New Zealand is the envy of the world for its gorgeous landscapes and amazing wildlife, but the people who live there still need to occupy their time in fun ways that aren’t just based on Lord of the Rings location visits. Luckily, there’s plenty going on, and entertainment is more accessible than ever, so let’s talk through exactly what Kiwis are getting up to in their free time today.
Digital Fun for Everyone
Like every other developed nation, New Zealand’s modern population has a healthy interest in digital entertainment, covering everything from video streaming to gaming.
For streaming, Netflix rules the roost in terms of raw subscriber numbers, reaching over 2.2 million Kiwis, or almost half the population. However, Amazon Prime Video is quickly gaining ground, having grown its audience by 163% since 2022, and Disney+ is expanding similarly swiftly.
In terms of gaming, it’s a pastime which 73% of the local population enjoys, and runs the gamut from Fortnite and Minecraft for teenagers to online gambling via Impressario Casino for New Zealanders who are a little older. This uptake is partly driven by improvements in typical broadband speeds, with customers now getting 200Mbps on average.
Thriving In-Person Events
Kiwis don’t just stay cooped up at home to entertain themselves. They’re also partial to events and festivals, and a growing number of high-profile examples are scheduled for the coming months.
The New Zealand International Comedy Festival, held in May, enters its 33rd year and attracts hundreds of thousands of residents to enjoy both domestic and overseas acts. Likewise, the New Zealand International Film Festival is back again this July, spread across venues in Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, and Dunedin.
And of course, it’s impossible to mention public events in New Zealand without talking about sport. Rugby remains a huge draw, and the nation’s cricket team is also building up a solid reputation, especially in T20 tournaments. Whenever fans can see sides play in person, they’ll be there. If not, they’ll be watching on TV.
Outdoor Excursions
New Zealand deserves to be explored as much as possible, and Kiwis have plenty of options to do just that, invigorating their minds and bodies while getting to know the country they call home a little bit better.
The Great Rides of New Zealand, a network of 23 cycle routes that crisscross both the North and South Islands, is a great example of this. Trails of varying difficulties are available, and since e-bikes are allowed under current regulations, it’s also a much more accessible option for people of all fitness levels and abilities.
Last but not least, a new generation of Kiwis is taking up stargazing, making the most of the various parts of the country in which light pollution is kept to a minimum, and the night sky showcases its true beauty. The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve and other locations offer unequaled viewing experiences.
So, Kiwis are entertaining themselves in many different ways, and we should all take inspiration from the variety of approaches they adopt.
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