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Sport, Recreation & Physical Activity Participation Among NZ Adults

Popular Sport and Recreation Activities by Age

The 10 Most Popular Sport and Recreation Activities Participated In Over 12 Months by Age

16 – 24 years   25 – 34 years   35 – 49 years  
Swimming
47.3%
Walking
65.0%
Walking
64.8%
Walking
42.6%
Swimming
44.0%
Gardening
45.1%
Equipment-based exercise
34.1%
Gardening
34.6%
Swimming
40.9%
Jogging/Running
32.5%
Equipment-based exercise
32.4%
Cycling
32.0%
Dance
28.2%
Jogging/Running
29.4%
Equipment-based exercise
27.3%
Cycling
22.5%
Cycling
26.8%
Fishing
24.9%
Basketball
22.2%
Fishing
20.7%
Jogging/Running
18.7%
Rugby
19.7%
Dance
19.9 %
Dance
16.6%
Touch
19.2%
Golf
15.8 %
Golf
12.2%
Tennis
17.6%
Aerobics
14.2 %
Tramping
10.7 %

The 10 Most Popular Sport and Recreation Activities Participated In Over 12 Months by Age

50 – 64 years   ≥ 65 years  
Walking
72.5%
Walking
73.3%
Gardening
55.0%
Gardening
65.7%
Swimming
24.4%
Swimming
15.3%
Equipment-based exercise
24.4%
Equipment-based exercise
14.0%
Cycling
19.9%
Bowls
13.5%
Fishing
18.8%
Fishing
11.0%
Golf
14.0%
Golf
10.5%
Dance
12.3%
Dance
7.9%
Tramping
10.5%
Callisthenics
6.4%
Pilates/Yoga
7.3 %
Cycling
6.1 %
  • Popular activities common across all age groups are walking, swimming, equipment-based exercise, jogging/running and dance.
  • Basketball, rugby, touch and tennis are popular activities among the youngest age group, 16 to 24 year olds.
  • After the age of 25 years, gardening, fishing and golf become popular activities.
  • Bowls is a popular activity for those aged 65 years and over.
  • Walking is a common activity across all age groups but becomes the most prominent activity after the age of 25 years.
  • Dance is another highly popular activity across age groups, especially among adults aged 16 to 24 years old.