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The America's Cup has made itself very comfortable in Auckland. As a race venue, the Hauraki Gulf could have been designed especially for the job. And as a base for cup followers, the city is superbly equipped with luxury accommodation, excellent restaurants and a fascinating range of entertainment options.

RACE VIEWING OPTIONS

Want to be up close to the action on the water at the America's Cup?

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CULTURE AND CREATIVITY

Sailing thrives on kiwi ingenuity, as do drama, art and music. Feed your mind while you’re in New Zealand.

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GARDENER'S HEAVEN

Gardening is as popular as sailing in New Zealand. You won’t have to travel far to find horticultural heaven.

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STRETCH YOUR LEGS

Take your race-watching binoculars for a walk in the forest. See how many native birds you can spot.

AUCKLAND GUIDE & MAP

Explore the Auckland region and downtown Auckland in more detail.

It's a Great Life


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Auckland's lifestyle has been voted one of the best in the world. Flanked by two huge harbours, urban areas are only a heartbeat away from the pleasures of the sea. Forested mountain ranges provide fresh air for keen walkers. Farming and wine growing areas balance the landscape with rural beauty. And the icing on the cake is the generous sprinkling of holiday islands - just a quick ferry trip away.

All Things Nautical


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Whether Auckland first attracted people who love the sea, or whether it created sea lovers out of ordinary settlers is anyone's guess. Either way, the city now boasts the highest boat ownership rate on the planet. The Maritime Museum next to the American Express Viaduct basin delivers a potted history of Auckland's obsession with all things nautical.

Listening for the Starter's Gun

Spectator boats, Hauraki Gulf 2000 - click for more.

The perfect spot for close-up viewing of America's Cup races - the deck of a spectator boat out in the Hauraki Gulf.

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Auckland's numerous yacht clubs run race series over both summer and winter, and sailing devotees turn on an enthusiastic welcome for the Volvo Ocean Race fleet every four years. Then every Auckland Anniversary Day (the last Monday in January), the harbour churns white with the action of the city's own regatta. A more recent addition to Auckland's racing calendar is the Millennium Cup - a regatta for superyachts, which was held for the first time in February 2000. The second regatta is scheduled for February 2003, when many of these sleek, glamorous vessels will be in port for the America's Cup.

American Express Viaduct Basin is Home Base

Most cup followers base themselves close to the American Express Viaduct Basin, the vibrant waterfront precinct developed to provide a focus for America's Cup activity. Only five minutes away are the stylish restaurant zones of Parnell and Ponsonby. While it's easy to find everything you need within the inner city sphere, venture a little further and you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Half An Hour Gets You Almost Anywhere

Golfers, Gulf Harbour Country Club, Auckland - click for more.

A convoy of golf carts at Gulf Harbour Country Club, Auckland.

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The vineyards of Kumeu and Waiheke Island welcome visitors, and many have restaurants so you can really make a meal of it. World-class golf courses offer a challenging selection of holes in postcard-perfect settings. Great beaches are easy to find - the East Coast for white sand, the West Coast for big waves and black sand. In the Waitakere ranges, forest trails lead to giant Kauri trees and pretty waterfalls. Luxury lodges tucked away in unexpected locations offer a delicious blend of worldly indulgence and natural bliss. Or enjoy the simple pleasures of a picnic on Mount Eden, one of Auckland's tallest volcanic cones, accompanied by a 360 degree view.

An Eventful Time

During the America's Cup season, Auckland has other events up its sleeve. The Propecia Rally is first, with exciting special stages seeing rally cars race through the Auckland and Waikato regions. In October, Fashion Week struts onto the catwalk, showcasing New Zealand's home-grown designer collections. Every November, the Ellerslie Flower Show stimulates the imaginations of gardeners with its creative displays. And for three weeks from the end of January, the Auckland Festival provides a feast of local art, music and culture.

Slip Into Another Region


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To the north of Auckland, the Twin Coast Highway leads you to the Bay of Islands - an unforgettable cruising and game fishing location. South of Auckland there's the geothermal magic of Rotorua and the underground wonders of the Waikato - all only a few hours drive away.

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