A warm start to the summer season
Auckland’s waterfront played host last night to NZ Marine’s annual Superyacht Welcome Function, an evening that brings together captains, crew, and local marine businesses at the start of the summer cruising season.
Around 30 superyachts were represented, along with staff from more than 50 New Zealand marine companies across refit, maintenance, engineering, equipment supply, and support services. For many vessels it was their first season in New Zealand, while others were returning after previous refit work or cruising through the region.
NZ Marine Executive Director Peter Busfield opened the evening by thanking visiting crews for choosing New Zealand and acknowledging the local companies that support the event each year.
“This gathering reflects the value superyachts bring to our marine industry and the welcome New Zealand extends to visiting vessels,” Busfield said.
A chance to meet the people behind the services
The function has become a key point of contact for visiting crews, giving them a chance to meet the shipyards, contractors, and suppliers who may support their vessels during the season. Many crews used the event to compare cruising plans, discuss upcoming refit needs, and connect with local experts before heading north or south for summer itineraries.
New Zealand remains a practical base for cruising and refit work
During the evening, NZ Marine highlighted several factors that continue to draw superyachts to New Zealand:
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A 21-month temporary import period
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Tax concessions for refit and repair work
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Expanded marina and yard capacity across Auckland, Northland, and Tauranga
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These settings make it straightforward for visiting yachts to complete maintenance or undertake larger projects while enjoying the country’s cruising grounds.
Updated guides for visiting yachts
Guests were encouraged to download the 2025–2026 Destination & Cruising New Zealand Guide from the App Store and Google Play. The guide includes detailed regional cruising information and a directory of local marine services.
NZ Marine also introduced a new three-page summary of rules and entry procedures for visiting yachts, designed to make the arrival process easier to understand for captains and crew.
