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'I'm playing the darts of my life' - Stephen Bunting returns to New Zealand for first time in a decade with point to prove

Originally posted on Dartsnews.com | Last updated Aug 15, 2025 10:31 AM ET

Stephen Bunting says he’s “playing the darts of my life” as he returns to New Zealand for the first time in a decade — and the world number four is determined to make it a trip to remember.

Bunting, who reached the semi-finals of last week’s Australian Darts Masters in Wollongong before losing to eventual champion Luke Littler, is riding a wave of form that’s seen him climb to his highest-ever PDC ranking. Now, the 2014 BDO world champion is ready to put on a show in Auckland.

“It’s so nice to be back here,” he told the Kiwi Darts Podcast. “Up to world number four, playing the darts of me life — it’s still a pinch-me moment that we’re over the other side of the world playing darts. It’s amazing and I love it.”

From the oche to the ocean

This trip has offered more than just darts. Bunting and his team took a four-and-a-half-hour drive north to Pukenui for a day’s fishing, a rare mid-season break.

“You forget about the world to be honest when you’re out on a boat in the middle of the ocean. We caught a load of snapper — it just broke up the week really,” he said. “Back home we can’t go fishing at this time of year — it’s far too cold. Even here in winter, it was a lovely day. But now it’s full focus on the darts.”

Darts on the rise

Since his last visit, Bunting has noticed a big change in how the sport is perceived in New Zealand.

“I’ve been out and about in town and been noticed a few times, which is brilliant. Ten years ago, no one batted an eyelid at darts players over here. It shows the sport’s growing — the Littler effect, and just how popular darts is becoming all over the world. I’m glad I’m part of that.”

He’s also encouraged by signs of grassroots growth. “When we were out fishing, the skipper said his son plays in the youth scene and is sponsored by a local darts company. These kids are our future — they’ll be the ones taking over from us in 10, 15, 20 years.”

Stage set for Auckland

After his strong run in Wollongong, Bunting is aiming to go one better at the Trusts Arena. “I’ll get into the venue a few hours before my match, step onto the stage before the crowd comes in and get a feel for it. There’s 3,000 in tomorrow and 5,000 on Saturday — it’s going to be a great atmosphere and I’m looking forward to putting on a show.”

The event will also feature New Zealand’s only PDC Tour card holder, Haupai Puha — a player Bunting holds in high regard. “Massive respect goes to him for doing what he’s doing. It’s difficult being away from your hometown and family for so long. It’s killing me for the two weeks we’re out here — I couldn’t imagine doing it all year.”

Reds on the road

Away from the oche, Bunting’s thoughts inevitably turn to his beloved Liverpool. “We’ve made some great signings this year. There’s a few defenders we need, but they’re in talks already. If we get Isak, they might as well just give us the trophy now,” he joked.

And even with the time difference, he won’t miss a kick. “My family are going to the first game — home to Bournemouth — and I’m sure I’ll be up at 2am watching it from the hotel.”

With the darts of his life in his hands and the stage set in Auckland, Bunting’s New Zealand return could be just as memorable as the fishing trip that started it.