New Zealand; A sporting nation
Visitors to New Zealand could be forgiven for thinking the only sport New Zealanders care about is rugby.
Admittedly rugby is extremely popular in the country, but if the truth be known it ranks only fourth as the most participated sport for New Zealanders. According to a recent survey golf, soccer and netball are more popular.
New Zealanders are passionate about a wide variety of sports; from the more relaxed pursuits of golf to the extreme adventure activities of whitewater rafting and mountain biking. The country’s varied landscape makes it an ideal destination for those who like to stay active.
Some say New Zealand was created with the golfer in mind - its climate makes for sweeping fairways, lush greens, and more often than not magnificent views. Several of the country's courses have been voted among the best in the world. There is a golf course for every 10,000 people and as a result New Zealand has more than its fair share of world class golfers for such a small nation.
On the water New Zealanders really come into their own. Auckland, New Zealand's largest city of 1.2 million people is said to have the highest boat ownership per capita than anywhere else in the world. On any given weekend its harbour is a kaleidoscope of bright sails; yachts competing in regattas, or day trippers heading out into the Hauraki Gulf.
It's fair to say New Zealand has produced the lion's share of the world's best sailors. New Zealanders have made up the core of most America's Cup teams, the country's rowers and windsurfers have won many gold medals, and New Zealand has also produced fine swimmers.
New Zealand is also a perfect location for extreme sports, even pioneering some of the more adrenalin-infused like the bungy jump. But for those who like to stay upright; mountain biking, whitewater rafting, and trout fishing from the many rivers and lakes are also popular activities.
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