Surfing

If surfing is your passion, you'll love New Zealand. You're always close to the sea, and chances are, there's a great surf break not far along the coast. Those looking to learn can sign up for lessons at one of the many surf schools. If you already know how to surf, there are beach, reef, point and river-mouth breaks that will keep you busy for hours. For a feast of great waves follow Surf Highway 45 around the Taranaki coast—it curves through 180 degrees—where there's always something happening. Further north, Raglan has achieved legendary status thanks to its epic left-hand point break. Other North Island locations—such as Piha, Muriwai, Waipu, Mount Maunganui and Gisborne—are pumping when conditions are right. In the South Island, you can head to Kaikoura and Dunedin.