Sailing

Because New Zealand is an island nation, its maritime tradition goes back a long way; from the earliest arrivals, The Polynesians who traveled across the Pacific Ocean to the European settlers (who arrived here from the West via Asia). It is therefore not surprising that there is a touch of a sailor in almost every New Zealander. Many of the boats in New Zealand are built at home, hence sailing has never had a touch of being a sport for the wealthy; sailing has almost always been a family sport which anyone can enjoy. Many of New Zealand’s top sailors started out with boats that were built in garages and sheds. The late Sir Peter Blake, winner of the America’s Cup, among many others, constructed his first boat in the family garden - not quite to his mother’s liking it has to be said. In many coastal towns around the country sailing trips are on offer and with so places to choose from it is easy to enjoy one while traveling around New Zealand.