Suits cast off for leisure pursuits

By Libby Middlebrook

Work can be a real drag with nothing more exciting to wear than a suit and tie.

But hundreds of foreign executives will have the perfect excuse to shed their formal business attire on Monday when they sample some of New Zealand's premier leisure activities.

As part of the CEO Summit, they have been invited to enjoy a relaxing activity of their choice - golf, yachting or a tour through two Waikato-based horse studs.

Four 50-foot Pride of Auckland yachts will depart from the Viaduct Basin at 9.30 am, carrying up to 21 people each. They will sail towards the Chelsea sugar factory or North Head, depending on the wind.

"The idea is to give them some privacy and time to relax," said Peter Davey, managing director of Pride of Auckland.

If motion sickness is a problem, delegates can opt for a game of golf at Gulf Harbour Resort.

Director of golf Richard Ellis said groups of four would play the 18-hole course between 9.30 am and 3 pm and finish the day with a prizegiving for the winning team.

"A lot of them have brought their own clubs with them, I believe, but there will be a few who will need to hire them," he said.

Delegates with an interest in thoroughbred racing will travel to Cambridge to visit one of New Zealand's leading studs - Cambridge Stud - home to Australasia's champion sire, Zabeel.

After a brief lunch at Souter House in the town, they will travel to The Oaks Stud before returning to Auckland.