The Volvo Ocean Race arrives in Auckland today, and will be bringing a few Kiwis home with it.

Blair Tuke is just a few kilometres away from reaching New Zealand on Spanish boat Mapfre.

The America's Cup sailor says day has just broken, the boat's travelling at 12 knots and is 16 kilometres from Three Kings Islands.

READ MORE: Nothing separates race leaders as they round the North Island

Tuke is expecting to arrive at North Cape in four hours.

The 28-year-old told Mike Hosking Auckland will be the best stopover of the Volvo Ocean Race without a doubt.

He says he hasn't been back in New Zealand since September and says he is excited to nearly be back.

"Before that it was America's Cup, so not much time in New Zealand over the last year, so very much looking forward to getting home and seeing friends and family, and it's a pretty cool way to do it."

LISTEN TO BLAIR TUKE TALK WITH MIKE HOSKING ABOVE