New Zealand Sport

New Zealand is a very sporty nation with many world champions. New Zealand's national sport is Rugby Union that is played in the winter, but New Zealanders play all sports.

Netball is a mainly a female sport but is very popular with the whole of New Zealand, and along with Rugby Union is the most popular television sport.

Cricket is New Zealand's national summer sport.

This is a break down of the number of registered players in the top New Zealand sports.
Top New Zealand sports by membership.
Golf: 128,860
Netball: 120,440
Soccer: 105,023
Rugby Union: 98,543
Cricket 87,100
As you will see Golf has the most registered players and this is a reflection of the number of fine and affordable golf courses cover New Zealand.

Soccer has the highest number of school-aged participants with many changing to Rugby Union, as they get older.
Other popular sports include.
Softball (New Zealand has won the world championships in both male and female on many occasions)
Cycling
Field Hockey
Rowing
Triathlons
Surf life saving
Squash
Tennis
Rugby League
Basketball
Track and Field
Volleyball
Sailing
Canoeing
Outdoor adventure sports
Motor racing

New Zealand is also starting to adopt Baseball, American Football, Australian Rules Korfball and Ice Hockey

Short New Zealand Rugby Film, "Tight Heads"