4 minute read
Can you feel the pull of the CITY OF SAILS
Wealth of sights and events on offer
SOAK IT ALL IN
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is gearing up for a big summer, with a bumper line-up of exceptional events, including the battle for the 36th America’s Cup presented by PRADA, as well as the new Summernova Festival Series.
All the drama of the America’s Cup will play out on Auckland’s stunning Waitematā Harbour, with spectators able to get closer to the action than ever before.
Adding to the racing on the water, Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) is working with event partners from across the region to support a range of events and activations that form part of the Summernova Festival Series.
ATEED General Manager Destination Steve Armitage says the America’s Cup provides a welcome catalyst to help reinvigorate Auckland.
“We know it has been an incredibly challenging period for everyone and we hope that this exciting summer of activity will provide a platform for Aucklanders and our domestic visitors to get out and about once again,” he says.
“We are fortunate to be in a position to be able to host an international event of the scale of the America’s Cup and we want to activate as much of the city as we can while it is taking place.
“The Summernova Festival Series runs the duration of the America’s Cup and includes a range of events suitable for all tastes – whether it’s music, food, sporting events, art, culture – there’ll be plenty to choose from.”
Events and activations are taking place all over Auckland – in the south, west, east and north – kicking-off from December 2020 and running until the end of March 2021.
A quick drive over the Auckland Harbour Bridge and a plethora of Summernova events are taking place in the north. These include the Sunsetter Food and Wine Festival (13 February), New Zealand’s biggest sustainable beach festival Waterbourne (27 February–21 March), the Devonport Waterfront Festival (5–21 March), as well as activations on race days at one of the best vantage points for watching the sailing at Maungauika/North Head.
As well as a stellar event line-up, visitors and residents have plenty of reasons to get out and explore more of what New Zealand’s largest city has on offer.
Auckland is a food lover’s paradise – surrounded by fertile land and rich waters, it’s home to world-class chefs, food producers and winemakers. Not only does Auckland boast an impressive number of restaurants, cafés and bars, it is also renowned for its superb wine, and features three wine-growing regions with many international award-winning vineyards and wines.
“Summer brings out the best of Auckland with a wealth of sights and activities on offer for people looking for a holiday break, or for those already lucky enough to live here, the perfect staycation,” says Armitage.
“We are calling people to Auckland this summer to experience the thrill of the 36th America’s Cup presented by PRADA, make the most of the Summernova Festival Series, and soak up everything else the region offers.”
For more information, visit
www.aucklandnz.com/ 36th-americas-cup
TOP FIVE TO-DOS
1. COMMERCIALBAY
Auckland’s newest shopping and hospitality neighbourhood, Commercial
Bay is the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat and shop up a storm. The shopping centre officially opened on 11 June and is proving to be one of the city’s hottest spots. It has over 120 retailers, including international fashion labels and Kiwi designers. You can refuel at one of the internationally acclaimed restaurants or in the 650-seat Harbour Eats.
2. THEHAURAKIGULF
There are more than 50 islands in the
Hauraki Gulf Marine Park and they cater for everyone – from those who are after wine tasting or watching native birds. Visit Tiritiri Matangi, a wildlife sanctuary that’s a 75-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland. Waiheke
Island is a perfect getaway for wine tasting, delicious food and beautiful beaches. Look to the night skies on
Aotea/Great Barrier Island and discover why it’s one of only three islands in the world with International Dark
Sky Sanctuary status.
3. DISCOVERAUCKLAND’SBEACHES
No matter where you are in Auckland you’re never too far away from the beach.
The hardest decision is choosing which one to go to. Central Auckland sits sandwiched between two great harbours, the Waitematā to the north and the
Manukau to the south. On the far side of the Waitakere Ranges are beaches of an entirely different character, with the black-sand beaches of the west coast.
The North Shore beaches offer golden sand and clear water. Locals’ favourite
Cheltenham Beach, Devonport, may see you spot one of the America’s Cup AC75 boats sailing by.
4. CLIMBAVOLCANO
Some of the best views in the city can be found on top of one of Auckland’s 50 volcanoes. Rangitoto is well worth a visit. Take the ferry over to walk the summit and explore lava caves or opt for a guided kayak tour. Mangere Mountain in South Auckland is about 18,000 years old. A visit to Mangere Mountain
Education Centre is a must, offering guided walks and talks on geology and
Māori mythology. 5. ARTSANDCULTURE
