The land of the All Blacks
The All Blacks are one of the most legendary rugby teams in the world! They have won three World Cups (1987, 2011 and 2015) and reached the final of the 2023 World Cup against their South African rivals. Unfortunately, they lost by just a single point, despite the fine performances of the Barrett brothers, scrum-half Aaron Smith and center Ardie Savea, who was named the tournament's best player. The Blacks are overtaken by the Springboks for the most World Cups ever won. If the team impresses with its sporting achievements, the "setting" is just as mythical: the black outfit (hence the nickname), the silver fern adorning the jersey, and the haka, the māorie war dance performed by the players before each match, are all part of the All Blacks' aura on the rugby planet, all in theEden Park arena for most home matches. The Auckland stadium, which backs onto Mount Eden, hosted the first Rugby World Cup match in 1987 between New Zealand and Italy, and a few weeks later saw the All Blacks lift the first Webb Ellis Cup against... the French team (29-9)! The country has produced some legendary players, starting with Jonah Lomu, but we could also mention Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Tana Umaga and many others.
More locally, the country's top clubs compete in Super Rugby, which brings together twelve teams from New Zealand, Australia and Fiji. The most successful club is the Christchurch-based Crusaders franchise, with 12 cups lifted. The National Championship pitting the 14 best provinces against each other is also very popular. While XV rugby is very popular with the public, XIII rugby has also enjoyed some success.
Finally, the women's national team has earned the nickname of the Black Ferns. They are without doubt the best team in the world. It has won six World Cups (in 9 editions!), including the last one in 2021.
Cricket and netball, little-known sports
Cricket. With its British heritage, cricket is also very popular and widely played. The national team, nicknamed the Black Caps, is one of the best on the planet, and competed (and lost) against England in the final of the last World Cup in 2019. Revenge scheduled for autumn 2023.
Netball. This little-known sport on the Old Continent is a great success in the country. Mainly played by women, it is a derivative of basketball. The baskets have no panels and the ball is smaller and lighter.
On the water, sailing and thrills
Sailing. New Zealand is one of the great sailing nations. Proof of this can be found in New Zealand's victories in the prestigious America's Cup. Emirates Team New Zealand (formerly Team New Zealand) has held the title since 2021. The French will be back on the starting line in 2024. Beyond the international competitions, sailing is a real local passion, and there are countless sailing boats, particularly in Auckland, nicknamed the "City of Sails" thanks to its exceptional bay. In short, the perfect destination for sailing enthusiasts!
Surfing. Although surfing is not the country's national sport, it is widely practiced. The country's most famous surf spots are located on the black sand beaches of the North Island's west coast. Raglan, in particular, is the best spot in the country and has already hosted numerous international competitions.
Rafting and kayaking. For thrill-seekers, New Zealand's rivers work wonders. From the North Island's Wanganui River winding through the forest to the class 5 rapids of the Kaituna River, rafting and kayaking are well organized.
Jet-boats. Jet-boats, invented by New Zealander Sir William Hamilton, are very popular. The principle behind this hydraulic propulsion system for boats is simple: water is sucked in from below, then discharged through a directional nozzle at the rear of the boat. Their shallow draught enables them to travel up the most turbulent rivers.
Whether on the ground or in the air, thrills are guaranteed!
Sky diving. Sky diving is offered by numerous providers all over the country. The view from up there is always magical!
Bungy jumping. Inspired by Papuan tribal practices, bungy jumping exploded thanks to A.J. Hackett in the 1970s. Today, the biggest jump is made near Queenstown from a gondola suspended 147 m above a valley.
MOUNTAIN BIKING. Many areas close to cities have become ideal terrain for mountain biking. Less environmentally friendly, quad biking and motocross are also popular.
Winter sports. The country boasts dozens of resorts. That said, very few resorts have an infrastructure that allows you to sleep on site. And snowboarding is almost as popular as skiing. The season lasts on the South Island from early June to late October, and on the North Island from late June to mid-November.
A hiking and golf destination
Hiking. New Zealand is particularly well organized in this area, with 10 Great Walks (3 to 8 days), 3 on the North Island and 7 on the South Island. The number of hikers is (for some of them) fixed in order to limit tourist pressure on these unspoiled sites. It is therefore imperative to book several months in advance, especially for the famous Milford Track.
Golf. Nearly half a million golf enthusiasts come to New Zealand every year to play on the country's 400 golf courses. For lovers of the little white ball, these include the Kauri Cliffs Golf Course, Cape Kidnappers Golf Course, Paraparaumu Beach or Kinloch Club on the North Island and Jack's Point on the South Island.
Beautiful dive sites
When it comes to diving, New Zealand offers an exceptionally rich underwater landscape. Kelp forests, eagle rays, delicious snappers, moray eels and schools of blue maomao are just a few examples of New Zealand's distinctive underwater scenery. Around the North Island, you'll have to take your flippers for a walk around the Poor Knight Islands, a string of islands off Tutukaka and one of Commandant Cousteau's favorite dive spots. But you'll also have to dive to the colorful wreck of the Rainbow Warrior, Goat Island, the Cathedral Cove underwater trail, the Aldermen Islands, White Island, the wreck of the F69 HMNZS Wellington... Around the South Island, head for the wreck of the Mikhail Lermontov, Kaikoura, Fiordland National Park..
