Known as the 'city of sails' Auckland is New Zealand's biggest city and is renowned for its sailing and water-based activities. Situated on the North Island between two harbours-Waitemata and Manuaku- Auckland is surrounded by water, making it ideal for yachting and water sports.
The harbour is jam-packed with yachts and there are more boats per head of the population than any other city in the world. Auckland hosted the America's Cup race in 1999/2000 and Team New Zealand won it that year, retaining the title from 2005. The city hosted the yacht race again in 2003, but lost the title to Switzerland. Out in the Hauraki Gulf there are over 70 islands to explore, including the very popular Waiheke Island. Whether you charter a boat for the day, organize a fishing trip, go on a sea kayaking tour or enjoy a dinner cruise along the harbour, there are plenty of opportunities to take to the water.
If you picture yourself at the help of an America's Cup yacht then you can give it a go with Sail NZ. You'll have the chance to participate as crew on-board a real America's Cup yacht for a two-hour sail or a three-hour Match Race in Waitemata Harbour. Since Auckland is so famous for its yachting, there are plenty of sailing schools where you can learn to sail, as well as boat charter companies if you fancy chartering a boat for the day.
Pride of Auckland offer dining cruises from Waitemata Harbour so you can experience Auckland at the best time of day. You'll have a relaxing journey on board a sailboat with trademark blue and white sails, and dine on food prepared from Pride of Auckland's award-winning shore based kitchen.
Since their are many islands in the Gulf, make sure you explore some of them, either on a cruise or by taking a ferry. If you take the 35-minute ferry ride over to Waiheke Island you can spend a day wine tasting and exploring the islands' vineyards and olive groves.
Auckland has many species of dolphins and whales swimming around off its coastline. For a chance to see them in their natural habitat, take a boat trip to spot dolphins and maybe even Killer Whales, Bryde's Whales and Bottlenose Dolphins.
The West Coast of Auckland has rugged black sand beaches and some of the best surfing conditions on the North Island, so this is the ideal opportunity to learn to surf or simply catch some waves. Or, if you're looking for a new sporting addiction, then you might like to try kite surfing lessons with one of the kite surfing schools in Auckland.
For a bit of adventure, rent a kayak or take a sea kayaking tour to discover Auckland's natural beauty, wildlife, sandy beaches and volcanic islands. The sheltered waters of the Gulf make Auckland an excellent place for sea kayaking.
The Hauraki Gulf is also great for saltwater sport fishing, and you can take day trips or longer excursions to catch fish like Snapper, Kingfish, Shark and Trevally. If you prefer swimming with fish to catching them, then Goat Island Marine Reserve is teeming with fish and amazing marine-life making it an ideal place to go diving.
