Darts Down Under. A busy fortnight of action in the southern hemisphere begins this weekend with the New Zealand Darts Masters, and DartsTips.com are pushing through the jet lag to bring you their best bets!
With Luke Littler and Luke Humphries sitting this one out, this tournament is anyone’s. Can the local qualifiers deliver on the Spark Arena stage? And which star will take home the title made vacant by Littler’s absence?
Odds available at Betway & 10Bet at the time of writing.
New Zealand Darts Masters 2026 – Round 1
- Gian van Veen vs Jonny Tata
- Jonny Clayton vs Haupai Puha
- James Wade vs Kayden Milne
- Josh Rock vs Simon Whitlock
- Gerwyn Price vs Mark Cleaver
- Damon Heta vs Ben Robb
- Stephen Bunting vs Raymond Smith
- Ross Smith vs Adam Leek
2026 New Zealand Darts Masters – Round 1 Tips
The Upsets
Honestly, it’s difficult. If we could pick out a few upsets here, we’d retire into the New Zealand sunset. That being said, the opposition do have enough quality to keep the top seeds on their toes.
These two matches could produce value in the handicap market, or spring a shock and advance!
Simon Whitlock (3.0) vs Josh Rock
Although not the player he was, Whitlock has stacks of experience and knows what it takes to get it done. Boosted by his home crowd, the Wizard could slow down Rock and reach Round 2.
Ben Robb (4.0) v Damon Heta
Heta is among the seeds and therefore takes his place in the only all-Oceania affair. Heta can be inconsistent and an upset is never too far away. Robb could take advantage in this short format.
Odds available at Betway & 10Bet at the time of writing.
2026New Zealand Darts Masters Acca – the sure things
We know, we know. No such thing as a sure thing. But this is our Round 1 ACCA @ 2.38.
- Gian van Veen to beat Jonny Tata
- Jonny Clayton to beat Haupai Puha
- James Wade to beat Kayden Milne
- Gerwyn Price to beat Mark Cleaver
- Stephen Bunting to beat Raymond Smith
Odds available at Betway & 10Bet at the time of writing.
And honestly, we wouldn’t put you off backing all EIGHT seeds to advance. A £10 stake would return just over £50 with 10Bet, Betway and CopyBet*
World Matchplay 2026 Outright Bets
Gerwyn Price to win the 2026 New Zealand Darts Masters @ 3.75
Price looks well placed to justify (albeit narrow) favoritism and regain the trophy that he last lifted in 2022. The bottom half of the draw seems the smoothest on paper and the Iceman looks good value to go all the way.
