Whangarei, New Zealand Welcomes Overseas Cruisers!

Created by doina. Last modified on 2003-10-06 15:22:16
Contributors: John Neal, Mahina Expeditions
Countries: New Zealand

Not content to rest on their reputation as one of the friendliest and easiest places in the Pacific to refit a cruising yacht, Whangarei's marine services businesses have formed Whangarei Marine Promotions, hired a coordinator and threw a Overseas Yacht Crew Welcome Party on December 5th at the Whangarei Cruising Club. Guest speakers included Whangarei Mayor (and cruiser) Chris Brown, Brian Hepburn of Island Cruising Association, Cheryl Lee of the Visitors Information Center, Bruce Cooper of NZ Customs and Richard Martin, an immigration consultant. Also attending were representatives from boatyards, chandleries, refrigeration specialists, electronic and electrical contractors, marine engine suppliers and service agents and sail and canvas makers.

Whangarei Town Marina Manager and former NZ Customs agent Lou Sabin said that as of 5 December the town docks are fully booked, but that he has never turned a visiting yacht away. "As crews complete refits and head back north to the Bay of Islands or South to Auckland, we always find a place for new visitors". As of 3 December, 230 foreign cruising boats have enjoyed the open hospitality and friendliness of this delightful riverside town during 2002. Sabin is proud of new visitor floats in front of the Harbourmaster's Office and a new shower, toilet and laundry block across the harbour. Extensive dredging in early 2002 as well has helped enlarge Whangarei's inner town basin.

Visit http://www.whangareimarine.co.nz/ for updates or contact Whangarei Marine Promotions Group co-ordinator Chris Bone; chris@whangareimarine.co.nz for details. He will be happy to will answer any queries from overseas yachts re wintering in New Zealand.

Contributed by John Neal, Mahina Expeditions, www.mahina.com