Golf, Tennis, Squash & Badminton
Topping the statistics for participant sports across all age groups in New Zealand are golf and tennis. Every town has a golf course and tennis courts. In terms of racket sports, squash and badminton are also popular.
See Golf NZ for everything you need to know. There are close to 400 golf courses throughout the country, ranging from exclusive (and expensive!) beauties to local, rural courses that have fences around the greens to keep the sheep off! - Tarras Golf Club in Central Otago is a wonderful example of the latter.
Tennis NZ oversees tennis, and has information on clubs, courts and tournaments throughout the country. Kiwis generally play on hardcourts, astroturf and a diminishing number of grass courts. Clay courts are extremely rare. Public and school tennis courts are often asphalt.
Squash has a strong following in NZ with Kiwi players competing strongly internationally. Squash NZ oversees the sport and there are clubs, courts and tournaments throughout the country.
Badminton NZ has all you need to know if you’re keen to play badminton during your visit.