Things to do and see in New Zealand:
Adventure Activities in New Zealand:
 New Zealand's landscape and temperate climate lends itself to outdoor activity. The country is renowned for its range of adventure pastimes - the best known being bungy jumping, jetboat riding, rafting and skiing. But adventure means different things to different people and the best aspect of the New Zealand adventure scene is that it provides activities rated from 'soft' to 'extreme' - from hiking and waterskiing to mountain climbing and caving. The adventure tourism industry makes the most of having a country surrounded by sea, criss-crossed by rivers and lakes, covered in native bush and with a central spine of spectacular snow-capped mountains. There's something for everyone who enjoys the outdoor lifestyle and the special sense of freedom the relatively sparsely populated land provides. Read more.
Golf in New Zealand:
 With a choice of around 400 golf courses, ranging from rural paddock-style fairways to the luxurious courses at Kauri Cliffs or Clearview Estate, golfers have plenty of excuses to grab their bag and disappear for a day. New Zealand has the highest number of golf courses per capita in the world, with many world-class courses and facilities on offer. Tiger Woods' caddy, New Zealander Steve Williams, plied his trade on the greens at home, and New Zealand has produced many top international players, including current world No 59 (as at April 2004) Michael Campbell. Courses overlooking snowy mountains, stunning lakes or with cliff-top sea views, make for some of the greatest golf locations in the world. Read more.
Maori Culture:
 Maori are the tangata whenua (indigenous people of the land) of New Zealand and their culture is an integral part of New Zealand life. About 15% of the country’s population of 3.8 million is of Maori descent. Maori are a tribal people and their tribes are known as iwi. Visitors to New Zealand are presented with many opportunities to experience Maori culture first-hand. Best known of these is the geo-thermal region of Rotorua in the North Island, where tourists can enjoy Maori kai (food) cooked on hot stones underground as part of a traditional hangi. They can also enjoy a Maori powhiri (welcome), visit local marae (meeting houses), listen to kapa haka (traditional performances of song and dance) and relax in the popular thermal pools. Maori culture forms the basis of New Zealand culture and is the essence of its society. Read more.
Art & Culture in New Zealand:
 New Zealand's unique blend of Maori and Pakeha culture has given rise to a fresh Pacific identity that breathes vibrancy. From world-class opera singers such as Dame Kiri Te Kanawa to the talent of the theatrical spectacle that is the World of WearableArts, New Zealanders are exploring their artistic nature. The relative youth and isolation of the nation in world terms has led to artists developing a Pacific style seen nowhere else in the world. What is Kiwi culture? It's about being innovative, independent and celebrating diversity. As such, while there's no denying that rugby - and sport in general - are an intrinsic part of New Zealand culture, the rising number of high quality art and culture-based events show the nation maturing and being recognised for its strength in the arts. Read more.
Walking / Hiking in New Zealand:
 New Zealand's 'Great Walks' are world-renowned. These are the Milford Track in Fiordland, the Routeburn Track, the Kepler, Stewart Island's Rakiura Track, the Heaphy Track, Abel Tasman Coastal Track, the Tongariro National Park and Lake Waikaremoana. But there is more to walking or hiking in New Zealand than these. There are more than 150 walkways around the country, including heritage trails, with walks of up to a day's duration to be found even in urban areas. All New Zealand cities have great native bush walks nearby, meaning you're never far from peace and relaxation. Whatever a person's fitness level, there's a suitable walk on offer in a country of people that relishes the opportunity to get outdoors. Read more.
Fishing in New Zealand:
 In a country with such a vast coastline and hundreds of rivers and lakes, it is little wonder that fishing is a popular pastime for New Zealanders. Anglers come from all over the world, too, to try their luck in the crystal-clear waters. New Zealand has the best trout fishing in the world, from the volcanic Taupo-Rotorua region in the central North Island, to the glacial-formed lakes of west Otago and Fiordland. Lake Taupo, alive with brown and rainbow trout, is probably the best freshwater fishing in New Zealand. Sea fishing offers almost guaranteed fish too, with strict regulations on daily allowable catch ensuring sustainable resources. Sea fishing runs the gamut from fishing off wharves to big game fishing in the Bay of Islands. Read more.
Sailing in New Zealand:
 New Zealanders' passion for sailing is revealed by the huge number of craft out on the harbour at weekends and evenings, particularly in summer. Auckland is known as the 'City of Sails' and the opportunities there for the experienced sea-adventurer as well as the timid beginner are unrivalled. Day trips on Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour are available year-round. Four-to-six berth yachts can be chartered for cruises of several days or weeks, and yachting schools are keen to impart their wisdom to visitors on short courses. Other destinations that offer charter yachts and excellent cruising grounds are the Bay of Islands north of Auckland, and Picton in the Marlborough Sounds, an extensive area of fiords at the head of the South Island. Many idyllic out-of-the-way places are best accessed by boat - whether through sail or engine power - which provides a unique way to explore the country. Read more.
Cycling in New Zealand:
 Road cycling is possible virtually all year round in the northern North Island of New Zealand, but the best time for road cycling is generally February to April. The South Island is one of the best road cycling locations in the world, providing a good mix of people where you need them, then long peaceful stretches of sheep-dotted countryside and spectacular scenery. While road cycling is popular, mountainbiking is one of the fastest growing pastimes - largely due to the number of native bush and coastal trails developed to take advantage of New Zealand's terrain. World-class mountainbiking tracks - suitable for all levels of biker - have been created in Christchurch, Wellington and Rotorua, for example. Cycling is a great way to explore parts of the country you wouldn't necessarily see, and excellent for meeting people along the way. Read more.
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New Zealand’s awesome landscapes, lush forests, amazing wildlife and pleasant climate make it a haven for many outdoor activities, and a great place to unwind. New Zealand society is diverse, sophisticated, and multicultural, and the honesty, friendliness, and openness of Kiwis will impress you. And the great advantage of New Zealand is that all of its diverse physical, cultural, and artistic landscapes are so close to each other!