The clean and alluring outdoors, rugged landscape and the mild climate in New
Zealand gives an opportunity to its natives to indulge themselves into sports
of different kinds. This is reflected by the percentage, equaling to 35 percent
of the adult population, belonging to sports of some kind or the other.
Some of the popular sports are:
- Rugby: Among all sections of New Zealand's
society Rugby Union is the most favored one and the people often associate it
with their national identity. During the beginning of international matches
the All Blacks team traditionally perform a haka, a traditional Maori challenge.
- Cricket: In New Zealand cricket is the highest
profile summer sport. It is not widely played at the national levels as in case
of rugby.
- Golf: New Zealand can be the ideal destination
for a golfer with about 400 golf courses which is much ahead of its population.
The major season for golf is March -October. The green fees vary from club to
club, $10 to $40, depending on the location and the standing of the club. Also
there is the provision of hired equipments and resident professionals. New Zealand
can boast of prestigious PGA golf tours.
- Motor Racing: Motor Racing has an ardent following
in New Zealand. New Zealand has produced world class champions in Formula One
Grand Prix as well as Motor Racing. There are many levels of motor sport series
in New Zealand which can merely be broken down into-
Water sports - Hydro-planing, Jetski Racing and Thundercat Racing.
Automobile Racing - Club and national level circuit racing and rallying,
with some international events, as well as speedway.
Motorcycle Racing - Street, Circuit and Dirt/ Motocross.
- Horse Racing: In recent years though it has
lost its popularity still it is considered as an important part of New Zealand's
culture. This sport in New Zealand is connected with gambling. Those who are
passionate about this sport should spend a day at the "gallops" or
a night at the "trots". Bookmaking is banned and the minimum bet is
only $1.
Other sports in New Zealand
The other types of sports in New Zealand include:
- Netball
- Soccer
- Yachting
- Equestrian
- Gliding
- Orienteering
- Mountaineering
- Australian rules football
- Olympic Games
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