After more than a year of experiencing it firsthand, I can say there’s something truly special about waking up beside the water—the gentle rhythm of waves against the hull, the morning light shimmering across the bay, and the quiet sense of space and freedom. But as much as life on a boat has its charms, not everyone wants to live aboard full-time. For many, the ideal balance is having the convenience of a home paired with a private marina berth, offering the best of both worlds.
For New Zealand boat owners and ocean enthusiasts, few places offer the rare luxury of stepping straight from home onto your vessel. Whitianga Waterways has been steadily evolving, and on our recent visit, we saw firsthand just how much progress has been made. Stunning homes line the waterways, each with the ultimate convenience—private boat access right at the doorstep. It’s an enviable setup, seamlessly blending coastal living with a passion for the sea. Now, with the introduction of the Marine Precinct, this vision is expanding, offering a new and innovative approach to marina living in New Zealand.
Unlike traditional marina berths, which are typically leased, this development introduces a freehold ownership model, allowing buyers to own both their berth and an adjoining land lot. It’s a concept that blends practicality with long-term investment potential—offering both a place to moor your boat and additional space that can be adapted to suit individual needs. The first stage, consisting of 28 berths, has been fully consented, with future stages planned as interest grows.
Sitting within the established Whitianga Waterways community, the Marine Precinct is designed to accommodate serious boating enthusiasts while also catering to those who simply enjoy the ease of living near the water. Each berth measures 22.5 metres, large enough to accommodate a range of vessels, from cruising yachts to sportfishing boats. The adjacent land lots, which range from 172 to 197 square metres, offer the flexibility to create a compact living space, a workshop, or simply additional storage for boating gear and equipment.
Though the precinct is still in its early stages, initial renderings suggest a focus on accommodation rather than marine services. It’s easy to imagine a mix of practical boat storage solutions alongside thoughtfully designed apartments or townhouses, creating a space that is both functional and appealing for those who want to be close to their boats.
One of the biggest draws of Whitianga is its access to exceptional boating grounds. The town sits at the heart of the Coromandel Peninsula’s eastern coastline, offering easy entry to some of the most scenic and rewarding waters in New Zealand. A short trip from the marina, you’ll find the stunning rock formations of Cathedral Cove; a little further north you’ll find the pristine shores of Great Mercury Island, and further still, the remote beauty of Great Barrier Island. Or head south to Coromandel’s aquatic playground, Slipper Island. But for me, it’s the Alderman Islands that hold a special kind of magic—wild, dramatic, and full of untold stories beneath the waves.
For those who enjoy fishing, Whitianga has long been a hotspot, with deep water just offshore and a coastline rich in marine life. Snapper, kingfish, and marlin are regularly caught in these waters, and the town hosts several fishing competitions throughout the year, drawing anglers from across the country. Whether it’s a casual day out dropping a line or a serious game fishing expedition, this part of New Zealand offers some of the best conditions in the country.
Whitianga Waterways, developed by Hopper Developments, has played a significant role in shaping the town’s modern identity. Who recalls the days when Whitianga was a quiet, tucked-away coastal town, far from the bustle of the mainstream? Over the years, it has evolved into a lively, self-contained community, with waterfront homes, recreational spaces, and a growing number of commercial offerings.
Recent additions to the area include the Dockside Retail precinct, which features a waterside bar and restaurant—an inviting spot to sit with a drink and watch boats come and go. On a recent visit, we spent an afternoon watching the Offshore Powerboat Racing in Mercury Bay before heading into town for a drink at Grace O’Malley’s Irish Inn. Sitting there, watching the inlet, it was easy to see why this place holds such strong appeal for those drawn to the ocean. The pace of life is relaxed, yet there’s always something happening—whether it’s a regatta, a fishing competition, or simply a perfect summer’s day out on the water.
With the reopening of State Highway 25, Whitianga is now more accessible than ever, making it an attractive option for those looking to invest in a coastal property or secure a permanent base for their boating lifestyle. While the town has always been a favourite holiday spot, the development of the Marine Precinct signals a shift towards a more year-round boating community.
As Stage One of the Marine Precinct takes shape, it will be interesting to see how it evolves—whether as a practical extension of Whitianga’s marine industry or as a vibrant new waterfront neighbourhood. Either way, with only 28 berths available in the first release, this is set to be a sought-after addition to Whitianga’s ever-growing waterways.
