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Richie McCaw, the New Zealand rugby union test captain, is one of the best open-side flankers of all time and a native of the Canterbury region. When you visit the area during your locum assignment, you can channel the legendary player and take up rugby as a recreational hobby.
While you may not want to play with skilled athletes like McCaw, forming a recreational rugby team can be a fun and unique way to immerse yourself in the culture of New Zealand. Ashburton is a large town that serves the surrounding farming district in Canterbury, situated between the Rakaia and Rengitata Rivers. The land is the home base of the Mid Canterbury Rugby Union, which provides competition rugby for over 1,700 players in the South Island region. Its vast amount of land is ideal for a pickup game with friendly locals that are looking for an adventurous activity to partake in.
Like football to America, New Zealand's national sport is a big deal. Some Kiwis even take it as seriously as a religion. The rough and tumble game consists of 15 players on each side, creating a lively spectacle for both players and onlookers.
The rules may take some getting used to, but here's a starter: players can only throw the ball backwards, but they run forwards. With a combination of dexterity, speed, brute force and strategy, the game can take the place of your traditional workout regimen and simultaneously allow you to enjoy the unbeatable New Zealand climate.