Tauranga Marina has long been a jewel of the Bay of Plenty—a safe and sheltered harbour where boats rest easy, their owners confident in the protection the marina affords. Sitting within the calm waters of Tauranga Harbour at the north end of Sulphur Point, this well-appointed facility offers 560 berths ranging from 8 to 24 metres. With a draft of three metres and shore power supplies of 10 and 15 amps, it is a haven for boaties who seek both convenience and security.
It is against this backdrop that disaster struck on Wednesday. In the dead of night, fire broke out at the marina, sending plumes of thick smoke into the Tauranga skyline and casting an eerie orange glow over the usually tranquil waters. Emergency services were called in swiftly, and firefighters worked to bring the blaze under control. Despite their efforts, the damage was severe—15 boats were affected, with four distroyed entirely. Eleven more took smoke and heat damage.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos. Boaties scrambled to move their vessels to safety, while marina staff and first responders coordinated efforts to contain the fire and prevent further destruction. The acrid smell of burning fibreglass and fuel lingered in the air long after the flames had been extinguished.
Emergency services were alerted just before 2am when flames engulfed multiple boats in a matter of minutes. Witnesses reported hearing loud bangs, likely caused by fuel and gas canisters igniting, adding to the intensity of the blaze. At the height of the response, five fire trucks and three support vehicles from Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, and Greerton stations battled the fire, which was first reported at 1.20am. on Thursday. Fire crews remained on site until 5.45am, with the last truck leaving at 10.40am. A Fire and Emergency New Zealand investigator has been assigned to determine the cause, though as of yet, no official conclusions have been made.
Marina manager Greg Prescott confirmed that four boats—a yacht and three launches—were completely destroyed, while another 11 had insurance claims lodged due to extensive heat, smoke, and electronic damage. Each boat owner is now following up with their insurance company for assessment and adjustment.
The fire also inflicted damage on Pier F, where it originated. Pier F was completed upgrade 18 months ago, and had no work ongoing at the time of the fire. Fortunately, due to ongoing upgrades and rebuilding efforts happening elsewhere in the marina, repairs are expected to be swift. Prescott noted that the marina had already replaced the main walkway, restored power by 6pm this evening, and reconnected water services. By reallocating workers upgrading other parts of the facility, Tauranga Marina expects full service to be restored within a week, making it “impossible to see that there was ever a fire” from the marina assets.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with marina management believing it likely originated from an electrical fault on one of the most significantly impacted boats. While Tauranga Marina has CCTV cameras in place, the footage was inconclusive in identifying the boat at ground zero.
In Tauranga, as in most New Zealand marinas, boats must have an electrical Warrant of Fitness to connect to shore power. Additionally, marina entry rules require all vessels to carry a minimum of $5 million in liability insurance. However, an electrical fault may not necessarily be considered a liability issue, leaving each boat owner to manage their own insurance claims. While discussing the matter with Mariner Insurance, they highlighted that this is a prime example of why most boats in New Zealand have a comprehensive insurance policy, not only a public liability insurance, “This incident highlights the importance of having the right insurance coverage and understanding the policy details”.
For the tight-knit community at Tauranga Marina, the fire was a devastating event. Many berth-holders consider their boats more than just assets—they are homes, livelihoods, and a source of adventure. While the loss of vessels is significant, there is relief in knowing that no one was harmed in the blaze. To see that taken away in a matter of minutes is devastating.
This incident has highlighted the ever-present risk of marina fires and the importance of robust fire prevention systems. Experts say boat fires can escalate rapidly due to the presence of fuel, batteries, and electrical wiring in confined spaces. Fire suppression measures, including heat detectors, automatic extinguishers, and regular safety checks, are vital in minimising risk.
Tauranga Marina management has announced that it will review its safety procedures in light of the fire. Prescott noted the importance of clear emergency signage and increased boater education on fire risks. Regular fire drills, improved emergency response plans, and increased awareness among boat owners could help reduce the likelihood of such disasters in the future.
