One of the highlights of refit in Auckland is the sheer volume of activities for superyacht crew. Whether you’re wanting to increase your fitness or enjoy getting outside there’s a range of options, with many of them only a few metres from the hardstand. We’ve rounded up some of the best; from team bonding over yoga to surfing world-famous breaks.
What: Studio Pilates
Distance from the hardstand: 300 metres
Why crew love it: Studio Pilates has developed a cult following throughout the world for its hands-on instructors and upbeat classes. The environment is friendly and relaxed and the workouts are anything but; expect to be feeling this the next day.
How to: Book online, then head out of the hardstand, down Tīramarama Way and you’ve arrived.
What: West Coast surf breaks
Distance from the hard stand: 42km (Muriwai), 157km (Raglan).
Why crew love it: Surfers in the crew will love New Zealand’s west coast surf breaks. Popular Muriwai to the north-west of Auckland’s CBD produces several peaks down its 60 kilometre stretch, with plenty of right and left handers. To the south-west of the city, Raglan makes a great day trip and offers consistent surf and a choice of four beaches. It’s known as New Zealand’s surf capital and, like Muriwai, has plenty of the striking black sand vistas and wild coastlines the west coast is known for.
How to: Jump in the car and take State Highway 1 south for Raglan, and State Highway 16 north for Muriwai. You’ll find board rental and surf school options at both spots.
What: Tepid Baths
Distance from hardstand: 1.3 kilometres
Why crew love it: ‘The Teps’ are an iconic part of the city’s history and the place where Aucklanders have swum, worked out and enjoyed sauna and steam rooms for more than a century. There’s a 25 metre lane pool for laps, full gym facilities and group classes, plus an onsite cafe for refuelling.
How to: Take a 15 minute walk through the Viaduct to the Tepid Baths at 100 Customs Street West.
What: Kiteboarding
Distance from the hardstand: 1km – 30km
Why crew love it: Auckland has plenty of kite boarding options for a number of conditions. Head under the Harbour Bridge and up the Waitematā Harbour at high tide for flat conditions at Meola Reef or further inland to Point Chevalier at mid-high tide; and take your booties for the oyster shells. Back out under the Harbour Bridge, Shoal Bay on the Harbour’s northern side is a favourite in a south-westerly, while in an easterly, spots like Cheltenham and Orewa further up the east coast of the North Shore are excellent options for a good day on the water.
How to: Go by tender, or take a quick drive around the city.
What: VBike
Distance from the hardstand: 300 metres.
Why crew love it: Fans of spin will feel right at home in this indoor cycling studio just a hop, skip and a jump from Orams Marine. VBike offers a technology-led approach to indoor bike training with a real life riding experience. It uses specialised software and computerised trainers to deliver a custom workout which is fine-tuned to your strength and fitness, with post-session reports so you can track your progress.
How to: Talk to the team at VBike and they’ll set you up with a free trial, fitness assessment and consultation.
What: FAT
Distance from the hardstand: 250 metres
Why crew love it: FAT, or Fitness All Together is all about outdoor movement and keeping it fun. Workout classes take place in and around Silo Park with options like HIIT, HIIT Pilates, and Social Saturdays workouts (with a stop for coffee afterwards). Best of all the team at FAT can provide tailored classes if you’d like to work out as a crew, with options like yoga, mediation, pilates and HIIT to ramp up your team bonding, while you’re building up your fitness.
How to: See fitnessalltogether.co.nz for timetables, or chat to the team to set up your own crew workout.