Women were more likely to dance, tramp, do pilates, yoga, or play netball. Men were more likely to fish, hunt, or play touch rugby or golf.
The survey, conducted in 2013/14 and released last year, found participation rates were changing due to a number of lifestyle factors.
Sport New Zealand's (SNZ) general manager of community sport Geoff Barry said participation was generally declining around the country.
Mr Barry said Kiwis were finding it difficult to fit sport and exercise into their increasingly time-poor lifestyles. As a result, there has been a shift toward casual, flexible activities - such as going for a walk or hitting the gym - and away from club and organised sport.
"There are changes that are happening in the way people are participating - people are looking at physical activity that suits the time and cost structure they have available," Mr Barry said.
"People might be more inclined to go to a gym... where they can do it when they want and when they have time, rather than making long term commitments like a 16 week football or cricket season."
He said this has resulted in greater attention and investment directed to local and regional sporting trusts, and less into more traditional national sporting bodies.
It was hoped this would allow local bodies to adapt to each region's needs.
Virtually all Whanganui participants exercised casually, either on their own or with others, while 30 per cent took part in a regular club competition.
Almost 90 per cent took part in free activities, while about 45 per cent were a member of a club, gym or centre during the year.
Mr Barry said a particular challenge was instilling positive and healthy values in young people. He said this was becoming difficult, in part due to technology.
"How we respond to that challenge of young kids having lots of other things they can do with their time these days is a real challenge.
"What we're finding these days is young people need constant fix, they need to understand why they're doing things, and they need the experience to be really good or they get turned off quickly."
A SNZ Strategic Plan document estimated Kiwis over 12 years of age spent 80 per cent of their leisure time on passive media and social entertainment activities.
Have a hit
Around 60 per cent of sport and recreation participants in the region were interested in either trying a new sport or doing more of a current activity. Tennis was one of the most desired.
After decades away from the game, Monette Robinson has re-ignited her love for the game of tennis.
"I did play when I was really, really young, about 10 years old. I was thinking about playing but I never got around to it for a long time. [Whanganui Tennis Club] ran a back-to-tennis lesson which I went to and went from there."
Her love for the game is clear - after four years as a member, Ms Robinson is now club president.
She said the social aspects of playing are just as important as the physical side.
"I must say the environment of the tennis club was the best thing - they're very welcoming. It's a great thing to get into - I absolutely love it.
"I play about five days a week. Once you start playing, you just get hooked. It's just so much fun. We've got 80 year olds playing tennis here too.
"A lot of it is mental, which keeps older people mentally agile as well. And you can do it at your own level. It's all good fun, and so healthy and accessible."
