The Volvo Ocean Race sails into Auckland this week bringing with it all the glamour and frivolities one would expect of a competition of such prestige.
With a strong focus on education and sustainability, this is an event that truly celebrates the wonder of the ocean and its surrounds and we can’t think of a better city in which to partake in such festivities than Auckland. The City of Sails is the seventh stop in this race around the world and boasts three weeks of parties, events and excitement, both on and off the water.
Pick up your Viva Guide each Thursday for exclusive insight and insider info, and join us – day or night – down at the Race Village, comprising some of Auckland's most fabulous harbourside restaurants, the House of Peroni and the Stoneleigh Courtyard to partake in the revelry.
Week One
The boats are due to arrive in Auckland from Hong Kong around February 27. Follow their journey on the high seas at Volvooceanrace.com and head to the Race Village to welcome them ashore. Festivities kick off from 9am Saturday 24 February
Big Day Out
Viaduct Harbour has your key to an adventure-filled outing during the Volvo Ocean Race Stopover, from February 24 to March 18.
No day of activities is complete without a map in hand, but don't get mistaken for a contender on The Amazing Race when visiting the Stopover Village at Viaduct Harbour.
Yes, there will be a lot of action and excitement compounded by fans fizzing over potential Blair Tuke sightings.
However, It's imperative the village is approached at a leisurely pace with multiple pit stops in mind for you and your crew.
A successful day will naturally involve a pre-grinding challenge brunch, followed by lunch, and a selfie (or SOUL-fie) from one of viaduct's myriad waterside viewing spots.
Get Amongst It
The House of Peroni is a bespoke 360-degree bar conceived to make the most of dazzling views across Auckland Viaduct Harbour. Designed by Angus Muir, it offers guests the opportunity to relax in style with an ice cold Peroni or Peroni cocktail while dining on authentic Italian cuisine.
Opening night on February 23 sees the ever-popular Cinema Peroni pop-up for one night only with an exclusive al fresco screening of critically acclaimed film La Pazza Gioia – ‘Like Crazy’. Complete with aperitivo, an Italian-inspired meal and a uniquely crafted Giapo gelato to finish.
This event might be as hard to get into as Soul Bar on a Friday lunchtime but fret not – The House of Peroni is open to the public daily between 12pm and 10pm from February 24 to March 18.
Tickets to Cinema Peroni on Friday, February 23 are extremely limited, so keep your eyes on their Facebook and Instagram pages for your chance to attend.
• The House of Peroni, Te Wero Island, Viaduct Harbour.
The Volvo Ocean Race Auckland Stopover is proud to be supported by Stoneleigh, Viaduct Harbour and Viva.
