• Welcome to New Zealand
• In and around Auckland city
• Other top sailing spots

Welcome to New Zealand

New Zealand offers visitors for the Louis Vuitton Pacific series an abundance of water and land-based opportunities to enjoy what is officially one of the world’s favourite destinations.

New Zealand’s 16,000km of coastline means you’re never far from the sea and even the country’s mountainous interior provides hundreds of inland rivers, lakes and waterways.

There are islands, harbours, sounds, gulfs and beaches to be discovered, and rivers, lakes, fiords and glaciers waiting to be explored.

Auckland

With a population close to 1.4 million people, Auckland is New Zealand’s largest urban city and home to many nationalities.

Auckland’s temperate climate and easy access to the coast make it a fantastic destination for a wide range of activities including walking, surfing and sailing.

Don’t miss:

1. A 30-minute ferry trip from Auckland city to Waiheke Island. On the island take a bus or ride a scooter and discover boutique vineyards, olive groves and hidden beaches to relax on.
2. The latest Kiwi adventure - a walk around the circumference of the SkyTower, 192m above ground. Visitors can also bungy-jump off the tower, eat in the revolving restaurant or simply enjoy the view.
3. A chance to be one of the crew and participate in the sailing of earlier America’s Cup yachts. Alternatively, charter a private yacht and sail Auckland’s picturesque Hauraki Gulf.
4. A walk along Auckland’s café strip Ponsonby Road - packed with funky fashion stores, chic cafés, bars and restaurants.
5. Explore Auckland from a contemporary Māori perspective on a guided tour, visit celebrated Maungakiekie (One Tree Hill), Mt Eden and local Māori artists.

Within reach:

• Matakana Farmers’ Market, held every Saturday morning, is where you can take some time in the slow lane, grab a freshly brewed coffee, meander around the stalls and talk with the growers. Matakana village is worth a visit any day of the week, and you can also pop into a winery in the surrounding area.
• Great Barrier Island (a 30-minute flight / three-hour ferry ride from Auckland) is where you’ll discover secluded beaches for swimming, surfing and great walks.
• The gannet colony at Muriwai, or surf at one of West Auckland’s rugged and isolated black sand beaches. Piha’s one of a number of awe-inspiring beaches separated from the city by the dramatic Waitakere mountain range.
• Goat Island - renowned for its marine life, this marine reserve is a great place for a day outdoors, snorkelling, diving or swimming amongst schools of playful fish. Visitors can also take a glass-bottom boat tour for a view above water.
• Ride a horse along Pakiri’s white sands with the fresh salt air and the sound of hooves on the sand.