APS New Zealand’s New Superyacht Refit Destination

APS New Zealand’s New Superyacht Refit Destination

By Grace Tobin

With New Zealand being the South Pacific Superyacht hub for both refits and cruising, more vessels are feeling confident after years of reporting by fellow owners and captains to head to the southern hemisphere. Although many visitors believe Auckland is the only city for vessels to come to, this is becoming less of a “must go” place. Whangarei, a city two hours north of Auckland, is opening its doors to the world of superyachts as an entrance to Northland and the Bay of Islands in New Zealand.

Here in New Zealand, we believe that the whole world is situated in just our small country, and this all starts at the top in Northland and Whangarei.

Although a relatively unknown city of the world, Asia Pacific Superyachts New Zealand has seen the potential and opened a new office in Whangarei. Led by Karma Butler, and former crew member, APS NZ has taken off already with a handful of vessels coming to Whangarei. APS NZ is able to offer both refits and cruising opportunities through their office for many different vessels.

“When compared with Auckland, Whangarei is much more cost effective”, says Butler, noting, “Although, for many cheaper means not as good, this is not the case for Whangarei. This slower pace environment offers a different style whilst upholding the best of New Zealand’s expertise and craftsmanship. All of the yards are in one area, there are no traffic issues, you’re right on the doorstep of the beautiful Northland beaches and the people are extremely friendly. Whangarei and Northland are not high-rise cities and have a more relaxed and ‘beachy’ lifestyle.”

New Zealand and Auckland in particular is a common destination for some of the best refits in the world and Whangarei is no exception. “With a variety of different shipyards some of which specialise in heavy engineering and large refits including a 2000 tonne capacity slipway as well as 40 tonne slipway, we can cater to it all. There are also sheltered berths of 120m, 67m and 36m, complete with a crane”, reports Duthie Lidgard, Managing Director of APS NZ.

Reporting on Whangarei and Northland from experience, Butler explains, “Port Whangarei is home to one of New Zealand’s largest travel lifts with it’s capacity being 100 tonne and a maximum beam of 10 metres, that can do monohull or multihull, sail or motor vessels, as well as all tide access, wash down pads along with access to extensive hardstand or refit sheds, an ideal location.”

Contractors include only the best interior fit out services, superyacht paint companies and full marine engineering services, all with workshops on site. There are two main marinas used for docking vessels: Marsden Cove Marina, taking vessels up to 44m within the marina and Whangarei Marina, closest to the town centre and taking vessels up to 20m with a 3m draft.

As a city Whangarei offers a wide range of world class options for refits and is the ideal place to bring your vessel to refit and then to use as a base for cruising and chartering, as well as an entrance to the rest of the Northland which offers a wide range of activities for everyone. “Not only is Northland extremely beautiful, but it has some fantastic cuisine, great adventures and activities and allows you to immerse yourself completely into the New Zealand culture,” reports Butler.

With trips such as travelling to the top of New Zealand, Cape Reinga where the Pacific Ocean meets the Tasman Sea, to sand surfing down the Ahipara dunes, Northland offers it all. From Whangarei you have easy access to the Poor Knights Islands where some of the best diving in the world occurs allowing you to see just some of what New Zealand has to offer. With beautiful water falls, Maori culture and the Waipoua Forest to explore the ancient Kauri forests, Whangarei allows this to happen for you easily, along with great fishing off the coast, white sandy beaches and surf.

With a wide range of luxury accommodations APS NZ is able to accommodate all that you desire to create an itinerary unique and special to you, notes Butler. “Whangarei is the new Auckland, allowing not only world class refits, but world class treatment and experiences without the hustle, bustle and expense of the Auckland city life.” For more information visit www.asia-pacific-superyachts.com

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