New Zealand
Oceanic Pacific: home of the 36th America Cup and a world superyacht refit hub
Overview
The North Island of New Zealand boasts the Bay of Islands, Ninety Mile Beach and the Rotorua hot springs, with historic towns and boutique vineyards in abundance. The South Island is all about the mountains, white-knuckle adventure sports out of Queenstown, and the breathtaking fjords of Milford Sound.
Not only does New Zealand offer some of the most beautiful cruising in the world, it is also a centre of excellence for the superyacht industry - builders, refit yards, and every backup facility and service you can think of, concentrated around Auckland and Whangarei.
Having won the 36th America's Cup in Auckland in 2021, New Zealand remains one of the hottest sailing destinations on the planet. The cruising season runs from November to April, taking in the Bay of Islands, the Hauraki Gulf and the Marlborough Sounds.
Marinas & Map
Map Key - Marinas
- Bay of Islands Marina (Opua)
- Westhaven Marina (Auckland)
- Gulf Harbour Marina (Whangaparaoa)
- Tauranga Marina (Bay of Plenty)
- Nelson Marina
- Picton Marina (Marlborough)
✈ Auckland Airport
Auckland also has the Silo, Viaduct & Hobson West marinas - America's Cup hubs.
Getting There & Clearance
Clearance
Clearance is handled by New Zealand Immigration and the New Zealand Customs Service, with strict biosecurity rules on arrival. Ports of entry are Auckland (VHF 16), Opua (VHF 16), Tauranga (VHF 68), Nelson and Wellington.
Government Contacts
Immigration: immigration.govt.nz
Customs: customs.govt.nz
International Airports
Auckland · Christchurch · Wellington · Queenstown · Dunedin · Hamilton.
Key Anchorages
Bay of Islands · Hauraki Gulf (Auckland) · Bay of Plenty (Tauranga) · Marlborough Sounds · Nelson.
Local Services
Agents
Catalano Shipping NZ · 37South
Shipyards & Refit
Oceania Marine · Orams Marine · Integrated Marine Group · Diverse Projects
Rigs & Sails
Southern Spars · Doyle Sails · North Sails
Marine Electronics
Advance Trident · Marine Electrics NZ
Yacht Clubs
Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron
Events
America's Cup legacy · NZ Marine
APSA Grand Tour: New Zealand
Mark Wightman leads APSA's Grand Tour of New Zealand, from the America's Cup marinas of Auckland to the Bay of Islands and the world-class refit yards that make the country a superyacht centre of excellence.
APSA Members in New Zealand
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do superyachts clear in to New Zealand?
The ports of entry are Auckland (VHF 16), Opua (VHF 16), Tauranga (VHF 68), Nelson and Wellington. New Zealand has strict biosecurity rules, so a local agent is recommended.
When is the best time to cruise New Zealand?
The cruising season runs from November to April, taking in the Bay of Islands, the Hauraki Gulf around Auckland, the Bay of Plenty and the Marlborough Sounds.
Why is New Zealand important for superyachts?
Beyond its cruising, New Zealand is a world centre of excellence for the superyacht industry, with leading builders, refit yards, riggers and sailmakers concentrated around Auckland and Whangarei, and a legacy from hosting the 36th America's Cup in 2021.
Where can superyachts berth in New Zealand?
Auckland alone has Westhaven, Gulf Harbour, Silo, Viaduct and Hobson West marinas, plus the Bay of Islands Marina at Opua, Tauranga, Nelson and Picton in the Marlborough Sounds.
Which APSA members are based in New Zealand?
New Zealand's APSA member is Catalano Shipping Services New Zealand, a full-service agency in Auckland handling berthing, customs, bunkering, provisioning and itineraries.