Sports Culture Guide

Modified on Mon, 11 Aug at 8:28 AM

Wanna explore NZ’s sports culture like a local? Here’s your guide to everything sports!

Say Hi to Sports from Cricket Whites to All Black Nights!

NZ’s most popular sport!
National team is The All Blacks
Won the Rugby World Cup multiple times.
Super Rugby is an international competition with teams from NZ, Australia, and South Africa.
Venues: Eden Park Auckland, Westpac Wellington, and Forsyth Barr Dunedin.

National team is The Black Caps.
Key Competitions:
- ICC Cricket World Cup
- Plunket Shield
- Super Smash
Venues: Eden Park Auckland, Basin Reserve Wellington, and Hagley Oval Christchurch.

Mountain Biking: Trails across the country, like Queenstown and Rotorua
Skiing and Snowboarding: Resorts like Queenstown
Water Sports (surf, kayak, sail): Coastal Areas like Raglan and the Bay of Islands

Live Matches and Cultural Sport Events

Catch a rugby match on TV at a sports bar, or go in person! Tickets are available online through official sites or at local vendors.
Attend a Black Caps cricket match or domestic cricket game during the season (Oct-Feb).
Watch a Silver Fern or ANZ Premiership match for Netball!
Participate or watch traditional Maori sports such as Ki-o-rahi at local sports festivals or community events.

Participating in Sports

Check local community centers and sports organizations to join games or activities.
Check with local operators to participate in guided tours or adventure activities like bungee jumping, white-water rafting, or hiking.

Sports Museums and Exhibits

The New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame is located in Dunedin
National Sports Museum: based in Christchurch and is focused on the history of sports in NZ.

Fan Culture

 New Zealanders are passionate and supportive sports fans!
Fans wear team colors and engage in chants. 
Always show respect for players and fans, regardless of the outcome of the match.  
Punctuality: Arrive at sports venues early to find your seat and enjoy pre-game activities.