The Volvo Open Stopover Race Village, located at Viaduct Harbour has been officially opened today ahead of the arrival of the race boats.
Mayor Len Brown, Prime Minister John Key and MPs Steven Joyce and Nikki Kaye were present to welcome the race to the City of Sails.
Mr Key said New Zealand had a strong connection to the round the world race since Sir Peter Blake and Grant Dalton both won the race.
The Race Village offers a huge range of free entertainment and activities for all ages.
There's the chance to learn to sail, enjoy music and entertainment every day on the main stage, cultural events, the 40 Years, 40 Faces: Volvo Ocean Race Photography Exhibition at the New Zealand Maritime Museum, as well as action from past and present races on the big screens.
Located in the heart of the village are the Volvo Ocean Race boats, giving visitors the opportunity to view the boats up close as shore crews work to prepare the fleet for the huge challenge of Leg 5 to the next stopover in Brazil.
There are viewing points from the village and the land in and around Waitemata Harbour.
The Pro-Am and In-Port Races will take place March 12-14 with a farewell to the boats as they race out past North Head on their journey out of Auckland on March 15.
The Volvo Ocean Race boats are due to arrive between 8pm and midnight tonight and will be on display to the public tomorrow.
The Race Village will be open Thursday - Saturday 9am-10.30pm and Sunday - Wednesday 10am-9pm.