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Sport, Recreation & Physical Activity Participation Among NZ Adults

Popular Sport and Recreation Activities By Gender

The 10 Most Popular Sport and Recreation Activities Participated In Over 12 Months By Gender

Men % Women %
Walking
52.3
Walking
75.1
Gardening
37.3
Gardening
48.7
Swimming
33.4
Swimming
36.1
Fishing
29.8
Equipment-based exercise
27.0
Cycling
28.0
Dance
22.6
Equipment-based exercise
26.0
Cycling
17.8
Golf
20.1
Jogging/Running
15.8
Jogging/Running
19.3
Pilates/Yoga
14.6
Cricket
11.7
Aerobics
12.9
Football
10.7
Netball
9.9
  • The top three activities for men and women are identical in terms of activity type and order of popularity.
  • Six of the top ten activities are the same for men and women, these activities being walking, gardening, swimming, equipment-based exercise, cycling and jogging/running.
  • Unique activities popular with women included dance, pilates/yoga, aerobics and netball, while fishing, golf, cricket and football were uniquely popular with men.