Could Auckland's Halsey Wharf host the next America's Cup?

The logical space to hold the next America's Cup defence is Halsey St Wharf on the city's waterfront, say Auckland event planners. Photo / Getty Images

Auckland event planners say the logical space to hold the next America's Cup defence is Halsey St Wharf on the city's waterfront and would come with a billion dollar economic benefit to New Zealand.

Brett O'Riley of Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development said extending Halsey St Wharf could cost $80 million to $100 million.

But that cost might be avoided if Team NZ opted for a single-hull contest in four years' time, requiring less space than the catamarans sailed in Bermuda.

Either way, he said the costs would be likely to be outweighed by the economic benefit.

"We know from the America's Cup last time that the return to the economy was more than $500 million, and we know that NZ is a bucket-list destination for people to visit," he said.

"With the way we host events here, and the standing that Auckland and New Zealand have in the global sailing community, we would expect a lot more visitors here than there were in Bermuda."

Sir Ralph Norris said he the economic benefit for New Zealand could exceed $1b.

"There's no doubt the economic benefit that accrues for New Zealand, in particular Auckland, is going to be significant as far as a defence is concerned.

"I get the impression from what I've heard over the last couple of hours that a lot of forethought has already gone into where the race will be held in Auckland, what sort of arrangements will be needed to be put in place the team bases and that sort of thing.

But it was not just Auckland who would benefit.

Peter Busfield, chief executive of the NZ Marine Industry Association, said Team New Zealand's win meant economic gain and more opportunities for the country.

He expected the win to inject up to $500m into the marine industry over the next few years.

Meanwhile Northland's economic body was already working on bringing as much benefit as possible to the region from the next America's Cup - should it be held in Auckland - with hosting a syndicate, tourism benefits and high-end superyacht work for the marine industry all on the table.

Northland Inc CEO David Wilson said Northland was well paced to get a slice of the America's Cup action if it was held in Auckland, with a world-renowned marine industry in Whangarei and the Bay of Islands that could service and refit the fleet of superyachts expected to follow the cup. The tourism benefits could be huge for them too, he said.

Prime Minister Bill English said the Government would be open to discussing funding with Team NZ for the next challenge at a later date, warning there could be "a big bill attached" to hosting the regatta in New Zealand.

English said it was too soon to make any commitments about funding Team NZ's defence in 2021 and that this week it would be focused on celebrating the win.

"Then I'm sure there will be discussion and I'm sure the Government is open about talking with Team NZ about the challenge and the Cup coming here."