Recreation & Sport

Queenstown – New Zealand’s adventure capital – is gearing up for a cycling event of alpine proportions this Easter.

Three of the five Rugby World Cup pool matches that were to have been held in Christchurch, but have had to be moved because of the February earthquake, will remain in the South Island.

New Zealand’s forthcoming ski season is shaping up to be another major success – with more flights, attractive deals and positive exchange rates adding impetus to the already strong Australian visitor market.

With the Gladiator, a selection of Hobbits and Gandalf defending the wickets, a Sunday cricket game in Wellington, New Zealand, is about to pitch Hollywood against Wellywood.

New Zealand is to host another major global sporting event having won the rights to host the 2015 FIFA U-20 football World Cup - which will be watched by more than 500 million fans worldwide.

It’s holiday time in New Zealand for New York Yankee major league baseball superstar Curtis Granderson.

An authentic Māori cultural experience that includes sailing on a traditional waka to the Bay of Islands to celebrate Waitangi Day – New Zealand’s national holiday – is being offered by a new Auckland tour operator.

More than 1100 athletes from 80 countries are converging on the South Island city of Christchurch for the IPC Athletics World Championships – the biggest event of its kind outside the Paralympic Games.

Ticket sales for Rugby World Cup 2011 have already exceeded expectations and with still nine months to go until kick off, New Zealand can count on an influx of at least 85,000 international visitors.

New Zealand’s reputation as one of the world’s top surfing spots has been future-proofed by new legislation that protects the country’s most famous breaks.