The South Pacific superyacht community came together in Auckland this March for two standout post-season gatherings, bringing captains, crew, and industry partners together after an eventful New Zealand summer.
Auckland Captain’s Lunch 2026
Set along the Viaduct Harbour, the fourth annual Captain’s Lunch was hosted by Rivergate Marina & Shipyard Australia, with support from Catalano Shipping Services Aotearoa and Pantaenius Australia. More than 30 captains and South Pacific industry partners gathered at Park Hyatt’s Onemata for an afternoon of open exchange — reflecting on the season, sharing operational insights, and looking ahead to vessel movements across the region.
“Rivergate’s Captains Long Lunch in Auckland is a fantastic chance to reconnect with captains — looking back on the season and ahead to what’s coming. We share the same goal: ensuring every vessel, captain, and crew feel supported and receive our gratitude for visiting.”
— Duthie Lidgard
Discussion flowed easily among captains preparing for onward travel through the Pacific, highlighting how interconnected the region has become. Conversations touched on logistics, maintenance, itineraries, favourite routes and experiences, and the practicalities of moving between South Pacific destinations.
“Having spent the past year cruising the Pacific, it was great to connect with other Captains who are working the same part of the world. New Zealand continues to stand out as one of the best regions to operate in, and events like the Auckland Captains Lunch are a great opportunity to share experiences, strengthen industry relationships and enjoy some time ashore with good food, good wine and even better company.”
— Wade Barton, MY Teleost
A Collaborative and Connected Region
Agents by Catalano NZ continues to play a key role in facilitating smooth vessel movements across New Zealand and the wider Pacific. Their collaborative model enables consistent support — from permits and provisioning to itineraries, chartering, logistics, shipping, maintenance, uniforms, and full crew and guest services and concierge.
After welcoming crew in 2025 to Auckland’s Superyacht Social — an initiative founded by Catalano Agents NZ and Pantaenius AU — it was an excellent opportunity to reconnect post-season. The lunch served as a reminder that reliable regional partnerships remain central to successful operations, particularly in a geographically vast area where trusted local expertise makes all the difference.
Superyacht Social – Wellness Edition: Supporting Crew Wellbeing
After a busy summer of charters and owner trips, Auckland’s crew community shifted focus to recovery and mental reset. The Superyacht Social – Wellness Edition transformed Silo Marina into a lively wellbeing hub designed specifically for yachties.
The interactive layout featured a mobile sauna, guided ice baths, a yoga class, a live DJ, and recovery-focused refreshments — creating a first-of-its-kind wellness experience for South Pacific superyacht crew.
“This event was created for yachties, by Kiwi yachties who know firsthand how demanding life at sea can be — and how important wellbeing is to success on board.”
— Xanthe Bowater (WaveWellness) & Kirsty Foreman (Catalano Agent & Pura Aura Yoga)
The Wellness Edition was fully funded through donations raised at the Superyacht Social ’25, where 200 crew from over 30 superyachts came together — a testament to the community’s generosity and commitment to supporting crew mental and physical health.
Destination NZ and the South Pacific
New Zealand’s appeal as a yachting destination continues to play a major role in the region’s success. With world-class facilities, diverse cruising grounds, and landscapes ranging from subtropical islands in the North to dramatic fiords in the South, the country remains an exceptional base for charters, cruising, maintenance, and onward journeys into the wider South Pacific.
With pristine islands, warm waters, and vast open horizons, the South Pacific remains one of the most remarkable yachting regions on the planet.
As the season continues, Catalano is here to support vessels, crew and guests and looks forward to welcoming you back to New Zealand. Keep an eye out for the Superyacht Social 2026, returning this November.
Agents by Catalano support:
www.catalanoshippingpacific.com
agents@catalanoshippingpacific.com
@catalanoagents_nz