Auckland
Aucklanders love sport, whether as spectators or participants. The nation’s psyche is embedded in rugby—where men (most of the time) chase an elliptical ball around hoping to land it under goalposts to score what is known as a "try." The city is home to two rugby teams—the Auckland Blues and the North Harbour team known as Harbour.
For those not in love with rugby there is soccer and, in summer, cricket. Increasingly, more people are taking up cycling and mountain biking, and it’s easy to rent a bike. For many women the big sport is netball, which is akin to basketball. There are a number of venues around the city.
For those who prefer water sports, Auckland has plenty of sailing, surfing, and kite-surfing. Beaches—commonly categorized as east, west, or north—generally have great views and are good for walking. The eastern beaches, such as those along Tamaki Drive on the south side of the harbor, are closer to the city and don't have heavy surf. West-coast black-sand beaches are popular (and hot) in summer, and can have rough seas with sudden rips and holes. (Surfboards can be rented at Muriwai and Piha.) And across Waitemata Harbour from the city, a chain of magnificent beaches stretches north as far as the Whangaparoa Peninsula.
