Because New Zealand has mountains, lakes, rivers, beaches, hot springs and a variety of climates, people can take part in every outdoor sporting activity imaginable. Thrill-seekers may go hang gliding, skydiving, rock climbing, mountaineering, Whitewater rafting or surfing.

New Zealand has given one special thrill to the world -bungee jumping. (A bungee, pronounced bundjee, is an elastic cord.) It was invented by New Zealander A. J. Hackett, who borrowed the idea from the land divers of Pentecost, one of the Pacific islands. Now people jump from bridges and towers with long pieces of elastic tied to their feet - they were even jumping from helicopters, though that has been banned.

For many years, Rugby Union was the national sport. The New Zealand All Blacks team won the World Rugby Cup in 1995. Rugby League, a slightly different version of the game, is now a close second in popularity. New Zealand's cricket team often beats much larger nations, such as England or India. New Zealand Olympic champions include Jack Lovelock and Peter Snell (running), Barbara and Bruce Kendall (sailboarding) and Danyon Loader (swimming). In 1995, New Zealand yachtsmen won the America's Cup and the whole nation went mad with joy.

“In the English-speaking World”