The international sailing event is coming back.
Auckland Minister Simeon Brown announced that the City of Sails will host The Ocean Race in 2027, thanks to a $4 million investment from the Major Events Fund. This marks the seventh time New Zealand has been part of the prestigious race, which has been held internationally since 1973.
The two-week stopover is expected to attract over 2,500 international visitors who will spend around $20 million in New Zealand during their stay. The event also promises significant international broadcast and media coverage, providing an opportunity for Auckland and New Zealand to showcase themselves on the global stage.
As part of the government's support, additional youth and sustainability programs will be held leading up to the 2027 stopover in Auckland. These initiatives are aimed at making the most of the impact from hosting events like The Ocean Race for future generations. In 2018, over half a million people visited the Auckland stopover village during its previous iteration, demonstrating the event's popularity and potential for economic growth.