As we approach the end of another summer in New Zealand, the days are still warm, and the evenings are perfect for outdoor activities. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just someone enjoying the sunny days, there’s still plenty of time to dive into the world of summer sports in New Zealand before the cooler months take over. The beauty of the Kiwi summer lies in the variety of activities available – from the adrenaline-pumping to the laid-back, there’s a summer sport for everyone.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at five of the most popular summer sports in New Zealand, each of which offers a unique way to embrace the outdoors and stay active. Let’s dive in!
1. Cricket
A good game of BYC (backyard cricket) is, without a doubt, one of the most beloved summer sports in New Zealand. Played on green fields across the country, it is a national pastime that brings together players and spectators alike. With its roots deeply embedded in New Zealand’s culture, the game enjoys widespread popularity, particularly during the long summer days.
Why Cricket?
Cricket is played at all levels in New Zealand, from backyard games to professional matches. During the summer, the sound of bat meeting ball can be heard on nearly every park and oval, especially on weekends when families and friends gather to play. Major international competitions like the Black Caps games also draw large crowds, and the sport is a focal point during the warmer months.
Whether you’re playing social cricket in the backyard or watching a thrilling test match at a packed stadium, cricket provides a perfect balance of camaraderie, skill, and entertainment. It’s a quintessential summer sport that embodies the relaxed yet competitive spirit of New Zealanders.
Fun Fact:
The first recorded game of cricket in New Zealand was played in Wellington in 1842.
2. Touch Rugby
While rugby union is widely recognized as New Zealand’s national sport, touch rugby has become increasingly popular, particularly as a social and recreational summer sport. Played in a non-contact format, touch rugby is a great way to enjoy the thrill of rugby without the physical collisions that can come with its traditional counterpart.
Why Touch Rugby?
Touch rugby is accessible to players of all ages and skill levels, making it one of the most inclusive summer sports in New Zealand. Played on a field similar to rugby, teams aim to score tries by touching the opposing players with two hands, instead of tackling. This modified version of rugby allows for a faster, more fluid game with an emphasis on skill, speed, and teamwork.
Touch rugby is often played informally in parks and on beaches across New Zealand, but it’s also a popular competitive sport with leagues and tournaments throughout the country. It is a fantastic way to stay fit, have fun, and enjoy the great outdoors during the summer months.
Fun Fact:
The NZ Touch Nationals is a major annual event that attracts teams from across the country, showcasing some of New Zealand’s best touch rugby talent and highlighting the growing popularity of the sport.
3. Beach Volleyball
With New Zealand’s long stretches of beautiful beaches, it’s no surprise that beach volleyball is one of the top summer sports in the country. This sport is perfect for those who want to combine fitness with fun while enjoying the sand and surf.
Why Beach Volleyball?
Beach volleyball offers a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors while getting in a great workout. Played on sand courts, the sport involves two teams of two players, making it a fantastic game for small groups of friends. The sport is accessible to players of all skill levels, whether you’re a beginner just learning the ropes or an experienced player looking to show off your skills.
One of the biggest events on New Zealand’s beach volleyball calendar is the NZ Beach Volleyball Tour, where athletes from across the country compete in various locations. This national tour showcases the country’s best volleyball talent and brings communities together to celebrate this exciting summer sport.
Fun Fact:
Whilst partaking in a beach volleyball match, players on average jump about 300 times. No wonder volleyball players are so fit!
4. Surfing
New Zealand’s coastal regions are home to some of the world’s best surf spots, making surfing one of the most iconic summer sports in New Zealand. Whether you’re getting barrelled at Manu Bay or cruising on a longboard in Sumner, surfing offers an exciting way to experience the ocean.
Why Surfing?
Surfing is a true Kiwi summer experience. From beginners to professional surfers, the sport caters to all levels of experience. The country’s abundance of beaches, combined with its consistent waves, makes it a mecca for surfers from around the globe.
Notable surf spots such as Piha, Raglan, and Dunedin are known for their world-class waves, drawing surfers seeking the ultimate challenge. In addition to its exhilarating nature, surfing in New Zealand offers an incredible way to connect with nature, offering a sense of freedom and adventure that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Fun Fact:
The earliest evidence of surfing can be traced back to Polynesia, where cave paintings from the 12th century depict people riding waves.
5. Ultimate Frisbee
Ultimate frisbee is a sport that’s gained popularity in New Zealand in recent years, and it’s fast becoming one of the country’s favorite summer sports. A dynamic, non-contact game, ultimate frisbee is known for its spirit of sportsmanship and high-energy play.
Why Ultimate Frisbee?
Ultimate frisbee is played between two teams who aim to score points by catching a flying disc (frisbee) in the opposing team’s end zone. What makes Ultimate unique is its emphasis on “Spirit of the Game,” which encourages fair play, respect, and mutual understanding among players.
In New Zealand, ultimate frisbee is played at a competitive level, with local leagues and teams frequently participating in national and international tournaments. The sport is particularly popular among university students and young professionals who enjoy the combination of athleticism and social interaction that ultimate provides.
Ultimate frisbee is a great summer sport for anyone looking for something fast-paced and team-oriented. Its growth in New Zealand’s sporting landscape reflects the country’s love for fun, active, and inclusive sports.
Fun Fact:
New Zealand has a strong ultimate frisbee community, and the New Zealand Ultimate Frisbee Championships are held annually, where top teams from around the country compete for the national title.
As we near the end of summer, there’s still plenty of time to enjoy the best of what the season has to offer. From cricket and touch rugby to beach volleyball, ultimate frisbee and surfing, the variety of summer sports in New Zealand ensures that everyone can find something to enjoy.
No matter your skill level or preference, summer sports in New Zealand provide the perfect excuse to stay active, spend time outdoors, and connect with others. As the days grow shorter, don’t forget to make the most of these final weeks of summer and enjoy the outdoor sports that make this time of year so special.
So, grab your bat, frisbee, or surfboard – there’s still plenty of time to experience the excitement of New Zealand’s most popular summer sports!
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