The America's Cup Village - Viaduct Basin, central Auckland

At O'Hagan's Irish Bar, Viaduct Basin Auckland Harbour - 14 May 2005 

The Viaduct Basin is a small harbour area on the west side of the Auckland CBD. It's just a short stroll from most of the major hotels in the city. In 2003 and the end of 2002, it was the home to the America's Cup Village. The America's Cup is probably the most prestigous race in the yachting world. There were syndicates from Italy, the USA, Sweden, France, Great Britain, Switzerland (yes that's right - landlocked Switzerland), and of course NZ competing.

The Viaduct Basin used to be a rundown area of the waterfront where the fishing boats would dock. Now it's all apartments and trendy eateries. It has a great atmosphere on a warm sunny day. You can take $20, 45 minute watertaxi trips around the basin and see the syndicate bases and get a commentary on the place and its history. Often there are free concerts in the area too, especially in summer. Stroll around and have a look at the superyachts belonging to the "other half". The Maritime Museum is on Hobson wharf at the east end of the basin.