Auckland puts on a show this Summer

Auckland, New Zealand, is building its reputation as a premier destination, with a number of international performers and high profile events taking centre stage in the ‘City of Sails’ this summer.

The Louis Vuitton Pacific Series yacht regatta kicks off the summer of events on January 30. The two week event will feature teams from around the globe, including Emirates Team New Zealand, BMW Oracle USA and Luna Rossa Italy. The regatta will be close to the shore for great spectator viewing, with match racing daily and the top challenger racing off against Team New Zealand in the finals on February 13 and 14.

The Auckland waterfront, particularly the Viaduct Basin, will be the hub of activity throughout the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series. Boasting an array of luxury apartments, trendy bars and world class restaurants and cafes, the viaduct offers the perfect platform for spectators to relax and enjoy the action on the water.

For those wishing to venture beyond the harbour, the city centre and greater Auckland will be a buzz with a variety of festivals and events. Highlights include The Auckland Seafood Festival (24-26 Jan), Headland Sculpture on the Gulf on Waiheke Island (Jan 23- Feb 15) and The Auckland Festival (5 -22 March).

Auckland will also be a hot spot for international music artists that are in town to perform throughout summer. Coldplay frontman Chris Martin recently announced the band will be taking their Viva La Vida tour to Auckland in March for a series of special gigs.

Eric Clapton, Kings of Leon and Fall Out Boy are other famous faces set to take centre stage at Vector Arena, near the Viaduct, during March.

The 2002 America’s Cup in Auckland saw the significant development of the city and since then Auckland has continued to develop to attract a new calibre of international events.