A relaxed lifestyle that includes leisure activity is valued in New Zealand. The mild climate means that activities like water sports and walking/tramping are popular. Activities people enjoy include:
Plenty of locally produced fresh food has led to a huge range of restaurants, coffee shops, take-away and fast food outlets. Meeting friends for coffee at cafes is an everyday part of life. New Zealand is well known for its sophisticated coffee culture – with the highest number of commercial machines and coffee roasters per capita outside of northern Italy, New Zealand baristers haven’t ranked less than 8th place at the World Barista Championships.
www.newzealand.com is an excellent source of information on New Zealand sights, activities, events and tours/sightseeing opportunities.
Information on New Zealand tracks and walks, the national parks and an outdoor activity finder is also available through the Department of Conservation (DOC) – either online at www.doc.govt.nz – go to Parks and Recreation – or through the DOC visitor centre network.