Media Release 02 6th January 2006

Auckland’s Aniversary Takes to the Water with a Fleet of Tall Ships

A fleet of four of the most magnificent Tall Ships is currently under sail for Auckland having been secured to take part in the Auckland Harbour Festival - a three day festival designed to ensure Auckland’s anniversary weekend goes off with a bang!

The four ships, The Spirit of Adventure, The Young Endeavour, The Windward Bound and The Soren Larson, will be open for free public access whilst berthed at Auckland’s Viaduct over the Anniversary weekend of 28th – 30th January. The ships will also represent an exciting opportunity to purchase day sails, race day access and multiple day trips both prior to and during the Harbour Festival.

The Tall Ships are sure to be a highlight of the Festival and tickets are on sale now through www.ticketmaster.co.nz Tel: 0800 111 999

Dave Stewart, Director of the Auckland Harbour Festival said “Tall Ships are the perfect embodiment of Auckland’s heritage on the city’s 166th birthday and their arrival as part of the Auckland Harbour Festival presents a unique opportunity for all Aucklanders to experience the speed and grace of these magnificent vessels first hand."

A range of sailing trips are being offered, designed to present a once in a lifetime experiences on board aboard these majestic vessels, these include:

1. Three hours of sailing
Ships depart daily at 9.00am for the morning sail and 1.00pm for the afternoon sailings. Places available on the Spirit of New Zealand and Windward Bound.

Costs $50 child / $65 Adult / $200 family (2 adult + 2 children)

2. Tall Ships Race
On Fri, January 27, 2006 at 2.00pm the Tall ships will be under full sail and participating in a peer race out on Auckland’s spectacular harbour. Places available on the Spirit of New Zealand, Soren Larsen and Windward Bound.

Cost $125 per person.

3. Anniversary Day Regatta
On Mon, January 30th at 10.00am, the Tall ships will be under full sail and participating in a race first started by the Governor General on HMNZS Te Kaha. Places are strictly limited and this is the most amazing way to recreate history and be part of Auckland’s heritage. Places available on the Spirit of New Zealand, Soren Larsen and Windward Bound.

Cost $125 per person.

4. Fireworks Evening VIP Cruise
Sunday January 29th presents a majestic evening cruise to watch the spectacular Anniversary weekend Fireworks.This is a sumptuous, gourmet dining experience illuminated by one of the most incredible light shows ever seen in New Zealand.Places available on the Spirit of New Zealand and Windward Bound.
Cost $380 per person.

5. Hauraki Island experience
Between Mon, January 16 and Fri, January 20, 2006 one could be joining the crew for a short voyage taking in the experience of the beautiful Islands of the Hauraki Gulf, Great Barrier, Kawau & Waiheke. Places are available on the Spirit of New Zealand and Soren Larsen. Not only does this unique voyage include island hopping tall ship style, but also includes all meals, accommodation and the chance to become part of the crew, learning how to sail the ship, go aloft and work on the yards, and steer and navigate the vessel.

Cost - Spirit of New Zealand - 5 days and 4 nights - $1000 per person
Cost - Soren Larsen - 6 days and 5 nights - $1200 per person

The Auckland Harbour Festival is privately operated but hosted by Auckland City, attractions in the Auckland Harbour Festival will also include live bands and fireworks, the Youth Passport scheme where kids get to try out water sports, as well as street theatre, and a children’s fun fair – featuring one of the world’s tallest Ferris wheels. Elsewhere in the Viaduct, the NZ National Maritime Museum will be offering reduced museum entry of only $4 per person and on the water there will be naval displays; on-water match-racing and the Auckland Regatta complete the event programme. For more information see www.harbourfestival.co.nz

The Auckland Harbour Festival is being hosted by Auckland City, and supported by The Heart of the City, The New Zealand Herald, & Tourism Auckland

ENDS

Notes to Editors
Tall ships participating in the Auckland Harbour Festival will be:

o The Spirit of Adventure is Auckland’s most well known tall ship. At just over 45 metres long with the capacity to hold 100 people, she is a truly impressive vessel. Visit www.spiritofadventure.org.nz to find out more.

o The Young Endeavour is a stunning 44 metre Australian Naval tall ship which will travel from Sydney to be part of the festival. The ship was gifted from the United Kingdom to Australia to mark the Bicentenary in 1988 and is currently used as Australia's sail training flagship. For more information visit www.youngendeavour.gov.au

o The Windward Bound is a classic 24 metre traditional brigantine tall ship which will be making the journey from Hobart, Australia to participate in the festival. For more information visit www.windbound.com

o The Soren Larsen was built in Denmark in 1949 and has been restored and adapted over the years to be one of Auckland’s best examples of a traditional wooden tall ship. For more details see www.sorenlarsen.co.nz

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