Kia ora Knut!

Volvo Ocean Race CEO Knut Frostad was welcomed to New Zealand by kapa haka group Pounamu at Auckland International Airport yesterday.

The Norwegian former Olympian and round-the-world yachtsman arrived from Race HQ in Spain ready for the opening of the Auckland Stopover Race Village today.

“It was an incredible experience and very touching,” Frostad said. “It really woke me up after a very long flight from Alicante!”

The Volvo Ocean Race is making its return to the Auckland for the first time in 10 years, and Frostad -- a four-time competitor in the race -- said the city had a special place in the event's 38-year history.

"All the Stopovers of this Race are different but sailing to Auckland is a bit like if you’re a footballer and you get to play at Wembley," Frostad said.

"People are very enthusiastic in the other ports but this is sailing coming home. The fans are genuine, they really care about the sport and they have been following the Race for months.

"You can ask almost anyone on the street about the Race and they could tell you a lot about it. I met someone today who remembered me from three races ago. The sailors appreciate that kind of recognition."

A Stopover like no other

The world's media gathered at the opening press conference of the Auckland Stopover of the Volvo Ocean Race to hear Rachael Dacy, General Manager Destination, Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Devopment, pledge that Auckland is putting on something special.

"We really do believe that Auckland can deliver a Stopover like no other," she said. “We have sailing heritage, a community that understands sailing and just look at the facilities we have right here on our front doorstep. 

“This event means a lot to Auckland. It’s an opportunity for Aucklanders and New Zealanders to come out and take part in a major global event. Once again Auckland’s waterfront will be sure to come alive.”

Be prepared with isitbusy.co.nz

Planning to come down to join the Global Party at the Race Village? You can now find out if it’s busy before you leave, whilst on route or during your visit to the Auckland Stopover Race Village.

isitbusy.co.nz improves the visitor experience via a live webcam view of Te Wero Island which shows what’s happening on the stage and how busy the Village is. In addition, the site has information on train or bus services from the same source as maxx.co.nz plus updates on roadworks and other potential delays from Auckland Transport.

“This is a great way to plan your day out or evening at the Race Village,” says Tom Mayo, Port Director for the Auckland Stopover. “You can check online or via your smartphone to find the best way to get here and also what’s happening on the main stage.”

isitbusy.co.nz has been developed by Mayo&, the company appointed to deliver the Auckland Stopover on behalf of event owners Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development.

Extensive modelling and research has gone into the planning of crowd movements in the Race Village to ensure the site is a valuable tool to anyone planning on visiting the Viaduct during the Auckland Stopover.

“We have worked with BECA, who provide crowd management planning services for major events including the Olympic Games, to establish crowd flow routes and crowd number management,” says Mayo. “We want everyone to have a wonderful experience at the Race Village and our Control Centre will direct the Spectator Services team to ensure smooth crowd movement throughout the Village.”

Volvo Ocean Race Auckland Stopover event owner, Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development, believes the site will give visitors to the Village another way to enhance their experience.

“It’s encouraging to see event companies looking at innovative ways to improve the experience for visitors to major events. With the live webcam feed from the Viaduct, isitbusy.co.nz lets visitors make an informed choice to how they want to experience the Race Village.,” says Manager Major Events, Jennah Wootten