Auckland, the city of sails, will play host to the Auckland Festival of Sail during March 2010.  This three week celebration of sailing combines three prestigous international events and will be held on the Waitemata Harbour.  There will also be a range of great off-water activites and entertainment, with an event village to be established at the Viaduct.

The Omega Match Race Regatta from 2-6 March 2010 will attract the world’s best match racing sailors to Auckland.  Emerging racing champions will be in Auckland for the World Junior Match Racing Championships, hosted by the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron.

The Louis Vuitton Trophy from 7-21 March 2010 will be the main attraction of the Auckland Festival of Sail.  This regatta, previously known as the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series, is the second in the series which began in Nice, France in November 2009.

BNW Sailing World Cup Final from 21-25 March 2010 will match racing regatta, amateur sailors from seven international teams sailing identical boats.  New Zealand is the current world’s best amateur match racing crew champion.

Auckland International Boat Show from 10-14 March 2010 provides an opportunity for Auckland to showcase its innovative and diverse marine sector to the sailing world.

If you plan to visit Auckland during the sailing festivities, there are some fantastic hotel deals currently on offer.

The Duxton Hotel Auckland is offering their deluxe rooms from NZD$105 per night.   The hotel is centrally located close to the main CBD and within easy walking distance to Queen Street, Aotea Centre, Imax Theatre and the Town Hall.   If you have enough energy after a day on the harbour you can relax and unwind in the swimming pool and jacuzzi which overlooks Myers Park, workout at the gym or follow the jogging maps on a run through the adjacent parklands.

If you are travelling with friends, the Oaks Residences Auckland has a two bedroom apartment for four people from NZD175 per night.   The hotel is centrally located just a short walk to the Auckland Waterfront and Viaduct Harbour.  There is a heated lap pool and fitness centre to enjoy and relieve the stresses of a busy day of sightseeing and waterfront activities.

An easy way to familiarise yourself with the vibrant city of Auckland is on a Hop-On Hop-Off Tour.   The tour visits the ‘Big 14 Attractions of Auckland’ and buses leave every 30 minutes on a continual loop of the route.  Explore the likes of Kelly Tarlton’s, Auckland Museum, Mount Eden and Sky Tower (entry fees are not included).  It takes one hour to complete an entire loop or you can choose to hop-on and off during the day a visit Aucklands attractions.

If you are feeling slightly more adventurous, you can climb the Auckland Harbour Bridge.    Stylishly converted paths with ladder-like walkways and gentle curving arches, add to the thrill of being 67 metres above the water.  Your guides will share the bridge’s colourful secrets, amazing architectural features and the myths and legends that surround this New Zealand landmark.  Take in the 360 degree views from the summit and be rewarded with  postcard views of the bustling harbour, island landscapes and the Auckland city skyline.

If you are an extreme adventurer, or perhaps a little crazy, why not take a 40 metre Bungy Jump of the Auckland Harbour Bridge?   Take an exclusive bridge walk to the Bungy Pod and pluck up the courage to leap out over the Waitamata Harbour – or not!

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