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.

The spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean are enough to put you off your swing!

Kauri Cliffs is New Zealand's newest luxury golf course. Set amidst 1620 hectares of farmland overlooking Matauri Bay, the course is a par 72 championship with four sets of tees to challenge every skill level. Golfers can enjoy sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. David Harman, the designer of the course, said "natural forces created Kauri Cliffs. I just built the greens and tees."

Photo credit: Tourism New Zealand

In the Southern Alps, mountain bikers get high on the scenery.

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

Zorbing is another crazy Kiwi adventure experience. Here at Rotorua "Zorbonauts" spin down a steep hillside in a large airfilled rubber ball.

Rangitoto Island is just across the water from Auckland's city beaches

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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