Recreation & Sport
Sport has always played a vital role in defining New Zealand as a nation, and most Kiwis highly value an active sporting lifestyle, whether competitive or recreational.
The climate and geography make the country a natural arena for adventurous sporting pursuits - fishing, hunting, kayaking, horse riding, skiing, snowboarding and much more. Every year multisport endurance races lure competitors from all over the world - the Coast to Coast, which traverses the South Island, is the most well known. Kiwis are also very big on team sports - rugby, netball, rugby league, cricket and sailing.
View these and more Recreation & Sport images from the Tourism New Zealand's Image Library. All images are available to download.
If your fitness level is as high as the terrain, you'll discover that alpine mountain biking is nothing short of amazing. Gorgeous scenery assaults the senses whenever you’re able to take your eyes off the track in front of you. Waterfalls, snow-capped mountains and massive river valleys are some of the sights to look forward to.
Photo credit: Gilbert van Reenen
The Abel Tasman Coastal Track in Nelson is a beautiful walk that takes you to a series of wilderness beaches. Between beaches you’ll hike through native forest and around high coastal bluffs. Huts and campsites provide accommodation along the way, or you can enjoy a day trip by arranging a water taxi ride back to Marahau or Kaiteriteri.
Photo credit: Ian Trafford
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In Auckland, it seems that everyone knows how to sail a boat. But it’s easy to see why. Perfect sailing beaches can be found only fifteen minutes from the central business district. For those who don’t want to race with a sailing club, there are islands within easy reach, for hikes and picnics.
Photo credit: Tourism NZ
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