New facilities gaining traction – NZ Marine reports $212m economic uplift from superyachts
by Isla McKechnie 11 Oct 03:31 PDT
11 October 2024
Events like the NZ Millennium Cup regatta have helped attract superyachts to New Zealand’s shores © Jeff Brown
A recent report reveals that superyacht visitors contributed $212 million to the New Zealand economy during the 2023/2024 season. This release coincides with New Zealand’s intensified efforts to attract superyachts.
Prepared by NZ Marine and conducted by Market Economics Limited, the report emphasizes the significant impact superyachts have on New Zealand’s marine and tourism sectors.
This report is unveiled as the NZ Marine Industry Association introduces its 2025/2026 guidebook, “Destination and Cruising New Zealand,” in Barcelona.
In total, 56 superyachts were noted in New Zealand during the 2023/2024 season, each spending an average of $3.8 million on various services. Roughly 90% of this spending, equivalent to $190 million, went straight into the marine industry for maintenance, refit, and berthing, while the remaining $22 million was spent on living and tourism expenses by crew and owners, benefiting the wider New Zealand economy.
The report also highlights ongoing potential for market expansion, particularly in the superyacht charter sector, with customized itineraries to further solidify New Zealand’s status as a leading provider of marine services and luxury tourism.
NZ Marine has been focused on drawing superyachts to cruise in the country, having released six editions of “Destination and Cruising New Zealand” since 2014. The organization, which represents New Zealand’s marine industry, has also promoted New Zealand as a service and cruising destination internationally, ensuring its presence at events in Barcelona, Monaco, Fort Lauderdale, Singapore, the Netherlands, and more.
“The superyacht refit sector is a crucial element of New Zealand’s $3 billion marine industry and presents significant growth prospects, as the 56 visiting superyachts represent just a small fraction of the global fleet,” states NZ Marine’s executive director, Peter Busfield.
“With over 1,300 marine businesses and more than 500 trainees enrolled through the Marine & Specialized Technology Training Academy (MAST), the marine sector remains a key manufacturing industry in New Zealand, with ongoing innovation and training enabling further growth,” Busfield comments from Barcelona, where NZ Marine is promoting its 2025/2026 “Destination and Cruising New Zealand” guide to attract more superyachts.
This recent Market Economics report underscores the significance of the marine maintenance and refit sector in maintaining high-value jobs and apprenticeships nationwide. Furthermore, New Zealand boasts design and construction capabilities with five new superyachts underway in 2024 and a promising future order book.
Launch of “Destination and Cruising New Zealand” in Barcelona
Major investments in superyacht facilities in Northland, Auckland, and the Bay of Plenty have enhanced New Zealand’s ability to host superyachts for refits, maintenance, and berthing.
Infrastructure is now prepared for a 50% rise in current superyacht arrivals, increasing the economic impact of visiting vessels.
This infrastructure improvement has been tailored to serve global cruising superyachts, many of which are transitioning from the Mediterranean and Caribbean to explore the South Pacific.
New Zealand’s allure goes beyond its marine sector, as superyacht visitors are also attracted by the opportunity to explore the country’s 15,000 kilometers of coastline. This coastline is showcased in the 2025/2026 “Destination and Cruising New Zealand” guide that will be released this week in Barcelona to entice these valuable visitors to New Zealand.
Superyachts can remain in New Zealand for up to 24 months, with many taking advantage of advanced marine services, the zero-rated GST on refit services, and the country’s premier marinas and shipyards.
As part of its larger strategy, NZ Marine, in partnership with other South Pacific nations, continues to promote the wider region to superyachts, showcasing the exquisite cruising grounds and necessary infrastructure, berths, and professional services in New Zealand.
Access the “Destination and Cruising New Zealand” guide here:
www.nzmarine.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/DCNZ-2025-26-updated-Oct-2024.pdf
