56 | Best-in-class facilities for boaties Gulf Harbour Marina is one of New Zealand’s largest marinas, with more than 1000 berths, world-class facilities, and a perfect location on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, offering easy access to the Hauraki Gulf. Gulf Harbour Marina T T Kim Newth “Boat owners can bring their own contract tradesperson on-site if they have that pre-existing relationship with them – or they can find one here, no problem at all.” REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Located just north of Auckland, Gulf Harbour Marina, one of New Zealand’s largest marinas, has more than 1000 berths, world-class facilities, and a perfect location on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, offering easy access to the Hauraki Gulf. That proximity to the Hauraki Gulf is a huge plus for this popular marina. Compared to journeys starting in Waitematā Harbour, it’s a much faster trip from Whangaparaoa to places like Tiritiri Matangi, Kawau Island and out to Great Barrier Island. Gulf Harbour Marina is also a busy hub for boat repairs, refits and seasonal maintenance. It has a secure dry stack, efficient haul-out services, an extensive sealed hardstand area and an on-site marine service centre with highly skilled tradespeople registered to work at the marina on hand. From an employment perspective alone, the flow-on benefits for the local economy are considerable. “Boat owners can bring their own contract tradesperson on-site if they have that pre-existing relationship with them – or they can find one here, no problem at all,” says marina manager Murray Dixon. “We have a range of trades here from mechanics and engineers to boat builders and marine coating specialists. You can sit at Ripples Café having coffee while your boat is being worked on.” Two travel lifts run simultaneously, lifting up to 30 tonnes and 100 tonnes respectively, complemented by a low-loader in the boatyard area. “Having those two travel lifts is very advantageous, particularly when something goes wrong. For example, if someone needs an emergency lift, we can do that straightaway. At the same time, we can still be doing a routine lift for a boat wash.” A common reason for haul-out is to remove bio-foul by water blasting. Once this is done, boats are either returned to the water, or moved to a cradle for further work, such as painting/antifouling. “The owners either do that themselves or they get one of the trades onsite here to do it, such as Hibiscus Marine Coatings or Brin Wilson Boats. Antifouling is generally a fiveday turnaround – how long it takes depends on the size of the boat. We’re managing roughly 60 to 80 movements a week. There’s a fairly constant turnover of people. Some stay longer, for example, if they’re waiting for a part or it turns out more work needs to be done on their boat once it’s out of the water,” says Murray. Boaties stopping in at the marina for a few nights enjoy access to premium facilities including car parking, power, showers, laundry, wi-fi and pump-out. “Fuel on-site is through GOfuel and the GOfuel card gives discounts on fuel too (including at roadside pumps).” Gulf Harbour Marina has a 24/7 dockmaster and security service with comprehensive CCTV coverage. The marina’s security and surveillance programme is undergoing constant improvement. “Our friendly dockmasters are experienced and understand what boat owners want. The owner doesn’t have to be on site if they want work done – if they are overseas, we can still do it all for them.” With its top-of-the-line facilities and services, Gulf Harbour Marina has all that is needed for boating adventures, and deservedly stands out as a marina of choice around New Zealand and beyond. Since 1952, Brin Wilson has built more than 100 yachts and launches for both local and international clients. We specialise in refits and restoration projects, and have earned a reputation for quality. Proudly supporting Gulf Harbour Marina 09 424 1719 info@brinwilsonboats.co.nz www.brinwilsonboats.co.nz PO Box 148 Whangaparaoa, 0943 Auckland New Zealand
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