Summer is on our doorstep and now is the time to make sure you have the basics covered to ensure you stay safe on the water. Safer Boating NZ wants you to have a great time on the water this summer and are encouraging everyone to take the time to know how to keep safe on the water before you leave the land. Once you’re out there, it’s too late! If you’re heading out on the water this summer you need a plan of action-no matter how experienced you are. Knowing the local conditions before you head out will help… Read More

Stabicraft are getting behind conservation and are very proud to announce their association with “Manta Watch Aotearoa New Zealand”, a charitable trust that researches manta and devil rays whilst promoting conservation and advocacy for NZ’s offshore environment. ⁣ And the timing is perfect with New Zealand’s manta season kicking off this weekend. So be prepped and ready to spot mantas whilst enjoying your boating adventures this summer.⁣ ⁣ Read about the work they do, and just how extraordinary this marine creature www.mantatrust.org/new-zealand Read More

Island Cruising NZ are excited to launch their first ever South Island Rally, as well as plans for a Pacific Rally in 2022, and they have been overwhelmed by the response. The rallies provide a unique opportunity for marine businesses to promote their products to a group of people who are highly engaged and planning long coastal or offshore voyages. The rally will depart in December from Opua after Christmas and head South to Abel Tasman, Marlborough, Banks Peninsula, Stewart Island & Fiordland. There are options to do shorter legs too. Rally participants will receive assistance with getting prepared for… Read More

Maritime New Zealand this morning posted on their Facebook page a reminder about how the COVID-19 Alert Levels affect boating. It’s important that we all follow these rules so that we have a great chance of everyone getting back on the water as soon as possible! A COVID-19 update from Maritime NZ Auckland, Northland and Far North are at Alert Level 4 while the rest of New Zealand is at Alert Level 3. Level 3 means that until further notice, all recreational water-based activities involving sailing boats, motorised craft or motorised equipment, is not permitted. Kayaking, canoeing, rowing, surfing, wind… Read More

Next year will see New Zealand host a world-first superyacht sport fishing competition in the Bay of Islands, showcasing one example of the adventure to be found on New Zealand shores. The fishing competition, held prior to the NZ Millennium Cup superyacht regatta, will be open to yachts over 24 metres with entry for up to five anglers per yacht. Entry to the regatta includes temporary membership to the Bay of Islands Swordfish Club. The club is the oldest game fishing club in New Zealand and second oldest in the world, and will be on-hand to provide expert guides, equipment… Read More

Lusty & Blundell Ltd, New Zealand’s largest distributor of leading-brand marine industry products and systems, is now owned by CEO Mark Milburn, qualified boat builder and experienced businessman Cameron Maher and L&B OEM sales manager Morgan Brodie. Founded in 1974 by marine industry stalwart Ken Lusty, Lusty and Blundell is renowned for providing premium products and practical solutions and proudly distributes many of the industry’s most iconic brands.* Mark Milburn, who becomes managing director, has been with L&B for more than 20 years, over 12 of those as CEO. Mark has a strong focus on both customer service and adding… Read More

The first stage of an extensive development at Orams Marine is complete, marking the culmination of a project years in the making. At an event held on Thursday evening overlooking the new 12,000 sqm hardstand, with the new 820 tonne and 85 tonne travel lifts backlit against Auckland city’s skyline, and superyachts providing a backdrop for proceedings, project stakeholders gathered for the occasion. Welcomed by Orams Marine CEO, Neven Barbour, the event began with an acknowledgement of the effort by many parties who had worked to bring the project to fruition. From the Orams Marine team, to their partners within Auckland… Read More

Lusty & Blundell, New Zealand’s largest distributor of world-leading marine products and systems, is about to undertake a comprehensive winter road show, highlighting the latest advances and innovations in marine technologies. The tour, which will initially target technical dealers and marine electricians, will showcase ground-breaking products such as the award-winning CTEK CS Free portable battery charger, Vesper Marine’s innovative Cortex VHF/monitoring/control system, lithium batteries, electric outboards and trolling motors, and the latest range of Raymarine marine electronics. The road show will also feature new marine camera technology from FLIR and the latest updates to Raymarine’s innovative LightHouse operating system. The… Read More

  New Zealand builders Circa Marine has released the first video of their new 24m Adventure cruiser “Mollymawk”.  To make things even more exciting a deep subtropical low east of the North Island was directing strong south easterlies and large waves over the east coast of the upper North Island. Circa’s Deon Ogden says ‘With a 3-4 m swell and a 30-knot breeze gusting to a maximum recorded gust of 39 Knots at about a 60-70degree angle to the swell “Mollymawk” handled the conditions nicely, cruising comfortably at 11-12knots when heading directly into, and then on various angles too the… Read More

The newly implemented air travel bubble between Australia and New Zealand, combined with an existing sea border exemption for vessels, means New Zealand is now open to business for cruising yachts and superyachts coming from Australia. The yachts can visit New Zealand under the sea border exemption and yacht owners, their families and friends can then join the yacht in New Zealand via the air border. With the two destinations and the wider South Pacific amongst the safest places to visit globally, the establishment of this new bubble provides a wealth of opportunities for those eager to get back out on… Read More