Recreation & Sport

Challenge Wanaka – profiled as ‘the world’s most scenic iron distance triathlon’ – plays out across a stunning New Zealand South Island alpine landscape.

Clipper Round the World Yacht Race crews are back in racing mode after an action-packed stopover at Tauranga, in New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty.

A 35-year dream comes to life with the opening of the completed Te Araroa Trail – a new 3000km hiking adventure that travels the length of New Zealand.

With three cycle ways completed and more trails well on the way to completion, New Zealand’s national cycle trail project is on track to provide a summer full of choices for cyclists.

Auckland’s streets are teaming with Gallic and Kiwi pride in anticipation of the Rugby World Cup final as the two rugby hemispheres unite in a weekend to remember.

Queenstown – New Zealand’s adventure capital – is giving mountain biking enthusiasts new thrills with a spectacular gondola ride to the top of the trails and a new bike park.

Winning or losing aside ... off the field and away from the pressures, New Zealand’s great outdoors has provided some amazing experiences for Rugby World Cup players between matches.

From New Zealand’s deep south to the far north, the inaugural Tour of New Zealand – scheduled for 14 to 21 April 2012 – is destined to put a new spin on cycling New Zealand.

Two Brits with a couple of bicycles are the ultimate rugby fans – Londoners Tom Hudson and Jodie Burton have cycled almost 28,000km through 28 countries to New Zealand for the Rugby World Cup tournament.

The birthplace of New Zealand rugby – Nelson in the South Island – turned the clock back 141 years today (20.9.2011) with an authentic re-enactment of the first game.