Recreation & Sport

With only 100 days to go until kick-off, New Zealand has rolled out a giant welcome mat.

Passionate rugby fans and hospitable Kiwi hosts all over New Zealand are throwing down the Rugby World Cup 2011 welcome mat – nowhere more so than in the 24 communities that will officially host rugby teams.

Snow is gathering on New Zealand’s high country, and mountain resorts are grooming their fields as the country says goodbye to autumn and welcomes visitors for another season of uniquely Kiwi winter events.

Canterbury – New Zealand’s largest region – rises from the Pacific Ocean, sweeps across vast plains, through braided river valleys, and climbs into the magnificent Southern Alps that divide the length of the South Island.

It might not be unusual to find sanctuary on a golf course but it is rare to find a golf course that is a sanctuary. New Zealand's Wairakei International Golf Course is thought to have scored a world first.

New Zealand’s southern hemisphere ski fields – renowned for spectacular mountain terrain, postcard scenery, varied snow trails, and popular resorts – are gearing up for the winter 2011 season.

Rugby is an integral part of being a Kiwi and Rugby World Cup 2011 is destined to turn New Zealand into a non-stop party zone called the REAL New Zealand Festival.

New Zealand has a proud record in international rowing and for its population has produced a disproportional number of world champions and Olympic medalists.

As New Zealand’s events capital, playing host is nothing new for Hamilton.

Visitors at the 2010 World Rowing Championships in New Zealand won't have to leave the lakeside for an authentic taste of Māori culture.