Activate Auckland

Replacing old notions and fears with the life-affirming rush of adventure, CHANDNI SEHGAL returns lighter from New Zealand

- Chandni Sehgal

Most adrenaline junkies anoint New Zealand as the world’s adventure central. What made my journey to this two-island nation more remarkable was a chance to immerse myself into an active vacation. It’s not every day that you get inside-access to the Volvo Ocean Race. Counted among the sporting world’s Big Three (alongside the Olympics and the America’s Cup), this yacht race across the world, held every three years, is an adrenaline-driven experience not easily matched by another. With the 2017-18 edition flagging off in Spain and rounding up in The Netherlands, I joined the seventh leg of the race at the Viaduct Harbour in Auckland. What I didn’t know then was that, over the next three days, I would do and say things altogether unexpected!

NOT ALL WHO WANDER ARE LOST

Landing in Auckland at midnight, I found the city quiet yet non-threatening—folks walking the streets in the wee hours, nodding amiably. My home base, the M Social Auckland, was a three-minute walk from the race village, making an early start to the day easier than expected. However, one look at the Viaduct waterfront, with so many glorious yachts and the general morning frenzy, is enough to perk up the weary eye. While exploring the race village, I even met greats like the eight-time Volvo race sailor, Bouwe Bekking.