The world’s toughest team sport is returning to Auckland.

The Ocean Race will make its 12th stopover in New Zealand during its 2027 edition, bringing global attention and a major economic boost to the “City of Sails”.

The race village will set up in Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour for a two-week festival in March 2027.

Thousands of visitors are expected to line the waterfront to witness the high-performance yachts and world-class sailors up close.

The stopover marks a nearly 50-year connection between Auckland and The Ocean Race, which first arrived here in 1977.

Since then, it’s become part of the city’s maritime identity.

Kiwi legends like Sir Peter Blake and Grant Dalton, and more recently Peter Burling and Blair Tuke, have cemented New Zealand’s reputation in offshore sailing.

The Government is investing up to NZD 4 million from its Major Events Fund to support the Auckland stopover.

Minister for Auckland Simeon Brown says the event will showcase New Zealand to the world while boosting the economy.

“The two-week stopover is expected to attract over 2,500 international visitors,” he says.

“They’re predicted to spend around NZD 20 million.”

Repairs and refits to boats will also bring money into the marine industry.

In 2018, the Auckland race village attracted half a million visitors.

Organisers hope 2027 will bring a similar crowd.

William Thomas, Managing Director of 18K Sports, the delivery partner for the event, says,

“We’re focused on delivering a free and inclusive festival where the public can get up close to the high-performance foiling yachts and crews.”

The Auckland stopover is one of the key milestones in the race.

It is the only Southern Ocean port on the route, which starts in Alicante, Spain, and finishes in Amaala on the Red Sea.

Beyond the racing, The Ocean Race’s Learning Programme will partner with New Zealand schools.

The aim is to build ocean literacy and inspire young people to protect and restore ocean health.

The Ocean Live Park on Auckland’s waterfront will feature family-friendly events, live entertainment, and sustainability-focused activities—all free to attend.

For Coasties keen to catch the action, this is shaping up to be a must-visit event on the Hibiscus Coast calendar.

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