The Springboks will meet the All Blacks at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday, September 6, followed by a second clash at Sky Stadium in Wellington on September 13.
Alongside their training and recovery, the squad can make the most of their time in New Zealand by exploring activities beyond rugby.
Here are some options.
Auckland attractions
While in Auckland, the Springboks can explore a mix of cultural, natural, and urban experiences.
The Sky Tower offers views across the city and its harbours.
The Auckland War Memorial Museum serves as a landmark where they can learn about the country’s history, including Maori heritage and New Zealand’s involvement in world conflicts.
Natural attractions surround the city. The Waitakere Ranges Regional Park features coastal tracks, waterfalls, and access to black sand beaches such as Piha and Karekare.
For more relaxed outings, the waterfront precinct at Viaduct Harbour invites visitors to walk, eat or watch activity on the marina.
Māori culture and Rotorua
To experience New Zealand’s cultural traditions, the Springboks could attend a Māori performance or visit a marae. These encounters provide insight into language, song and customs that are central to national identity.
Rotorua, located about three hours south of Auckland, combines Māori culture with geothermal landscapes. At Te Puia, visitors can see cultural performances, carving and weaving.
Rotorua is also known for geysers, hot springs and mud pools. The area is popular with visitors seeking thermal pools for relaxation, which could also serve as a recovery option for players.
Outdoor and adventure activities
New Zealand has a reputation for outdoor adventure, and the Springboks will find options across both islands.
Bungee jumping, jet boating and skydiving are available in several regions, with Queenstown considered the main centre for these activities.
Closer to Auckland, zip-lining through native forest canopies on Waiheke Island or Rotorua is accessible.
Helicopter flights over volcanic landscapes or glaciers in the South Island offer a way to view the country’s terrain from the air. While the team’s schedule may be tight, even short activities can provide a break from training routines.
Hiking and nature
New Zealand is internationally known for its walking tracks, called tramps.
Some of the most famous are multi-day hikes, but shorter routes are available near the main cities. In the North Island, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a popular one-day walk across volcanic landscapes.
In Wellington, the team can reach Mount Victoria on foot or by vehicle, where lookout points provide views of the city and harbour. The Botanic Gardens also offer shorter walks and quiet spaces.
In the South Island, the Milford Track and Routeburn Track are among the Great Walks that showcase fjords, valleys and mountain ranges. Although these require more time, the team could explore sections of the trails if their schedule allows.
Food and dining
The Springboks may also explore New Zealand’s food culture. A traditional hangi meal, where food is cooked in an underground oven using heated stones, reflects Māori’s culinary practices.
Seafood is widely available, particularly green-lipped mussels, crayfish and fish from coastal waters. Lamb and venison are common in restaurants and reflect New Zealand’s farming heritage.
Coffee culture is strong throughout the country, especially in Wellington, where small cafés and roasteries are part of everyday life.
Local markets, such as the Saturday markets in Auckland or Wellington, provide a chance to try produce and street food.
Scenic drives and day trips
New Zealand’s landscapes make road trips and day excursions worthwhile.
From Auckland, the Bay of Islands to the north offers beaches, sailing and sites linked to early European and Māori contact.
South of Auckland, the Waikato region is home to the Hobbiton Movie Set, where scenes from “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” films were shot.
From Wellington, day trips to the Wairarapa region provide opportunities to visit vineyards, small towns and coastal walks.
Crossing the Cook Strait by ferry connects the capital with the South Island, where Marlborough and Nelson are known for wine production and national parks.
