Auckland and the Americas Cup
The 36th Americas cup is only 2 years away and things are well underway here in New Zealand; wharf extensions, floating infrastructure, city upgrades, new businesses and so much more all in preparation for the 2021 event. In 1995 Black Magic won the Americas Cup and Auckland viaduct was transformed into a bustling hub, now the new Wynyard Quarter is also undergoing another major transformation.
Auckland really is the perfect destination for the Americas Cup yachting event; enthusiastic locals, numerous waterfront and high vantage viewing locations and a very strong maritime culture.
Locations
All races will take place in the Waitemata Harbour with a variety of location options depending on weather conditions. Takapuna Beach, Bastion Point, Auckland Waterfront and North Head are said to be the top viewing spots. On the waterfront, The Americas Cup Hub will have entertainment, TV screens, souvenir shops and information centres to support the event as well as numerous restaurants and bars within close proximity which also makes it a top spot for viewing.
Teams
The five teams competing in the Americas Cup presented by Prada are;
1. American Magic USA
2. Emirates Team New Zealand
3. INEOS Team UK
4. Luna Rossa Italy
5. Stars and Stripes Team USA
Years of designing, planning, and testing have gone into these boats and there is still an amount of risk involved. “The Boats will capsize at some point, hopefully not during the racing, but that’s part of what makes it exciting” Aaron Young (Vice Commodore).
Events
Steve Armitage (General Manager, Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development) says there are numerous diverse and exciting events surrounding the Americas Cup. International sporting events which will coincide with the Americas Cup include the Women’s Rugby and Cricket world cup, world softball championships and Te Matatini National Kapa Haka festival.
Key 2020/2021 events related to Americas Cup
2020
January/ February
29th – 1st Feb Superyacht Regatta – Bay of Islands
April
23rd – 26th Cagliari Sardinia hosts a four-day America’s Cup World Series (ACWS) regatta of the 36th America’s Cup cycle
October
5th – view the Americas Cup at the Auckland On Water Boat show
December
Christmas regatta
Americas Cup village opens in Auckland’s Wynyard Quarter
31st – New Year’s Eve race to Kawau Island
2021
January
1st – New Year’s Day Kawau Regatta
1st – Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron 150th anniversary
3rd – 6th Great Barrier Cruise
The PRADA Cup Challenger Selection Series begins
February
1st – Sydney to Auckland Race
13th – Bay of Islands fishing competition, Russell
15th – 18th Superyacht Regatta Bay of Islands, Russell
22 – 24th J-Class Yacht Regatta Bay of Islands, Russell
25 – 27th – Royal New Zealand Superyacht Regatta, Auckland – Expected to be the biggest that has ever taken place on New Zealand waters.
March
1 – 4th J-Class Superyacht Regatta, Auckland
6 – 7th Opening weekend of the Americas Cup
6th – 21st America’s Cup races take place
June
1st – Auckland to Queensland race
Experience
While in New Zealand you don’t want to miss out on seeing what the country has on offer! Just in Auckland city there is so much to see and do; volcanoes, impressive beaches, native bush and world-class cuisine. However, Auckland and Beyond also recommend making a trip to other regions that also offer unique luxury experiences such as Bay of Islands, Hobbiton and Rotorua. Rotorua has some of the most incredible geothermal activity in the world and is known as the cultural capital of New Zealand. The Bay of Islands, a 2hr drive north of Auckland boasts some of the most spectacular white sand beaches. Hobbiton Movie Set where parts of Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit were filmed is fun for all ages even if you aren’t a major fan of the movies, enjoy a guided tour through lush farmland and into hobbit holes.
Auckland and Beyond Tours offer daily set tours and private tours that start and end in Auckland which is perfect in between the races. We would love to host you to show you around our beautiful country and its hidden gems.
Contact us info@aucklandanadbeyond.co.nz or check out our private and day tours here: https://aucklandandbeyond.co.nz/
