Gold Anchor is the marina industry’s equivalent of a hotel star-rating system, providing boat owners with a trusted benchmark for international marina standards. Run as a joint venture between the Marina Industries Association (MIA) and The Yacht Harbours Association (TYHA), the program recognises excellence in marina operations. From Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour and the Hauraki Gulf to the sheltered waterways of the Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand is home to five Gold Anchor accredited marinas. “New Zealand has some of the best-built marina infrastructure in our region and marina operators take standards seriously,” says MIA Operations Manager Chris Stone. “There’s a strong boating culture in New Zealand, and the quality of marina facilities and services reflects that.”
Occupying Auckland’s waterfront at St Mary’s Bay, Westhaven Marina offers over 1,500 berths and direct access to the cruising grounds of the Hauraki Gulf. Home to four yacht clubs and a broad range of marine businesses, it combines marina berthing with extensive boating services. Facilities include a fuel wharf, dry-stack storage, pile moorings, floating-dock services, public boat ramps and pump-out facilities. The marina village is home to marine trades and boating businesses, providing access to everything from maintenance and repairs to chandlery services. A Five Gold Anchor marina, Westhaven is also a haul-out and refit centre, with two boatyards, two large-capacity slipways and 70-tonne and 820-tonne straddle carriers capable of handling vessels ranging from recreational boats to large commercial craft.
Set in the sheltered waters of Queen Charlotte Sound, Picton Marina offers permanent and visitor berths for vessels from 8m to more than 50m. Located in the centre of Picton township, it places boaters within easy reach of restaurants, shops, transport connections and the cruising grounds of the Marlborough Sounds. Facilities include petrol and diesel fuel, free pump-out services, shore power and modern marina amenities, supporting both resident and visiting vessels. A Gold Anchor accredited marina, Picton Marina also holds International Clean Marina and Superyacht Ready accreditations. It can accommodate superyachts and provides secure gated access and monitored CCTV throughout the marina.
Half Moon Bay Marina, Auckland
Located on Auckland’s eastern waterfront, Half Moon Bay Marina offers around 580 berths for vessels up to 30m and provides convenient access to the Hauraki Gulf, Waiheke Island and the Coromandel. Dedicated multihull berths and the 97-berth North Pier expansion cater for a wide variety of recreational vessels. The marina is supported by a wide range of marine trades, fuel and pump-out facilities, secure storage and a waterfront precinct featuring cafés, restaurants and retail businesses. A Five Gold Anchor marina, Half Moon Bay also offers extensive maintenance and haul-out facilities, including a full-service boatyard, an 85-tonne travel lift and 18 covered work bays.
Auckland Central Marina, Auckland
Formerly known as Viaduct Marina, Auckland Central Marina occupies a central position on Auckland’s downtown waterfront. Catering for vessels up to 55m, it offers casual, seasonal and annual berthing, with restaurants, hotels, shops and entertainment precincts close by. The marina is Auckland’s designated customs-clearance facility for vessels over 24m, making it a regular first stop for cruising yachts and superyachts arriving in New Zealand. Gold Anchor accredited and recognised as Superyacht Ready, Auckland Central Marina combines city berthing with convenient access to marine suppliers, provisioning services and waterfront amenities.
Located in Auckland’s Wynyard Quarter, Silo Marina caters exclusively to superyachts, accommodating vessels up to 140m in length. Its waterfront location places visiting owners and crew within easy reach of Auckland’s marine industry, hospitality venues and city centre. As a Port of First Arrival, Silo Marina offers onsite customs clearance, along with shore power, potable water, pump-out facilities, internet access, parking and 24-hour security. Gold Anchor accredited and recognised as Superyacht Ready, Silo Marina is purpose-built for visiting international yachts and their crews.
Why Gold Anchor Matters to Boat Owners
“The Gold Anchor program gives boat owners confidence that a marina has been independently assessed against recognised international standards,” says Lyndon Turner, CEO of Nautilus Marine Insurance, who sits on the Marina Industries Association (MIA) Board of Directors. “As the MIA’s Insurance Partner, Nautilus Marine Insurance understands the importance of quality marina facilities, high operational standards, safety and security. Gold Anchor serves as a trusted benchmark when choosing where to berth your vessel.”