Auckland is known as the city of sails for good reason. New Zealanders own more boats per capita than any other nation, and those boats are well suited to sailing around the Hauraki Gulf, the harbour that hosts the great city of Auckland.
The Hauraki Gulf has over 70 different islands for a boater, sailor, or international cruiser to explore. Sailing winds are good, and fishing (especially snapper fishing) can be great very close to Auckland. A variety of boats can be seen around the Hauraki Gulf. There are racing sailboats, launches, motor boats of all kinds, cruising sailboats, and even racing teams like America's Cup Team New Zealand and the Camper Nicholson Volvo Ocean Race teams practice right there in the Hauraki Gulf.
The Waitemata Harbour, a portion of the Hauraki Gulf closest to Auckland hosts the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, which was established way back in 1859. The Waitemata also has Auckland's Westhaven Marina, the largest Marina in the Southern Hemisphere! Westhaven marina is home for well over 1800 different boats.
Auckalnd is lucky to have the Hauraki Gulf and some of the best cruising grounds in the world right at it's doorstep. From sailing, diving, fishing, and just plain old cruising, Auckland's Hauraki Gulf has everything for a happy boater.
