40 Superyachts Showcase as the 2025 NZ Superyacht Season Begins
by Isla McKechnie/NZ Marine Industry Association, 5 Dec 02:15 PST
Events like the NZ Millennium Cup regatta have helped attract superyachts to New Zealand’s shores © Jeff Brown
The Superyacht Welcome Function of New Zealand took place on Thursday evening, with a significant turnout of crew, welcoming over 250 owners, captains, and crew attendees.
“We’re excited to witness such a solid turnout, encompassing the largest assembly of superyacht participants in the Southern Hemisphere,” states NZ Marine executive director, Peter Busfield.
“We recognize that New Zealand’s reputation as a preferred destination for refits and cruising is on the rise, and we are thrilled to host a record number at our annual superyacht welcoming event, which signifies the commencement of our summer cruising season.”
The gathering saw owners, captains, crew, and over 100 industry representatives from New Zealand come together on Auckland’s waterfront to savor award-winning local wines, reconnect with old acquaintances, and exchange cruising and work insights with newcomers to the country. Among the 50 visiting superyachts to New Zealand, organizers were pleased to see nearly 40 represented at the welcome function.
“It’s wonderful to be back. We have high demands of shipyards, and after experiences at shipyards in the US and Europe, we’re very impressed with the quality of work here, and the organization and transparency of work and billing are outstanding,” remarks Captain Gerhard, S/Y Aquijo.
Hosted in Auckland by NZ Marine and Superyacht New Zealand, and backed by 54 companies, the event represents the efforts the New Zealand marine industry has invested in attracting superyachts to its cruising zones and facilities.
Initiatives such as the recent unveiling of Destination & Cruising New Zealand in Barcelona during New Zealand’s recent defense of the America’s Cup, the New Zealand Millennium Cup superyacht regatta, and the rapidly enhancing capacity and facilities across shipyards nationwide—capable of refitting the world’s largest superyachts—contribute to New Zealand’s expansion as a premier destination.
These initiatives are yielding positive results for the country. A recent report indicated a significant economic boost of $212 million from superyacht visitors to New Zealand. This is in addition to the economic benefit brought about by new builds, with five vessels currently under construction by New Zealand’s superyacht builders this year alone, contributing roughly $250 million to the total.
Commissioned by NZ Marine and conducted by Market Economics Limited, the report emphasizes the crucial part superyachts play in supporting New Zealand’s marine and tourism sectors in a nation with just 5 million inhabitants.
“The superyacht refit sector is a significant component of New Zealand’s $3 billion marine economy with considerable growth potential. Presently, New Zealand is attracting only a small part of the global superyacht fleet to enjoy its 15,000 kilometers of predominantly untouched coastline and world-leading marine innovations,” explains Busfield.
The swift advancements over the last five years mean the infrastructure is now ready to accommodate a 50 percent increase in the current number of superyacht arrivals, with the prospect of expanding the economic benefits from visiting superyachts. This growth has been tailored to meet the demands of global cruising superyachts, which are increasingly departing the Mediterranean and Caribbean to explore the South Pacific.
A diverse group of sponsors from throughout the industry, including superyacht agents, builders, engineering firms, provisioning specialists, electrical providers, crew recruitment agencies, clothing vendors, refit shipyards, and many others, supported the event, showcasing the far-reaching influence of the superyacht industry on New Zealand businesses.
New Zealand’s superyacht industry is committed to enhancing the accessibility of cruising information to the global market. This approach has fostered a close collaboration between local companies and international superyachts and crews, as the domestic industry creates innovative products and top-tier refit facilities, both locally and while traveling to meet yachts during their global cruising journeys.
As the sun set over the Hauraki Gulf, it marked the conclusion of a successful evening. However, the New Zealand summer cruising season is just beginning, bringing with it a multitude of new adventures, tales to share, and exceptional oceanic technologies from the world’s water experts.
