The excitement of receiving a new boat could be just about unmatched; if it wasn’t for the fun of choosing where to point the bow.
With a number of beautiful established marinas which sit on the doorstep of some of our region’s favourite cruising grounds, and plenty of up and coming new developments to discover, there’s a marina to match your vessel’s size and service needs. This year’s Auckland Boat Show in March will present a range of marinas on show, all of which are perched on the edge of popular cruising grounds or beautiful new destinations.
The new Okara Marina at Whangarei
For those looking to make the most of the spectacular cruising grounds and sheltered bays of Northland, a new marina starting construction this year could be just the ticket. The new Okara Marina at Whangarei will have 113 berths, up to 35 metres, and plenty of space for multihulls.
Safe, comfortable berthage is complemented by easy access to a marina which lies close to Great Barrier Island, the Bay of Islands, Auckland, and the restaurants, shopping and entertainment of the Whangarei town basin. With the added bonus of close proximity to six boat yards and a wide selection of boat services close by, this will be one to watch. The marina is run by the Whangarei Harbour Marina Management Trust; a non-profit charitable trust which has been allocating grants to local water sports organisations since 1991. Talk to the team at this year’s Auckland Boat Show about the 28 year berth licenses on offer and which berth is best suited to your vessel.
Whangarei Marina
Pavilion 2
Stand 223
Hobsonville Marina | Bayswater Marina | Pine Harbour Marina Village
With a trifecta of marinas to choose from, Hobsonville, Pine Harbour and Bayswater Marinas present an array of options to suit your boating style. Tied together through their focus on world-class facilities, the three marinas and their locations provide excellent choice for quality berths across Auckland.
To the south, Pine Harbour Marina provides an excellent launching point to access the islands of the Hauraki Gulf and is equipped with an array of facilities – from dry stack to haul out – to provide wrap-around services in one location. In the west, Hobsonville Marina is a destination marina with world-class facilities coupled with cafes, shops, and a wealth of entertainment options. With a wide range of services on site, it’s largely self-contained and has developed a reputation as a boater’s paradise.
The most northerly of the trio, Bayswater Marina lies just across the water from central Auckland with sweeping views of the Auckland Harbour Bridge and city. One of Auckland’s newest marinas, from here it’s simple to set off directly into the Waitematā Harbour and berths are available either by licensed ownership or rental.
Hobsonville Marina | Bayswater Marina | Pine Harbour Marina Village
Pavilion 2
Stand 217
Westhaven Marina
The Southern Hemisphere’s largest recreational marina is hugely popular, and with good reason. As a city built on its love of the sea, it acts as the heart of boating in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, and is a short stroll from the civic centre. The location’s history stretches back to timber, tanning and fishing industries, and the 1940s saw development of a protected water space for recreational boats, with the marina providing a haven for boating ever since.
Westhaven Marina today is home to around 1,844 recreational boats, yacht clubs and businesses, plus the occasional visit from Owha the leopard seal. It’s now going through a period of change to develop the surrounding public and water space.
The Westhaven Marina team will be on-hand during the Auckland Boat Show to answers any questions about Westhaven Marina now, and future projects planned for the Westhaven Marina public space.
Westhaven Marina
Pavilion One
Stand 105
Bay of Islands Marina
Bay of Islands Marina/Port Opua has undergone a steady period of development over the last several years, expanding the facilities this Far North marina offers. Awarded New Zealand’s best marina in 2019, it was also awarded the best international marina in the Asia-Pacific region in the same year, with the marina recognised for its high level of service.
There are 400 berths available ranging in size from 10.5 to 50 metres with no air draft restriction, and 34 swing moorings. Onsite is a fully-serviced boatyard with a full complement of onsite marine service providers, ready to assist with all maintenance requirements. See the team from Bay of Islands Marina to learn more about basing your boat in the winterless north.
Bay of Islands Marina
Pavilion 2
Stand 208
Shute Harbour
Head to Queensland in search of warmer climes and you’ll find new luxury marina development, Shute Harbour Marina, taking shape 10 minutes from picturesque Airlie Beach. In prime position to provide access to more than 74 of Australia’s most-pristine beaches, sprinkled across the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef, there are house and berth packages, plus retail and commercial opportunities available now.
On offer are two storey waterfront homes with 25 metre berths, two and three storey architecturally-designed homes, and exclusive multihull berths from 10-35 metres. Shute Harbour is offering a 99 year lease opportunity in Queensland’s up and coming premier destination in the heart of the Whitsundays.
To learn more, have a chat with the Shute Harbour team when this year’s show kicks off next month.
Shute Harbour
Pavilion 2
Stand 205
Kennedy Point Marina
Waiheke Island’s Kennedy Point Marina is located 40 minutes from Auckland in the centre of the Hauraki Gulf. When the new development is complete, it will provide safe, modern and serviced berthage for approximately 180 boats, as well as facilities for visiting vessels. Its location in Kennedy Point Bay sees it sit adjacent to Sealink’s vehicle ferry terminal and close to the beaches, vineyards and restaurants which have given Waiheke Island its world-renowned reputation for hospitality.
The finished marina will also boast all-tide sheltered access for swimming and small boats, bicycle racks and storage for kayaks and SUP, a marina office with visitor information facilities, café, small chandlery, boat maintenance berth, and a number of other essentials to ensure boaters make the most of their time on the water at New Zealand’s first island destination marina.
Berths range in size from 12 metres to 30 metres and the Kennedy Point Marina team will be on hand to answer your queries during this year’s show.
Kennedy Point Marina
Pavilion 2
Stand 224