New Zealand Sports & Outdoors

  Viaduct Harbour
by Bernd_L
 
  • Viaduct Harbour
      Viaduct Harbour
    by Bernd_L
  • View from Sealy Tarns
      View from Sealy Tarns
    by DSwede
  • Mueller Hut in the Ice Fields
      Mueller Hut in the Ice Fields
    by DSwede
  • View from Kea Point
      View from Kea Point
    by DSwede
  • View of Hooker Lake and Glacier
      View of Hooker Lake and Glacier
    by DSwede
 

Most Viewed Sports & Outdoors in New Zealand

151.

Canterbury Crusaders Rugby   Christchurch

Canterbury Crusaders Rugby, Christchurch

 5 Reviews  Rugby is the big team sport which is played in Jade Stadium in winter, and the Crusaders are probably the best club/regional team in the world. They have been the champions of the Super12 and Super14... 

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152.

Bungy Jumping   Queenstown

Bungy Jumping, Queenstown

 1 Review  Bungy jump over the local rivers, and get the thrill of your life. There are a few sites around New Zealand where you can make a bungy jump. The first and original commercial site (started 1988) is... 

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153.

Paragliding   Christchurch

Paragliding, Christchurch

 2 Reviews  I do not do paragliding but visiting friends of mine have enjoyed it very much in the Port Hills. Along the Summit Road there are several fine spots for the start, one at Castle Rock which is a very... 

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154.

Rafting   Queenstown

Rafting, Queenstown

 5 Reviews  For the last section through the tunnel, we overshoot the entrance, and have to rock climb back to a suitable spot. We almost end up going over a very evil rapid called The Mother-in-law. We make it... 

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155.

Cricket   Christchurch

Cricket, Christchurch

 2 Reviews  If the Black Caps - the national team - do not play the ninetieth test against Sri Lanka or whichever team in AMI Stadium (formerly: Jade Stadium) cricket takes place in other locations and all... 

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156.

Rowing   Christchurch

Rowing, Christchurch

 2 Reviews  There are lots of sports you can do around Christchurch, but we weren't after anything too adventurous. Canoeing was ideal for us, because it was in the city. Nothing required (not even lifejackets,... 

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157.

Tennis   Christchurch

Tennis, Christchurch

 1 Review  If you love tennis you can play in Hagley Park for nearly nothing. The Hagley Park Tennis Club welcomes casual players and charges only NZ$ 10. There are even some locations in Christchurch where you... 

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Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Patience and the art of fly fishing in New Zealand

by tomatohead

Fly fishing is a high art here. Unlike most places in the world, these fish (rainbows and browns) have PhDs in how not to get caught. This is especially the case in the South Island.Be prepared to fish in teams, with one person not fishing, but discreetly spotting with polarized glasses and shouting down directions on where to cast. The lucky or unlucky fisherman will likely have one or two chances to present that oh so perfect cast to the fish. Remember, if the fish sees you, you've mostly blown your chances.If you are pressed for time, hire a guide and be prepared to learn a lot.If you aren't pressed for time, John Kent writes very good guidebooks. PLEASE ASK FOR PERMISSION TO ACCESS STREAMS/RIVERS ON PRIVATE FARMS. You will rarely be told "no." This fosters better relations between fisherfolks and farmers. No flashy clothes. In fact, crappy, dull colored clothes in which you can...

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All sports, extreme sports

by Kate-Me

Though we know it well down here in Australasia, I guess I shouldn't just assume that everybody already knows that New Zealand is THE place for sports - leisure sports, extreme sports, it's all here. We were more into the sedate sports like bushwalking, a bit of canoeing, but there's so much more. My friend Laurent tried out bungee jumping and parachuting, there's also mountain climbing, jet boating, sea kayaking, other sea sports, paint ball, mountain bike riding, 4 wheel driving, and just about every other sport you can think of. Some regions have a whole collection of activities you can do. New Zealand has way more sporting stores than I can remember ever seeing in Australia, and Polar Fleece jackets and other NZ made gear is quite famous, though I can't say that I saw much of it under $100, even for a skivvy type top (guess quality always comes at cost). For me, I paid a visit to...

The Ultimate High

by keeweechic

For something really different if you're feeling energetic is to climb the Auckland Bridge Climb. For the first time since 1959 when the bridge was opened, you can be guided by professional climb leaders and be taken up and over the top of the Auckland Harbour Bridge to viewing platforms 65 metres (200ft) over the water. It takes about 2 - hours in all and as long as you are over 135cms (4ft 6inches) there is no problem. The climb is operated 7 days a week all year around and there is also a night climb on Saturday nights. You will get an entertaining commentary about the myth and legend surrounding this bridge also. I haven't done this yet but my family has and it will be on my list next time I'm home.

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Shotover Jet

by FlyingShanice

Jetboats is a very popular activity in Queenstown. Lord of Rings II was ever taken the Shotover River as the backdrop. Shotover Jet gives you in the canyons with 360 degree spins alone the 30 minutes trip.Trips either depart straight from the city centre of Queenstown or go by minibus to the river to board the jetboat. a thin water-proof jacket is provided. Hair may get a bit wet.

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Hunting and Fishing galore.

by kiwi

There are plenty of places around New Zealand where you can partake in hunting and fishing. It's very much a part of rural NZ life, and is not frowned upon in the country.People are sensible about this sport. There are professional hunting and fishing guides in most of the prime areas.The bush and back country of New Zealand needs to be highly respected because it may look "tame" however overnight the weather can change and become very dangerous and unforgiving.Every year overseas visitors get into trouble in our bush and hills, for being ill prepared and lacking in warm clothes, food and other survival equipment.

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Don't forget the skis

by iandsmith

Skiing is probably the sport that attracts more tourists to New Zealand than any other. It can be great, like the first year I went, or it can be very ordinary, such as the second year I went.My son and I spent time on Cardrona, Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Treble Cone, Mt. Hutt, Craigieburn and went heli-skiing. The first year was sensational. While driving out from Christchurch we heard on the radio there was 20cm of fresh snow on a 3 metres plus base. We'd probably never skied on a metre in Oz so we were pretty excited, and rightly so.The entire first trip was a memory of untracked skifields and fresh dumps. Cardrona was open with gentler slopes; Coronet Peak is very much affected by where the sun is shining as parts are ice and others can be slush all in the same run; Remarkables has sharp rocks and is best skied when there's good cover; Treble Cone is steep and better suited to...

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Last man standing

by iandsmith

I have no idea where I should have put this photo but, rather obviously, I chose here.We were walking through the wonderfully pleasant lakeside park at Queenstown when we came across this, for want of a better name, apparatus and, being red-blooded males, decided to put it to some use.Just for the record, I won! I think it was a case or old age and cunning beating youth and enthusiasm. I can recommend non-slip shoes.

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Trouting

by iandsmith

I could have called this tip "fishing" but, in the world of fishing, New Zealand rates highly and is noted for its trout. Fly fishermen delight in tackling the many streams, often accompanied by sand flies, in a bid to land a big one, of which there are plenty.Wooses like us chose another option, hiring a boat from Fish 'n' Trips out of Te Anau on a rainy afternoon.While the trip on the lake was interesting and we caught several trout, both rainbow and brown, actually reeling them in was the most leaden experience I can recall whilst fishing. There was absolutely no fighting or sensation that a scaly creature was on the other end of the line as we trolled around. It may be hard to believe that you can be reeling in a near-two-kilo trout and not know there's anything on the line until it's next to the boat but, seriously, that's exactly what happened every time. Bit disappointing...

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Milford Track

by rozehill

Four days and 54km through the Fiordland National Park. Strictly limited numbers so you must pre-book. It starts from Te Anau, has good huts and does not allow camping. Off-season is April to October.

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Kepler Track

by rozehill

The Kepler is a 67 kilometre loop track that usually takes four days to complete. However, some people walk it in three days, by cutting out the last five hours of track along side the Waiau River, finishing at Rainbow Reach instead of the Control Gates. Anticlockwise seems the most popular way to walk the loop. There are three excellent huts and two emergency shelters en route. On the first day, the Luxmore Hut is reached after a climb of 885 metres from the lake shore and the highest point of the track (1440 metres above sea level) is at the Luxmore Saddle on day two of the walk. In good weather (a rarity in Fiordland) there are spectacular views of the snow covered Murchison Mountains (home of that rare bird, the Takahe) and also Lakes Te Anau and Manapouri

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Top 3 Hotels in New Zealand

Copthorne Hotel Commodore Christchurch Airport  Christchurch

 6 Reviews and 293 Opinions  Prior to the earthquakes, I have always stayed in town at some renowned hotel chains. When I was... 

 Hotels in Christchurch

SKYCITY Grand Hotel Auckland  Auckland

 7 Reviews and 434 Opinions  The rooms and hotel in general were nicer than expected, and service was good. While this hotel may... 

 Hotels in Auckland

Browns Boutique Hotel  Queenstown

 1 Review and 170 Opinions  Within stroling distance from the main town. Welcoming and homely. A warm cozey room admist the cold... 

 Hotels in Queenstown

Questions and Answers

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Q:  Last time in NSW/Australia it was quite easy to find good parking-places for my small motorhome, partly INside the villages, but... 

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A: With "official parkinglots" I mean rest-area along highways and other roads, such "Rest and revive-places" that are announced along the bigger roads ! I also saw some of... 

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Feb 26, 2012 
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