New Zealand Sports & Outdoors Tips by fishandchips Top 5 Page for this destination

Fishing NZ

Big game fishing is an unforgettable thrill. The sheltered waters of the Bay of Islands are renowned world-wide for their Marlin, Kingfish and Swordfish. Striped Marlin grow bigger in these waters than anywhere else in the world averaging around one hundred kilos. No licence is required for big game fishing, but chartering a boat with an experienced skipper is the way to go.

Opportunities to fish for Brown and Rainbow Trout are available throughout the country: try the lakes of Rotorua and Taupo and the rivers of Canterbury (Rakaia) and Southland.

Salmon fishing is also on offer in Canterbury (Waimakariri and Rangitata rivers) and on the West Coast.

Equipment: All gear can be hired from fishing stores and/or tour companies. What you will need will obviously be dictated by the type of fishing you are going to do.

A licence is required for trout fishing and regulations govern quantity of fish and minimum catch sizes. Licences can be obtained from New Zealand sports shops – see Fish & Game for detailed regulations – but it’s best to hire a professional guide who can help you out with local knowledge

Theme: Fishing Trips

Running Nation

New Zealand is a nation of outdoors people - well it was until Xbox - who do all sorts of activities including running. There are many running clubs and events that you can enter.

A quick survey of the Cool Running site will give you a lead on upcoming events in your area or a fun something extra to do if you are travelling. Every age and every level of ability is catered for.

Theme: Other

Go to the Cricket

Cricket is a game invented by the Poms (English) and played generally in parts of the world that were originally ruled by England. The game can be rather slow if you go to a 5 day Test match but really absorbing if you love the game like I do. Faster 1 day games are great to go to as are the new 20/20 matches which lasts for under 3 hours.

Cricket is a summer sport and played in NZ from October to April, weather permitting. The cost will vary greatly depending on who is playing. Approx cost is $40 for a seat at a 50 over game and you will wan to have a bit of money for food and drinks.

Equipment: If you are going to have a look make sure you bring something soft to sit on and a bit of food. Like many sporting places around NZ you cannot bring anything to drink with you due to liquor laws etc etc. It's all a bit stupid but there you have it.

Theme: Sports Watching

Get a Licence

To undertake certain activities on land administered by the Department of Conservation, a licence, permit or concession is required.

Activities which require permits, licences or concessions include hunting, fishing and commercial activities. Be aware that some areas of conservation land which are particularly sensitive require special permits to visit them, for example some offshore islands.

Permits or licenses are required for trout and salmon fishing and for hunting game birds, such as ducks, geese and pheasants.

Equipment: You bring your own gear but with transportation costs, unless you have an item that you just MUST bring with you, ity is just as easy to hire gear on arrival. Most major hunting/fishing stores will be able to help here.

Theme: Fishing Trips

Golfers Heaven

New Zealand has a very big golfing community. Most towns, including the tiny places that you drive past in a flash, have a golf course. A lot of the small town courses are 9 hole courses but lovingly maintained by the locals.

The bigger cities such as Christchurch have some excellent courses to play and they will also hire clubs etc so you don't need to bring your own. Christchurch, for example, has approx 20 courses in or around the city so there is a very wide choice of where to play.

Equipment: You can hire most of what you need. If you are playing one of the flasher courses then you will likely need soft spike golf shoes. Many courses don't like people wearing jeans or tee shirts - I don't tend to play on those courses - so be prepared to dress up a bit.

Cost will vary widely but expect to pay $25 to $40 for an urban 18 hole course and between $10 & $15 at smaller country clubs. Remember that in NZ, a country club is not the same as in the USA - in NZ it is a small place that welcomes everyone

Theme: Golfing

Go to the Rugby

Rugby is the national sport of New Zealand. The game is played in every corner of the country with Canterbury being the current strong-hold of the most successful team.

Rugby originated in England in the 1800's (in a town called Rugby funnily enough) when William Web-Ellis picked up a soccer ball and ran with it. These days teams from around the world play for the Rugby World Cup aka the William Web-Ellis trophy.

While in New Zealand I would highly recommend going to a Rugby game. Unlike Football (Soccer if you like) fans from opposing teams can sit together so it's a safe outing to go to no matter who you support.

Equipment: As it's a winter sport make sure you are prepared for the conditions!! A good coat will be needed, especially if you are watching the game in the South Island.

Theme: Sports Watching