America’s Cup Sailing

Experience sailing on the Waitemata Harbour on board an actual America’s Cup racing yacht.

Auckland has earned itself the nick name “City of Sails” due to the locals love affair with the sea. Therefore no trip to Auckland is complete without a sailing trip and there isn’t a more exciting way of doing it than on an actual America’s Cup Racing yacht!

Team New Zealand won the America’s Cup in 1995 and 2000 and hosted the tournament in 2000 and 2003. The racing took place on the Waitemata Harbour and the Viaduct Harbour became the America’s Cup village. As a result the Viaduct was transformed into a first class residential, commercial and entertainment precinct and now is the berthing place of many pleasure crafts and super yachts.

Explore NZ offer a 2hour America’s Cup Sailing Experience or a 3 hour America’s Cup Match Race. The trip gives you the chance to participate as crew by taking the helm and exerting energy on the grinders. If this isn’t your idea of fun you can simply sit back and enjoy the action.

The trip departs from the Viaduct, giving you the chance to gaze upon all the speculator pleasure crafts and super yachts. Once in the Waitemata Harbour, which translates to Sparking Waters the sails are hoisted and you get the chance to take in many of Auckland’s famous landmarks. You will sail under the Harbour Bridge, past Devenport, North Head, the dormant volcano Rangitoto Island and the popular Mission Bay. During the sail you will also witness breathtaking city views, including the famous Sky Tower and a lot of kiwi’s enjoying being out sailing. The great thing about this trip is that no previous sailing experience is required, all you need is a sense of adventure and the desire to experience sailing in the ‘City of Sails.

At the end of the trip a complimentary ticket is issued so you can experience New Zealand’s rich maritime history at Voyager Maritime Museum. Your day doesn’t have to finish there. Why not take advantage of the charm of the Viaduct and sit back and relax in one of the many cafés, restaurants or bars.

Sailing on an America’s Cup yacht is certainty a once in a lifetime opportunity. Combined with the opportunity of seeing some of Auckland’s great landmarks, the charm and relaxation of the viaduct, and complimentary entry to the maritime museum you will have a great day out and experience what Auckland life is all about.