Sailing fans from far and wide are expected to head to New Zealand's North Island again in early 2008 as the long-running Auckland Anniversary Regatta gets underway.

The event first took place more than 150 years ago and will again see hundreds of boats set out for the picturesque surroundings of the Hauraki Gulf on January 28th next year.

Initially the annually regatta was purely about the sporting contest, but in recent years the event has added a host of attractions on dry-land in the Auckland Harbour, where there will be plenty for visitors to see and do, whatsonwhen reports.

After the regatta, or for those who opt not to attend, the city of Auckland offers a big-city experience as the largest urban area in New Zealand, boasting all manner of shops and nightspots.

There are many other major sporting events on Auckland's calendar and one of the biggest attractions is the city's rugby league club the Blues - one of the top teams in world.

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