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new zealand leisure
 Sports
New Zealand’s national sport is rugby. However, New
Zealanders also participate in a full range of other sporting
activities (see Adventure Thrill Sports) – often with considerable success at
international level. Sports hold a high profile in our education
system and patterns established in early life tend to continue
well into adulthood. Most adults actively participate in at least
one team or individual sport, and veterans’ teams catering
for players 40 years and older are a standard feature of the
sporting scene. As with all aspects of New Zealand’s social
life, a key feature of this and other sporting activities is
their accessibility. Almost 15% of New Zealand families own their
own boat, and the number of golf courses per capita is the
highest in the world. By international standards, club costs are
very low and membership is generally open.
outdoor activities
Wilderness and Sea
 Getting away from the crowds is never a problem, and the freedom
and safety ‘Kiwi’s’ enjoy in their outdoor
pursuits is one of the distinct advantages of life here. Even
those living in the major centres are often within less than a
20-minute drive of open and unspoiled countryside. As a result,
many New Zealanders spend their weekends and holidays in the
outdoors. Even on weekdays, a walk on a lonely beach alone with
the sea and surf is an option available to most urban residents.
Fishing
Fishing is New Zealand’s most popular sport, with 23% of New
Zealanders fishing regularly. New Zealand is reputed to have the
best trout fishing in the world. (see Freshwater Fisheries) There are no private waters and the
licence fee is modest. Fishing regulations are strictly observed
and trout fishermen are noted for their sporting ethic.
There is no licence fee for sea fishing, but strict regulations
apply to fishing methods, maximum catches, fishing seasons and
prohibited areas. Specific rules also apply to gathering
shellfish. It is forbidden to sell or trade your catch. Breaking
the fishing regulations, including those governing the collection
of wild shellfish, is totally unacceptable and can result in
heavy fines and even imprisonment.
highlights for new migrants
 New Zealand has many wilderness areas, including National Parks in Fiordland, Mt Cook,
Tongariro and elsewhere that attract tourists from around the
world. Exploring these wilderness reserves is a great way to get
a feel for the dramatic scenic contrasts and unique outdoor
opportunities New Zealand offers.
Visit www.newzealandnz.co.nz for a wealth of information
regarding tourism New Zealand, this site has it all to help
anyone interested in learning and seeing more of the beautiful
country that is New Zealand.
New Zealand has a thriving cultural life, with a unique mix of
European, Maori, Polynesian and, increasingly, other traditions.
 Some of New Zealand’s orchestras and dance companies are
internationally regarded - of particular note are the New
Zealand Symphony and Auckland Philharmonic Orchestras, Royal New
Zealand Ballet and Black Grace Dance Company. There are also
numerous lesser-known professional theatre, dance and opera
companies. Theatre is strong in the main centres, particularly Wellington and Christchurch, and offers a stimulating mix of local and
overseas productions. The local film industry is vibrant, its
famous exports include the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Once Were
Warriors and The Piano. Overseas artists and exhibitions also
tour regularly.
 Sever centres hold international arts festivals featuring a wide
range of local and international artists. The most well known is
probably the International Festival of Arts which is held in
Wellington every two years and attracts a stellar cast of
international artists and performers.
Maori cultural traditions receive strong support from both the
Maori community and the general public. There has in recent years
been a dramatic revisal in all Maori art forms, from carving and
weaving to traditional dance. Kapa Haka – a range of
performing arts that includes haka, waiata and poi dancing,
enjoys enormous cross-cultural support. Regional and national
competitions in these performing arts are a dominant feature of
contemporary cultural life. (see History of the Maori)
Wine and Food
New Zealand has world-class wines and a distinctive Pacific Rim
cuisine that combines Asian and European influences, using the
best local produce. (see Wine Growing Regions) High quality wine and food are not just
the preserve of the wealthy but are available to everyone. This
is partly a reflection of New Zealand’s lack of formal class
system, and the fact that the cost of eating out is low by
international standards. Most New Zealanders eat out regularly
and the restaurant trade has boomed in recent years.
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