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Auckland - City of Sails, Home of the Americas Cup

© Sue Murray

In writing this article I am setting myself up to being hung and quartered by my local town. Auckland is often looked at with awe and jealously that leads to sarcasm and contempt, our tall poppy syndrome showing again, but I can't ignore the Americas Cup. Also I thought I would have some fun playing at a travel writer.

Auckland is known as the City of Sails. This is no exaggeration. Now that it is the home of the Americas Cup it has flourished even more. Auckland region is actually 4 cities thought of as one. It is spread over 3 beautiful harbours. The Manukau and Kaipara Harbours on the West Coast are mystical and moody. The Waitemata Harbour on the East Coast has a sparkling, urban personality. The Hauraki Gulf is an adventure playground for sailors and island explorers.

My main attention will be based of the Hauraki Gulf (East Coast) for this is where the America’s Cup is held and where lots of the action is.

Since it became the home of the Auld Mug, Auckland waterfront has really spruced itself up. The American Express Viaduct Harbour is now a thriving hub for Cafes and Bars, Maritime History, water watching and just soaking up the atmosphere. A short hop from here is the Sky-city Casino; it is the Southern Hemisphere’s tallest tower So you can ether spend you money on chance or take to the top and view Auckland and harbour in all its splendour. Or even catch a taxi to the style areas of Parnell, Ponsonby or Newmarket

Auckland is built on numerous volcanos. The harbour is watched over by Rangitoto, and at least 3 others within the city. These volcanos are great places to cruse up and admire the scenery from. One Tree hill (now minus its one tree), and Mt. Eden show lots of hints of its previous use as a Maori pa (fort) site.

Further around the waterfront from the bustling harbour is the beginning of the beaches. If you want to stretch your legs it is a popular place to drive, walk, cycle, rollerblade, to Mission bay. Not forgetting to stop off at the Kelly Tarltons Underwater World. Further afield, within half and hour you could be sampling wines at a vineyard, watching the wild waves of the West Coast beaches, playing golf at Gulf Harbour or of course Sailing to an Island.

Tourism Auckland

Tourism Auckland

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