Recreation & Sport

Come summer 2009, international yachting fever will return to Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour as the world’s top racing yachties set sail in a new Louis Vuitton-sponsored yacht regatta.

An intrepid young Kiwi is attempting to set a new sea-going record by completing the first continuous solo circumnavigation of New Zealand by kayak.

Katikati – a small New Zealand coastal town with a proud rugby history – has launched itself as a rugby destination by erecting a bigger-than-life rugby ball as a tourist attraction.

Glow worms, great food, black water rafting and bungy jumping have left US pop star Katy Perry raving, and in love with New Zealand after her first visit.

Tim Taylor, the 23-year-old kayaker who is attempting to make history by completing the first continuous solo circumnavigation of New Zealand, reckons he will get to see his country like no-one else ever has before.

Rugby World Cup visitors will leave New Zealand with two words – kia ora – firmly embedded in their vocabulary, if the Māori culture-rich region of Rotorua has its way.

In another Mount Everest first, New Zealand skydiver Wendy Smith was one of three dare-devil skydivers to make the first ever solo parachute jump over the world’s highest peak.

Two young Kiwi lawyers are on the verge of completing their dream run – a year, or 365 days of playing golf on a different course every day around the world.

New Zealand’s teenage golfing sensation Danny Lee swung his way into a dramatic victory at the Johnny Walker Classic in Perth yesterday (22.02.09), confirming his reputation as one of the world’s most exciting young golfers.

A young Kiwi photographer from Lake Wanaka has become the only New Zealander and sole female finalist in a prestigious international photography competition.