Folio Hire
Décor: The Pretty Prop Shop
Hair: Hair by Yujin
Makeup: Makeup by Ellie Choi
Florals: Sarah's Garden
Zig Zag Game - Woodworking Plans
We have been busy here at Woodbotherer HQ taking photos, drawing plans and fine tuning our second woodworking plan offering - the much loved Zig Zag.
Zig Zag - a tabletop game of skill
The new plans are easily downloaded and can be printed out. Colour instructions over 14 pages, with lots of photos of the making process and diagrams to help you get a really professional finish.
Zig Zag dimensions
Make sure you add this one to your Pinterest board or making list and we look forward to seeing your projects soon.
If you have any questions, we would love to hear from you.
Sam & Phil
Woodworking plans release - How to Make a Wall Ball Maze
Phil and I had an idea many months ago. After we launched our new website in March 2021, we noticed we had a lot of international visitors with a keen interest in buying and making wooden games.
We don’t sell games to overseas customers due to costs, paperwork, the need to fumigate the wood and just a desire to encourage people to buy local products. So the idea to share woodworking plans was born.
The hope is that people can either make the games themselves, if they have the skills and tools or get a local crafts person to make it for them.
We started what we though might take us maybe 40 hours. We have lost track of the actual amount of hours spent on our first set of plans the Wall Ball Maze but it is finally finished and we are feeling really proud of it.
The plans are detailed with a materials list, visual cutting list, photographs of the process and drawings to support the instruction steps. We have included a variety of design options to help you make it your own.
We hope this is the first of many plans and one day they might even get put together into a book.
We have already started work on how to make the Zig Zag so watch this space for more games plans to come.
Can playing games support good mental health at work? Wellness Week 2022
Delivering games to Auckland City Hospital
This week we were delighted to support Shannon, the nurses, and all the support staff at Auckland City Hospital by providing some games for their Annual Wellness Week.
Wellness Week is held in association with Australian College for Emergency Medicine and the hope is that ‘planned activities will allow staff to reflect on what has been, and still is for many, a profoundly challenging time as we begin the journey to restore and recover.’
Shannon and her colleagues were keen to have some games that could be played in their short break times. On reflection Shannon shared with me that it was great to spend the break times interacting with other colleagues instead of being sat scrolling on their phones. It was a fun distraction from a busy and hectic week.
Did you know?
Playing games can have positive effects on your mental health in the workplace.
keeps you functional when under stress
encourages team work
increases energy and prevents burnout
triggers creativity and innovation
helps you see problems in new ways
We hope to provide games for more workplaces so if you need to bring any of the above qualities to your team, you might want to think about incorporating some games.
Nurse playing Quoits
With thanks to Shannon and her collegues for the pictures they have shared with us.
Games in the Park
There are many reason that Tāmaki Makaurau regularly rates as one of the best cities in the world to live in. One of them has to be our easy access to so many beautiful parks and outdoor spaces.
Recently, we provided games for a beach fun day at Long Bay Regional Park.
It has inspired me to share with you some of the BEST parks for hosting an event, even though it is Autumn! (I have a plan for that).
So here are 3 of our favourite parks from across Auckland that we would recommend.
Long Bay is a beautiful park set right on the beach. It has 7 bookable sites, 2 of which have covered areas which can help offer a dry space in case of rain. Perfect for Autumn entertaining. There are large flat lawned areas perfect for spreading out and playing some games.
Cornhole, is a fantastic choice here or there is plenty of space for a game of Tug of War.
2. Cornwallis Beach
It is a bit of a drive out West but well worth it. Pohutukawa line along a lush stretch grass right on the beach offering shade and the shallow waters make for safe swimming.
Cornwallis has 2 bookable sites for events both with shelters.
Here we are on our daughter’s 7th birthday with a great collection of games on the beach at the wonderful Cornwallis. We took with us Wall Ball, Table Elastics, and Ten Pin.
3. Cornwall Park
A central location is a big bonus for this beautiful park. You can have up to 30 for a picnic without needing to book. Any gazebos or shelters you bring will need to be weighed down with weights not pegs. Mature trees will also make wonderful shelter for your guests. For full details about holding an event at Cornwall Park here
Cornwall Park do also own some of our wooden games so you may find they come out for family days and special events put on by the park. Phil made Wall Ball and a Cornhole set for them in their park colours of yellow and green. I wrote more about this commission here.
Those are our 3 top picks for park entertaining here in Tāmaki Makaurau , Pukekawa / Auckland Domain and the Botanical Gardens also would make great options.
I hope I have inspired you to make your next event and outside affair in the fresh air to take full advantage of this amazing city.
To make it easy, we do of course deliver to all these locations and anywhere within Greater Auckland so make sure you explore.
Let us know if you have any tips for great outdoor locations in Auckland.
Sam
Taking the games to market
Tucked away in a beautiful vineyard around 20 minutes from downtown Auckland, each Saturday morning you will find one of the best foodie markets The Shed Collective . Bursting with fresh seasonal produce and so many vegan treats this market is packed with locals.
The gorgeous cottage garden was the absolutely perfect setting for our lawn games, where visitors could relax into the start of their weekend.
It was such a great experience, gatherings and interactions with new people have been rare these past couple of years and so it was wonderful to hang out for the morning with a few games, listening to the live music and taste testing some of the amazing food on offer.
Curious children came first and were kept entertained whilst their parents did a bit of shopping.
Zig zag
Counter balance
Then the ‘big’ kids arrived and the space felt more like a garden bar with people remarking in jest ‘do they sell shots here?’
The competition rose, with some friends and family helping and others distracting.
We don’t supply rules with Zig Zag and so people started to make up their own.
‘We are trying it first with both hands, then with the right and then with the left.’
Others needed even more challenge ‘You have got to roll the ball to the end and then roll it all the way back again.’
I had to admit, I had never thought of playing that way, how brilliant…. the playfulness and creativity that these games bring out in people really is magic!
Wall Ball - 2 ways
Woodbotherer Commission
Our customers often ask us if they can buy the games that we hire out.
The answer is YES absolutely.
All our games are made in house by Phil aka The Woodbotherer in our workshop in New Lynn. As part of our sustainability practise we do not make stock of games but rather make each one to order.
Wall Ball
This practise also leaves room for flexibility and creativity in the products and colours, finishes and designs can tailored to suit the customer needs. The only downside is that we need as much notice as possible. We can often work to a tight deadline but our usual lead times are 4-6weeks.
We wanted to let you know about a couple of recent commissions Phil has completed of the same product Wall Ball, with quite different outcomes.
Phil in the workshop
The first was for Auckland based software company Moving Hub.
Director Jess approached us mid April with a sketch for a unique take on the Wall Ball game design.
Initial sketch for the Wall Ball included house shapes for the holes and the Moving Hub logo
Jess was working on a tight deadline, hoping for the game to be ready for a tradeshow in 2.5 weeks.
We were able to discuss the project over phone and email and provide a quote. Phil was able to complete the project so it was ready in time for the show.
Some of the stages of production.
We got some great feedback from the client
‘Great experience with Sam and Phil. Very accommodating, professional and prompt. The end product was awesome - such a high level of craftsmanship. Would use again and recommend.’ Jess Henderson - Movinghub
Engaging customers at the Trade Show
Cornwall Park Trust
The second Wall Ball commission completed this month was for Cornwall Park Trust to add to their collection of wooden games housed at the Huia Lodge Discovery Hub to be used by visitors to the park.
Place manager Jesse Stratford contacted us in May to commission a Wall Ball and a Cornhole set.
She requested yellow and green to match their branding colours and also the games we had made them previously.
Wall Ball being made
Delivery day @ Cornwall Park
I’m sure these will be great fun for the park visitors on a sunny day in the near future.
I hope that gives you an idea of how we work and how our games can be customised to suit different situations.
If you have a commission in mind, please get in touch. A workshop visit can be made upon request or we can discuss your project over the phone/email/zoom.
You can also see more examples of games commissions here.
All about Jenga
There’s something about Jenga, especially a giant version. It is far and away one of our most requested games, but where does it come from and what makes it so fun to play?
Giant Jenga is a game of physical skill and our super sized version adds an element of drama to the game. When the large stack of blocks comes crashing down.
How do you play?
Suitable for individual players but better with a crowd, players carefully pull one block out of the tower from anywhere apart from the top two rows and place it on top. If the tower topples over on your turn you have lost.
Test all your skill and nerve to see how high you can build the tower the game can grow to up to 1.5m tall when played.
Did you know?
The name jenga is derived from kujenga, a Swahili word which means 'to build'. Jenga was created by Leslie Scott, based on a game that evolved within her family in the early 1970s using children's wooden building blocks the family purchased from a sawmill in Ghana.
The original Jenga set from 1983 marketed as The Perpetual Challenge designed by Leslie Scott.
It is interesting to note that often children enjoy using the blocks to make creative towers after the official game has been played. This makes perfect sense since the original game was inspired by toy blocks.
Children getting creative with Jenga blocks