The national sport – and passion – is rugby football and matches can be seen in the main cities. But New Zealand also offers splendid tennis, football and cricket. Clubs welcome visitors as temporary members – the National Tourist Board will give details. Glof is played on glorious courses both islands – there are hundreds registered clubs, which make visitors welcome. It is usual to take letter of introduction from one’s home club secretary.
The beaches offer swimming, surfing and skin-diving from October to April and there is yachting in many harbors. The Regetta held in Auckland on Anniversary Day is one of the biggest in the world. Deep-sea fishing off 300 miles of North Island beaches will take sportsman in less than an hour to spectacular fighting fish – marlin, shark, tuna – from January to April.
Fresh water fishing in lakes and fast-running rivers is exciting and rewarding. Hunting for many species of deer is unrestricted throughout the year. The terrain is often rough and a guide is essential. The game-bird shooting season opens the first Sunday in May. Firearms must be registered. The Hunting & Fishing Officer, Tourist & Publicity Department, Cove Bay, Rotoura, will give details.
For the less sporting there is helicopter hunting – New Zealand is the only country in the world that allows this controversial activity. Hunters are flown out from top hotels. Hiking and tramping (long distance mountain walking) through some of the world’s most exciting scenery is very popular – contact the New Zealand Federation of Mountaineering Clubs. For mountain climbing, contact the New Zealand Alpine Club.
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