Boating and Sailing

If you're in Auckland in February, be sure to check out the Auckland Anniversary Regatta (www.regatta.org.nz). The Yachting New Zealand website has a calendar of events throughout the year (www.yachtingnz.org.nz).

Tours

Explore America’s Cup Sail Auckland. No experience is necessary to sail on America's Cup yachts NZL 40 and NZL 41 with Sail NZ. With the America's Cup Sailing Experience can help sail with a racing crew or relax while they do the work. For more thrills, participate in the America's Cup Match Racing trip, a three-hour experience that includes practice drills followed by a race against other yachts with a race crew. Viaduct Harbour, Auckland, Auckland, 1010. 09/359–5987; www.exploregroup.co.nz/en/unique-experiences/americas-cup-sail-auckland/. From NZ$160.

Explore Auckland Harbor Sailing. Customers are kept well fed and active while taking in the sights of Waitemata Harbour on trips timed for lunch, dinner, and snack time. Don't get too relaxed; working alongside the crew on the purpose-built yachts is encouraged. This outfit also offers sails on a fast racing yacht used by New Zealand to contest the America's Cup. Viaduct Harbour, Auckland, Auckland. 09/359–5987; www.exploregroup.co.nz/en/new-zealand/. From NZ$120.

Fullers. To get a sense of Auckland, the Auckland skyline, and the size of Sky Tower, take a 1½-hour Auckland Harbour cruise that leaves from the Ferry Building. Commentary runs while the boat passes the Harbour Bridge, Devonport's naval base, and Bean Rock Lighthouse. There's a brief stopover on Rangitoto Island in the Harauki Gulf. Various day tours of Waiheke Island are also available. Ferry Bldg., 99 Quay St. , Auckland, Auckland, Auckland 1010. 09/367–9111; www.fullers.co.nz. From NZ$40.