Summer fun on the water
Summer sun and water fun go hand-in-hand in New Zealand, and this season is no exception with a colourful line-up of events that focus on sea, surf and sailing.
Christmas sees an exodus of private boats from their home marinas and moorings as families head off for the many islands and coastal hideaways surrounding mainland New Zealand.
Kiwi holidays traditionally revolve around the water but even on work days harbours are alive with craft sailing or motoring for business and pleasure as commuters, communities and visitors make the most of New Zealand's water based activities and events.
Auckland is known as the 'city of sails', a reputation earned from having more boats per head of population than any other city in the world. And it will certainly live up to its name this summer with major events like the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series attracting the cream of world yachting for a friendly regatta.
Other highlights surrounding the regatta and ensuring a summer spectacle in New Zealand in 2009 include these water-based events - listed by date:
Bay of Islands Sailing Week
20 - 23 Jan 2009
An annual yacht racing regatta in Northland's famous Bay of Islands which has grown from 39 participants to nearly 100 in just five years. Racing is followed by popular social events including a beach party on nearby Roberton Island.
Bay of Islands Sailing Week
Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta
26 January 2009
Often called the biggest one-day regatta in the world, this event dates back to 1840, and the day Auckland was founded. Multiple classes race on the Waitemata Harbour and waters of the Hauraki Gulf watched by thousands of Kiwis celebrating the city's anniversary day holiday.
Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta
Auckland Chinese New Year Dragon Boat Festival
31 January - 1 February 2009
Crowds line Auckland's Viaduct Harbour in support of young dragon boaters. This year's event features new boats built in the traditional style with decorative dragon heads and tails.
Auckland Dragon Boats
MOTH Asia Pacific championships
4 - 8 February 2009
A fleet of 20 to 30 competitors are due to compete in this relatively new event which is attracting sailors from Sweden, Australia, America and England. Sailing takes place off Takapuna Beach just across the Harbour Bridge from Auckland city.
MOTH Asia Pacific championships
Louis Vuitton Pacific Series
30 January - 14 February 2009
The highlight of summer 2009 when 12 of the world's best sailing crews race on Auckland's Waitemata Harbour in the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series. The aim of the regatta is to allow the world's top crews to get back on the water and compete in a friendly match race series. The race courses are at the entrance to Auckland's Waitemata Harbour, between Rangitoto Island and the city foreshore in easy view of coastal suburbs.
Emirates Team New Zealand
Millennium Cup 2009 Super-yacht Regatta
9 - 11 February 2009
Some of the world's grandest super-yachts will be in Auckland for the Millennium Cup providing a spectacular parade of craft racing out into the Hauraki Gulf and back to Auckland's Viaduct Harbour marina. The NZ Marine Industry concludes the event with a luxurious social function.
Millennium Cup 2009
Classic Yacht Regatta
13 - 15 February 2009
The Classic Yacht Association of New Zealand will stage its annual regatta from 13 - 15 February. This event is an opportunity to see craft from over 110 years of New Zealand's boating heritage. There are four races on Auckland's Waitemata Harbour.
Classic Yacht Regatta
Auckland International Boat Show
5 - 8 March 2009
The annual boat show held in the heart of Auckland City at the Viaduct Harbour encompasses every aspect of New Zealand's extensive marine industry and set amongst seaside restaurants, bars, bistros and hotels.
Auckland International Boat Show
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