Kia Ora: New Zealand as a yachting destination

Welcome to New Zealand, the perfect hub for an epic adventure in the South Pacific.

In a world where the only true luxury left is the hard-to-find experience, New Zealand via superyacht serves up a full menu of such adventures in one of the world’s great natural playgrounds. From steamy geothermal pools and sunny beaches to icy fjords and mountains, it’s a land of extremes in every sense. Opportunities for yacht crew and charter guests abound between the North and South Islands’ unique cities, diverse geography, and world-class fishing and diving — as well as about 700 smaller islands to explore!

The North Island is home to some of the world’s most active supervolcanoes, glowworm caves, Māori cultural events, and the cities of Auckland and Wellington. On the South Island, the wilderness of rugged mountains, lakes, rivers, and fjords offers every type of white-knuckle adventure and outdoor activity imaginable. It’s easy to see why this South Pacific nation was voted one of the Top 10 “Best Countries in the World” in Condé Nast Traveller’s 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards.

New Zealand is perfectly positioned as a refit, cruising, and charter hub for exploring the South Pacific. A well-established infrastructure of top-rated builders, refit yards, backup facilities, and services supports every possible yachting need. The South Island has long served as a global gateway for exploring Antarctica. And, as the Asia Pacific Superyacht Association would have you know, this 36th America’s Cup winner is “still the hottest sailing destination on the planet!”

The best time of year for cruising Down Under is during the summer season from December to April. Added bonus: New Zealand is out of harm’s way during the northern Pacific’s typhoon season. Here are some other helpful things to know before you go.

Time zone: UTC + 12 (May–Aug.) / UTC+13 (Sept.–April)
Electricity: 230 V / 50 Hz
Currency: New Zealand dollar (NZD)
Calling code: +64
Emergency call: 111
Coastguard rescue: Channel 16

Customs and Clearance

Upon arrival at a port of entry, you will be met by officers from the New Zealand Customs Service and the Ministry for Primary Industries. All people and goods must remain on board until the vessel has been cleared. If arriving somewhere other than a port of entry, you must report immediately to a customs or police officer. Do not anchor in New Zealand waters (within 12 nautical miles from the coast) before customs clearance.

As of October 2022, there is no requirement for a COVID vaccination or negative COVID test prior to arrival, whether by sea or air, and no mandatory quarantine. (This is not always the case in neighboring South Pacific destinations, such as Tahiti and Fiji, so keep that in mind when planning your itinerary.)

Nationalities that are on the New Zealand Immigration waiver list do not need to apply for a visitor’s visa before arriving. Besides Australians, the waiver applies to citizens of Canada, the U.K., the U.S., and most European countries. The full waiver list can be found at immigration.govt.nz. Those who do not require a visa must apply for an NZeTA (New Zealand electronic Travel Authority). Most requests are processed within 72 hours but some may take longer, so it’s best to request an NZeTA well in advance of arrival. The NZeTA is valid for many visits and up to 2 years.

Over 5 million people call New Zealand home — and so do 26 million sheep.

New Zealand has strict biosecurity rules. This applies to biofouling and ballast water, as well as to any other hitchhiking weeds or pests that may be onboard your boat that could harm New Zealand’s wildlife. Once in New Zealand, you will go through a six-step biosecurity process, including an inspection. If staying 21 days or longer, you must provide evidence of biofouling management before you arrive.

If you have restricted or prohibited foodstuffs and goods aboard, they must be declared on your arrival card. Such items include fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, poultry, honey, dairy products, sports and other outdoor equipment, wooden items, seeds, and plants (dead or alive). Some restricted items may be allowed in with a permit or after undergoing treatments such as fumigation (at the yacht’s cost).

Prescription drugs that contain narcotics must be accompanied by a doctor’s certificate stating that the medication is necessary and is being used under a doctor’s instructions. It is recommended that all medications be kept in their original, pharmacy-labeled containers and the amount on board not exceed a three-month supply.

Vessels entering New Zealand waters are required to declare all firearms and weapons on board — including pepper spray and airguns. You will be expected to surrender all restricted weapons to the police, who will secure the weapons and return them when the boat leaves New Zealand waters. Handguns may be locked into a secure enclosure and sealed on board if under the control of a New Zealand Firearms License holder of the correct category.

Visiting yachts that apply for a Temporary Import Entry (TIE) certificate from New Zealand Customs prior to arrival can stay for up to 24 months without paying duty charges, and can purchase goods, equipment, and services exempt from the 15% goods and services tax, provided the goods or services are for the yacht and/or leave with the yacht. This includes berthage costs, as well as repairs or refitting work completed while in the country.

Crew members are not required to pay tax as long as they are not in the country for more than 365 days in any two-year period and are not employed by a New Zealand resident or New Zealand-controlled company.

Ports of Entry

Superyachts 500 tonnes or more will need to hire a pilot to enter New Zealand ports. For an exemption when visiting Auckland, email the Auckland harbormaster at andrew.hayton@at.govt.nz. Here are the ports/marinas approved as yacht arrival points, listed geographically from north to south.

Northland

Auckland

Tauranga

Picton

Christchurch

Charter Rules

Under the New Zealand Maritime Transport Act, ships are considered pleasure craft and not commercial vessels if they are:

Not used for hire or reward.
Used exclusively for the owner’s pleasure or as the owner’s residence.
Not operated or provided by a business.*

Foreign-flagged superyachts that comply with Maritime New Zealand requirements may be used for commercial charter for up to 65% of the total time they are visiting New Zealand. Special provisions apply to gain regulatory consent from Maritime New Zealand, New Zealand Customs, and the Inland Revenue Department. Find out how domestic laws and regulations apply to your vessel, and whether exemptions may be sought, at nzmarine.com. Or contact a local superyacht agent, who can process all the necessary paperwork as well as answer your questions.

*If the vessel is operated or provided by a business, an exemption from commercial charter requirements — which must identify the owner — may be applied for through Maritime New Zealand. For more information, visit: maritimenz.govt.nz/rules

Yacht Agents

Accredited agencies that specialize in superyacht service, whether crew placement, provisioning, and itinerary/charter logistics; or customs and regulatory documentation; or repairs, spare parts, refits and maintenance needs.

37 South | 37southyachts.com

service @37southyachts.com
+64 9 302 0178

AGents by Catalano | catalanoshippingpacific.com

duthie@catalanoshipping.com
+64 21 409 802

Integrated Marine Group | integratedmarine.com

mark@integratedmarine.com
+64 21 759 157

Reid Yacht Services | rys.co.nz

info@rys.co.nz
+64 9 368 9301

Marinelogix | marinelogix.co.nz

info@mlx.co.nz
+64 21 616 407

Tidal Yachting Ltd | tidalyachting.com

info@tidalyachting.com
+64 22 030 5856

Oceania Yacht Agency | oceaniayachtagency.com

agent@oceaniayachtagency.com
+64 9 430 3148

Urban Sea | urbansea.co.nz

karma@urbansea.co.nz
+64 021 054 6024

Diverse Projects | diverseprojects.com

jv@diverseprojects.com
+64 09 358 5331

International Airports

Auckland International Airport (AKL)
Christchurch International Airport (CHC)
Wellington International Airport (WLG)
Dunedin International Airport (DUD)
Queenstown International Airport (ZQN)

Regional flights within New Zealand are available at Palmerston North Airport (PMR) and Hamilton Airport (HLZ).

Helpful Websites

Official guides on visiting New Zealand. (newzealand.com)

New Zealand Customs Service information, including mandatory documentation. (Email questions and advance requirements, such as TIE applications, to yachts@customs.govt.nz) (Customs.govt.nz)

Prohibited and restricted items that must be declared upon arrival. (customs.govt.nz/personal/prohibited-and-restricted-items)

National regulatory, compliance, and response agency for the safety, security, and environmental protection of coastal and inland waterways. (Maritimenz.govt.nz)

Information on weapons regulations. (police.govt.nz)

Still waiting for your visa? Have questions? Contact New Zealand Immigration at this website. (While in New Zealand, you can contact the Immigration call center at 0508 558 855.) (immigration.govt.nz/contactus)

Ministry for Primary Industries information on biosecurity inspections and what you can and can’t bring into New Zealand. (mpi.govt.nz)