Westhaven Marina, the Largest Yacht Marina of Southern Hemisphere

Nestled within the heart of Auckland city, Westhaven Marina is a sparkling jewel in New Zealand’s maritime crown. As the largest yacht marina in the Southern Hemisphere, it is home to over 2,000 vessels and is a bustling hub of marine activity, providing unrivaled facilities and services to local and international visitors alike.

Westhaven Marina serves as a testament to Auckland’s status as the “City of Sails”. The Marina Industries Association (MIA) has declared that Westhaven Marina has received its prestigious 4 Gold Anchor accreditation. This rating is internationally recognized and is given only after a stringent evaluation of the marina’s services, operational procedures, and facilities. The top rating achievable is a 5 Gold Anchor standard, which highlights the significant achievement of Westhaven in securing four.

 

Location

Strategically located in Auckland’s central waterfront area, Westhaven Marina offers stunning views of the Auckland Harbour Bridge and the city skyline. Situated at 137 Westhaven Drive, St Mary’s Bay, it’s just a short distance from Auckland’s bustling central business district (CBD). The marina’s prime location ensures a seamless blend of marine tranquility and urban convenience.

Marina Entry and Navigation

When approaching Westhaven Marina, care should be taken to avoid the ferry paths operating in the Waitematā Harbour. For safety, it is advised to maintain a speed of five knots or less when navigating within the marina. The marina’s office should be contacted prior to arrival to assign a berth and provide guidance on safe entry and navigation.

Marina Specifications

Born in the 1940s, Westhaven Marina has been a crucial component of Aotearoa New Zealand’s impressive sailing heritage, serving as a training ground for upcoming maritime stars.

With over 2,000 berths, Westhaven Marina can accommodate a vast array of vessels, ranging from small sailboats to large superyachts. The marina provides berths with lengths varying between 10 to 30 meters, catering to boats with a maximum draft of 4 meters.

Each berth is well-equipped with essential services, including water and electricity. Reliable Wi-Fi connection is available throughout the marina, ensuring sailors can stay connected.

On the water, Westhaven boasts of facilities such as the southern hemisphere’s largest refuelling station, pile moorings, wet berths, a Load n Go berth, and a 45-berth charter base. Fueling stations are conveniently located, providing both diesel and petrol options. A pump-out facility is also available for waste disposal. Over at Z Pier, over 50 charter operators are ready to help visitors discover the charm of the harbour and Hauraki Gulf.

Infrastructure and Services

The marina’s infrastructure is robust and meticulously designed for convenience. Comprehensive on-site facilities such as travel lifts, hard stands, and haul-out services cater to a wide variety of boating needs.

Westhaven Marina also hosts a cluster of marine businesses, offering services like boat repairs, maintenance, and chandlery. The marina’s distinctive feature is its state-of-the-art Promenade. This public walkway stretches from the Auckland Harbour Bridge to Wynyard Quarter, allowing locals and tourists to appreciate the marina’s scenic beauty.

Further amenities encompass a four-lane public boat ramp, a floating dock service, and 100 meters of pontoons for public use. For boaters’ convenience, shower and laundry facilities are scattered across Westhaven, while sewage pump-out stations can be found on Piers U, X, Y, and Z. Dry stack berths, travel lifts, two boatyards, and two large capacity slipways are also located around the marina’s perimeter.

Amenities in the Marina and Nearby

Westhaven Marina prides itself on its wide range of amenities. Shower and laundry facilities are available to berth holders.

Apart from its nautical appeal, Westhaven is also an ideal location for land-based activities. Whether it’s cycling, dog walking, or picnicking, this marina is a hotspot. The locale is also home to numerous top-notch cafes and restaurants, contributing to its vibrant ambience.

The marina’s vicinity to Auckland CBD allows easy access to supermarkets, medical facilities, and a vibrant array of restaurants, bars, and shops. For fitness enthusiasts, there’s a public outdoor gym, and nearby you’ll find the Auckland Sea Kayaks for kayak rentals and tours.

Eco-friendly Marina

Westhaven Marina, a Clean Marina certified by the NZ Marina Operators Association since 2011, practices numerous sustainable environmental initiatives. These include:

1. Promoting Clean Boating: Westhaven encourages all maritime users to help protect water quality, offering Clean Boating brochures for information.
2. Stormwater Management: The marina has installed raingardens, which naturally filter stormwater, adding to the aesthetic while cleaning run-off.
3. Food Waste Reduction: The Kai Ika Project recycles fish waste that would otherwise be discarded, promoting a sustainable food cycle.
4. Eco-friendly Facilities: The Marina’s toilets use collected rainwater for flushing, contributing to water conservation.
5. Harbour Protection: A recent $33.4 million infrastructure upgrade helps prevent wet-weather overflows into the Waitematā Harbour by separating wastewater and stormwater networks.
6. Pollution Control: EnviroPod filters in stormwater catchpits trap litter and pollutants, reducing toxins entering the waterway.
7. Water Testing: Rigorous water testing allows the Eke Panuku team to identify contamination sources and improve water quality.
8. No Discharge Zone: The marina has stringent rules against black water discharges from vessels, providing sewerage removal facilities for responsible waste management.

Events in Marina

Westhaven Marina frequently hosts boating events, including races, regattas, and marine exhibitions. The popular Westhaven Fun Day is an annual highlight, offering family-friendly activities and showcasing the vibrancy of Auckland’s boating community.

How to Get There

Reaching Westhaven Marina is easy due to its central location. If traveling by plane, Auckland International Airport is a 30-minute drive away. For road travelers, the marina is conveniently accessible via the Northern Motorway. For sea arrivals, Westhaven Marina is a safe harbor within the Waitematā Harbour.

Nearby Attractions

Westhaven Marina’s proximity to central Auckland allows visitors to explore iconic attractions like the Sky Tower, Auckland Art Gallery, and Viaduct Harbour. A short ferry ride takes you to the picturesque Waiheke Island, known for its vineyards and stunning beaches.

Where is Westhaven Marina located?

Westhaven Marina is located at 137 Westhaven Drive, St Mary's Bay, in central Auckland, New Zealand.

How many berths does Westhaven Marina have?

Westhaven Marina has over 2,000 berths, accommodating a diverse range of vessels.

What services are provided on the berths at Westhaven Marina?

Each berth at Westhaven Marina is equipped with water, electricity, Wi-Fi, and access to fueling stations.

What kind of boats can Westhaven Marina accommodate?

Westhaven Marina can accommodate a variety of boats, from small sailboats to large superyachts, with berths varying between 10 to 30 meters in length.

What facilities does Westhaven Marina offer?

Westhaven Marina offers comprehensive facilities, including shower and laundry amenities, cafes, restaurants, travel lifts, hard stands, haul-out services, and a public promenade.

What events are hosted by Westhaven Marina?

Westhaven Marina hosts numerous events, including races, regattas, marine exhibitions, and the annual Westhaven Fun Day.

What attractions are there near Westhaven Marina?

Near Westhaven Marina, you can visit the Sky Tower, Auckland Art Gallery, Viaduct Harbour, and Waiheke Island.

Are there fitness facilities at Westhaven Marina?

Yes, Westhaven Marina features a public outdoor gym and is close to Auckland Sea Kayaks for kayak rentals and tours.

Does Westhaven Marina offer Wi-Fi service?

Yes, reliable Wi-Fi service is available throughout Westhaven Marina.