Auckland - City of Sails, Home of the Americas Cup

Author: Sue Murray
Published on: Sep 18, 2002

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.

I would disappoint you all if I didn't mention the great adventure activities that are available. I might baulk at rap jumping off the face of a building, but am tempted to experience the thrills of rocketing sky-high at 160km in a bungy rocket, tandem sky diving, hot air ballooning or para sailing.

There are many ways to get across the harbour, You can catch the Devonport Ferry, or take our spectacular Auckland Harbour Bridge or even go the long way round through the western suburbs. Devonport boasts the Navel Base and quaint shops; further north is the Hibiscus Coast. With lovely beaches as well

Unofficially Auckland is known as the Capital of the Pacific Rim. This culture diversity makes for a vibrant and exciting place. The pacific influence is seen in the markets, food and a background rhythm of Polynesian culture.

Away from the City central experiences abound. Take a walk in the Waitakere ranges to enjoy fist hand our Native bush. Or visit our Wild West Coast beaches. Here the power of nature is on show, as well as all the surfers.

This summer is going to be one of the most eventful summers. On the water from October to January is the Louis Vuitton Cup. Here the syndicates race to find the challengers for the America's cup which is held in February. Over this time there is also other events on the water such as the SuperYacht regatta, and a classic NZ coastal yacht race.

On terra firma, the fun continues all summer, from the 32nd Propecia Rally, to L'Oreal New Zealand Fashion Week to the Heineken Tennis Open – New Zealand, and the list goes on.

So from someone who has spent 13 years living in this City of Sails and now has migrated back to her South Island roots. I still hold Auckland in awe as a place full of fascinating culture, entertainment and plenty of sun, sea, surf, sail and FUN.

Sue's Travel Tips and Links

Getting there:
Auckland International Airport and the Domestic Airport are right on the Manukau harbour. A taxi ride to the city is $40nz
The Airbus into the city is $13nz

Accommodation:
For an excellent range of accommodation from 5 star hotels to backpackers. Sites that will help you to decide are:
Accommodation New Zealand
AA Guide
Womens Travel

Climate:
Auckland enjoys a warm coastal climate without extremes of temperature.
Average daily temp Celsius, ranges from 15 winter to 23.6 summer

Must do's:
Kelly Tarltons Underwater World.
Maritime Museum
Sail the Harbour
Wine tasting
Hug a giant kauri tree in the rainforest of the Waitakere ranges
Visit the Auckland Domain.
Auckland