A record number of clubs are vying for title honours at the ASB Arena courts in Volleyball New Zealand's 47th National Club Championships.

From today until Saturday 50 teams will play across four divisions, for men's and women's first and second division titles.

Two men's teams in action at Volleyball New Zealand's 47th National Club Championships held at ASB arena. Photos: Bruce Barnard.

Teams spanning the length of the country are participating, with sides from Southland

Teams from Northland to Southland are participating, the first time the latter will take part in the championship.

The Men's First Division is expected to be fought out between 2012 and 2013 champions Richmond Mall Pines, from Nelson, and 2013 runners-up Harbour Raiders.

Mount Maunganui club Mauao is also predicted to make their strongest challenge to date, after taking out the Northern Zone League, ahead of the Harbour Raiders.

Manukau teams Playaz, Sparta and South Auckland are also expected to be in the hunt at the business end of the tournament.

In the Women's First Division, the title is likely to be contested by the top three Northern Zone sides, with zone champions Harbour Raiders under challenge from 2013 National Champions Tauranga and 2013 Bronze medallists Hamilton.

Mauao and Sparta women will be joined by top Wellington side NZIS in the title race, along with a possible challenge from Christchurch's Shirley.

In the Second Division the men's competition is poised to be a battle between 2013 Champions Hamilton and top Dunedin side Scorpions, with new club Auckland Central and Bay of Plenty's Rotovegas looking likely dark horses.

The women's section is more wide open, with Auckland's East Coast Thunder and South Auckland under challenge from Christchurch's Pioneer, the well-performed Tauranga B side, as well as the young Auckland sides Manukau South and Auckland Central.

The matches are being held at ASB Arena from today to Saturday.