Leisure Activities

 For people looking to get out and be active on the weekends, you can find heaps of things to do in New Zealand.

• Biking
  You won’t find a much better way of exploring the natural landscape of New Zealand than taking a cycle tour, getting out for some adrenalin-pumping rides through forest tracks on a mountain bike or even taking a casual bike ride down to the shops.
  
  Find more about road cycling and cycling races at the Cycling New Zealand website.
  
  Check out some of our mountain bike or casual bike trails around the country using these links:
  
  • BikeNZ has all the information you’ll need to know about biking in New Zealand
  • To find a mountain biking club near you , click here.
     
• Hiking
  You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to hiking (we call it tramping) in New Zealand. Here you’ll find some of the most beautiful walks in the world, many of them through our stunning National Parks.
  
  Check out the New Zealand Tramper website which will provide you with more information about where to hike and how to get started.
   
• Kayaking
  Whether salt water or fresh water kayaking, there are amazing opportunities for both throughout New Zealand. Hit the rapids if you’re an expert, or take a lesson from one of the many kayaking schools around the country. 
  
  Check out these kayaking-related sites:
  
  • The Kiwi Association of Sea Kayakers
  • The Yakity Yak Club where you can connect with fellow kayakers
  • Beginners, check out the New Zealand Kayak School
     
• Snorkelling and diving
  It’s no wonder New Zealanders love the sea – no matter where you are in the country, you’re never more than an hour and a half’s drive away from the ocean.
  
  Diving is a popular water sport, and up North in the Bay of Islands you’ll find one of the top places in the world to snorkel or dive – The Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve.
  
  Visit Dive New Zealand to find a list of diving clubs throughout New Zealand to join.
   
• Boating
  With so much coastline, boating of all kinds is extremely popular amongst Kiwis. In fact there are more pleasure boats per capita than anywhere else in the world. A must-do is to sail around the beautiful Bay of Islands – but to be honest, boating is popular everywhere! 
  Check out these links for more information:
  
  • New Zealand Sailing
  • Yacht Clubs of New Zealand
  • Yachting New Zealand
     
• Fishing
  For salt-water fishing, there are thousands of kilometres of coastline to explore and even more fish to catch. Or for fresh water fishing there are beautiful, clean rivers and lakes throughout the North and South islands. Check out these links:
  
  • New Zealand Fishing
  • New Zealand Fly Fishing 
  • New Zealand's Online Fishing Magazine
     
• Camping
  Kiwis love to camp, and with such amazing scenery why not? Hop in a car with your mates or hire a campervan – you can explore the country and stop at campsites along the way.
  
  Check out your many camping options on The NZ Camping Guide  website.
   
• Surfing
  New Zealand has some amazing surf beaches all over the country, with everything from gentle spilling waves for beginners to rip-roaring waves best left to the experts.
  
  If you’re in the Auckland area hit the West Coast surf beaches including Piha and Kare Kare. More about surfing on Surfing New Zealand or check out www.surf.co.nz.