Marina of the week: Marsden Cove in New Zealand

Located on the north island of New Zealand, half way between the cruising grounds of the Bay of Islands and the capital of Auckland, is Whangarei Harbour, and here you will find New Zealand's new port of entry, located in the new and luxurious Marsden Cove Marina.

Cruising Yachts of the world will find arrival into New Zealand a simple process by using Whangarei Harbour and the services of the marina.

Using a marina as a port of entry is a developing trend around the globe. Government authorities find it makes sense to use a marina's already existing facilities to make life easy not only for the cruising sailor, but for the authorities themselves. A customs dock provided in a marina makes an easy access clearance in a controlled environment at a low cost. Even countries quite unused to the arrival of private pleasure yachts - countries such as Uruguay Ecuador and French Guiana - are leaning to the reliance on the facilities of marinas and yacht clubs for clearance facilities. Countries such as Israel with an extra need for high security also use marinas in this way.

The high level full service marina of Marsden Cove is located just inside the entrance to the Harbour on the Southern side and approximately 7km from Whangarei Head.

Whangarei Harbour is the largest in the Northland of New Zealand, an amazing 45km long and up to 6.5km wide. Small settlements and beaches are dotted along the harbour’s wonderful bays and the harbour is also home to the deep water port that provides general bulk/cargo facility for the region. The harbour is also of vital importance as a shipping port and boatbuilding centre. 

The area is a cruising ground to pine for. Nearby is the twenty three-kilometre long Bream Bay Beach, and just twenty two kilometres offshore are the Hen and Chicken Islands. The Poor Knights Marine Reserve lies fifty five kilometres offshore, and is a great spot for scuba diving.

Instructions for arriving vessels:

Note: Do not anchor in New Zealand waters before clearing customs

If you are a foreign vessel arriving in New Zealand at Marsden Cove, fax or email advance notice before leaving your last port.
At least 48 hours before arrival you must contact NZ Customs with your estimated time and place of arrival through one of these methods:
* call Taupo Maritime Radio (ZLM) on SSB 4125, 6215, 8291 or 12290 Kbz
* call Russell Radio on SSB 4445, 6516 or 13103 Kbz to report for you
* e-mail yachts@customs.govt.nz
Local Customs officer
Contact Customs Officer, Bruce Cooper. Fax: +649 359 6692 or
email: Bruce.cooper@customs.govt.nz .
You can download the required forms on www.customs.govt.nz