Customers Share Their Favourite Anchorages in Hauraki Gulf

The Tamaki Marine Park community love to share their favourite anchorage spots to ensure everyone enjoys all the Gulf has to offer. If you are planning on cruising the Gulf this Summer why not add some of these bays to your list…

Chamberlains Bay – Ponui Island

Donkey spotting and listening out for kiwi calls are just some of the many reasons that make this spot different. Located on the northern side of Ponui Island, Chamberlains Bay is sheltered, private, and offers a small sandy beach.

Woody Bay – Rakino Island

This anchorage offers a beach tree swing, a perfect spot for sandy shore picnicking, and good holding and anchorage in all breeze direction, except Westerly. Rakino will not disappoint of you enjoy snorkelling, spearfishing, or a day on the island walking.

Calypso Bay – Motuihe Island

Hidden on the south-eastern side of Motuihe, Calypso Bay is the Gulfs best kept swimming anchorage spot. The Bay can be popular in summer, for good reason. Great snorkelling, bustling rock pools, and superb sandy beaches. Ideal for tranquil weather as anchorage offering pretty good holding, but is not as sheltered as other nearby Bays.

Otopoto Bay – Waiheke Island

Hidden at the west end of Onetangi, Otopoto Bay offers a great escape and sheltered bay for all directions except northerlies. Pubs, cafes, and a charming beach all easy access from the shore.

Staying Safe On The Water

Wither you want a refresher, an introduction to boating for your family members who will be joining you out on the water this summer or to benefit from the advantages of own boat tuition. Powerboat Training offers nationwide training.

There is also a free Coastguard app which has a boatload of handy features for boaties. There are also courses available for Day Skipper and Maritime VHF to help ensure you keep you safe on the water

Hear from the owner of Marlure talk about his positive experience using Tamaki Marine Park Haulout services after winning a spot prize during the Kubota Billfish Classic competition. The 40ft Caribbean got antifoul, propspeed, a full Exterior polish, teak clean, repainting of the game poles and duckboard, HMBE replacement of underwater lights, and a full insurance survey inspection. Result, one happy boater…

A friendly reminder…

A reminder to customers that the dingy rack area is for your convenience and the dinghies are stored at your own risk. We ask you please make sure that all dinghies are labelled with the boat name, berth ID, and a contact phone number.

Reminder of security gate codes that were emailed and texted out to all customers. If you need more information please contact the office who will be happy to help.

Prize Catch Enjoys Tamaki Marine Park Winning Services…

Tamaki Marine Park and Gloss Boats Marine Spraying are proud to have sponsored a spot prize for a haulout and antifoul at the most recent edition of the Kubota Billfish Classic competition hosted by the Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club. The winner of this incredible spot prize was the Caribbean 40 ‘MARLURE’.

As well as receiving a water blast, antifoul and PropSpeed, MARLURE also took advantage of the other great services at Tamaki Marine Park including with HMBE and a full exterior polish, teak clean and additional paint touch ups. She is all set for another season of fishing out of Tutukaka!

The Kubota Billfish Classic competition hosted by the Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club is the largest bill fish competition in the world for the amount of boats entered with a massive 420 teams battling it out for some great prizes.

Need to brush up on your water safety? We’d like to emphasise the importance of adhering to these regulations for the safety of all waterway users. If you find yourself uncertain about the rules or speed limit areas, take a moment to review our Boat Safety Information to ensure a safer boating experience for everyone.

Get to know the Tamaki Marine Park staff. Introducing Joe, part of our experienced operations team helping you on Dry Stack. Here to help get you set for a great day on the water.

Enjoy the benefits of our super-convenient dry stack service, your boat is prepped and waiting – just give us 60 minutes’ and you boat will be ready for you. It’s that easy!

America’s Cup Victory: A Kiwi Triumph

Well, folks, it’s official! Team NZ has done it again, bringing the America’s Cup back home to Aotearoa. It was a nail-biting competition, with every race a heart-pounding affair. The Kiwi sailors showed incredible skill, strategy, and teamwork, outmaneuvering their opponents at every turn.

From the stunning scenery of Port Olympic to the roar of the crowd, the atmosphere was electric. It was a true celebration of sailing, with fans from all over the world coming together to witness this historic event. The victory is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and innovation of the Team NZ crew. Congratulations, lads! You’ve made all of New Zealand proud.

Bringing your Boat to Sail GP?

If you’re in Auckland for Sail GP Weekend (Sat 18 – Sun 19 January 2025) and want to bring your boat with you, but can’t think of anywhere to store it, you can book a place in the TMP Dry stack. You’ll enjoy all the benefits, like 60-minute access, 24/7 security, a boat wash and engine flush, and undercover storage.

With daylight saving, there’s no better opportunity to enjoy quick late afternoon or early evening boating trips. Here are some activities to make the most of our longer days:

Evening Picnic on Motuihe

Pack your portable BBQ and anchor at one of the many beaches in the Hauraki Gulf. Spots like Motuihe Island are close by, and if you’re there mid-week, chances are it will be nice and quiet.

Watersport Thrills and Spills

The Hauraki Gulf has a number of designated areas for water skiing, wakeboarding, and other towed water sports. On Waiheke, Surfdale and Onetangi have marked access lanes. On Motuihe Island, Ocean Beach and Wharf Bay also have designated access lanes.

Catch Dinner!

You’ve probably got your go-to fishing spots, but the great thing is, you don’t have to go too far to get a good catch. Try the Rangitoto Channel, Motuihe Channel, or off Rakino Island for some quality late afternoon or early evening fishing.

We caught up with Gloss Boats, TMP’s resident marine painting professionals. Reuben, Gloss Boats’ Inside Foreman, talks us through their latest project – a two-month repaint of the 68ft launch Horizon III. And as Reuben so subtly added, the Gloss Boats team are vastly experienced across the full range of marine surface applications – so give them a call!

Phone : 09 303 0503
info@glossboats.co.nz

Haulouts are all about safely and securely removing boats from the water into our boatyard, and then transporting back into the water, after all the work is done. This requires expertise, plus equipment that’s fit for purpose. Which is where our Roodberg HBT60 trailer comes in. This versatile, reliable, hard-working piece of equipment allows us to provide industry-leading marine services. And it comes packed with a host of important features to keep your boat safe:

• 60-tonne payload capacity
• Transport for motor yachts (up to 60T or around 22-25m), as well as catamarans and sailing yachts. Note: sailing yachts may need to remove their rigs to pass under bridges on the Tamaki River.
• Height-adjustable frame with protective pads for a secure fit
• Easy manoeuvrability in tight spots
• Low-maintenance, durable design for long-term reliability
• Flexible towing options (tractor, wheel loader, telescopic handler, or forklift)

Need a haulout? With summer just around the corner, bookings are filling up, so please book your spot by calling us on 09 534 8341.

Come on, Team New Zealand!

The America’s Cup Regatta is in full swing with challengers from Britain, USA, Italy, Switzerland, and France fighting it out to see who’ll take on Team New Zealand for the Auld Mug. Barcelona has been turning on some spectacular sailing conditions, and even though race times are late at night–early morning NZ time – we’ll be cheering on Team NZ every step of the way. Here’s a quick guide to what’s happening:

Louis Vuitton Cup, 29 Aug – 7 Oct

The challengers battle it out for a shot at the 37th America’s Cup.

• Double Round Robin
• Semi-Finals (top 4 teams, first to 5 points)
• Final (first to 7 points)

The winner progresses to the America’s Cup final series.

37th America’s Cup, 12-27 Oct

Ladies and gentlemen… let’s get ready to rumble! Team New Zealand will take centre stage against the Louis Vuitton Cup winner in a first-to-seven-points match. Each race victory brings us one point closer to the ultimate in yacht racing glory. All we can say is best of luck Team New Zealand – may the wind be with you.

Simon’s Top Winch Tips

Watch our short video where Simon from HMBE shares his top tips for maximising the efficiency and safety of your boat winch. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or just starting out, Simon’s insights will help you ensure your winch operates smoothly, making your time on the water more enjoyable. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from the best — watch now and set yourself up for success.

Morning Light’s Happy Harbour

Maggie and her husband are proud owners of ‘Morning Light’ and have been Tamaki Marine Park berth holders for over 3.5 years! When it comes to keeping their pride and joy in tip-top order, Maggie is a big fan of our Tamaki Marine Park Boatyard – and she shares her views on the approachability, professionalism, and helpfulness of the Boatyard crew.

Auckland’s newest marina is open and set to revolutionise how you can enjoy the island. The marina, at Kennedy Point about 7km from Maitiatia, opened earlier this year, and offers a genuinely special experience for boaties to access Waiheke Island.

For dry stack customers and marina boats, it’s a great way to get over to the island and leave your boat safely parked up while you go ashore and enjoy the island’s beaches, vineyards and fantastic dining opportunities. For bigger boats with onboard facilities – think of your boat as your new Waiheke hotel room. Rental cars are available and berthage is available for trailer boats and jet skis per hour or by the day.

“This island is paradise – we’re here and ready to help you explore it”

Jump online at www.waihekeislandmarina.co.nz to book a visit to have a look at  your day berth soon.

Powerboat Training: Ross Field goes from Global Sailor to Canal Captain!

Ross Field, a Tamaki Marine Park Marina berth holder, boasts a serious sailing CV! He’s raced around the globe several times and faced some of the most challenging waters along the way.

For the past three years, Ross has called Tamaki Marine Park Marina home, where he berths his pride and joy, “Ruru,” a 15-metre Pelin. But even with his vast experience on the high seas, Ross recently found himself taking on new nautical learnings with Powerboat Training.

“I’ve been around the world a few times,” Ross laughed, “but I’ll admit, I couldn’t park a boat with only one propeller to save myself.” This realisation led him to enrol in a powerboat training course, an experience he found extremely helpful.

The reason for this new journey wasn’t just about improving his skills. Ross has his sights set on a new adventure: “I’m looking at buying a canal boat in France,” he explained. This comes with its own set of challenges, as operating in European waterways requires specific qualifications.

“I needed to get an ICC qualification,” Ross said, referring to the International Certificate of Competence, a widely recognised boating licence in Europe. The Powerboat Training course he took was comprehensive, covering crucial skills for powerboat operation. “They took us through handling a boat with a single propeller and how to deal with a bow thruster.”

One of the most valuable parts of the training, according to Ross, was learning how to navigate in tidal conditions. “The tide can run quite fast through those canals, and you have to know what you’re doing,” he noted.

The course not only provided Ross with practical skills but also opened up new possibilities for his boating journey.

Bigger boat projects are often a team effort between different marine service specialists. As was the case for the restoration of the beautiful Outer Reef 630 named Amokura.

The work brought together the specialised skills of Marine Detailing Company, Gloss Boats Marine Spraying, and the Tamaki Marine Park haulout team – each adding their unique expertise to breathe new life into this magnificent vessel.

Marine Detailing Company took on the challenge of revitalising Amokura’s exterior. In just over a week, their team managed to machine polish every square centimetre of gelcoat, from the waterline to the radar dome. Then applying a combination of protective wax and sealant – a process that will keep the boat’s surfaces pristine for years to come.

Their detailing included a full exterior cut, polish, and wax on all smooth exterior gelcoat, a thorough teak cleaning, plus they worked on the vessel’s tender.

From there, Gloss Boats Marine Spraying brought their specialised skills on the underwater surfaces – taking care of the anti-fouling treatment – an essential task for any seagoing vessel.

They also cleaned up the propspeed, applied primer to rough patches, and performed wet sanding to make sure the underwater profile was smooth and efficient.

Last but not least, our own Tamaki Marine Park haulout team played a key role too – using their expertise in safely handling Amokura in and out of the water – and ensuring easy access to the other teams throughout the project

As the pictures show, the finished product was very impressive, a testament to the expertise and teamwork of all involved.

If you’ve been at Tamaki Marine Park when we’re lifting boats from the drystack, you would have seen our forklift in action. What you won’t know is that this essential piece of kit is made by Wiggins Lift Co – an American company that’s recognised worldwide as a leading manufacturer of high-capacity forklifts – and they focus on long load centre applications (in our case, lifting boats). We have the Wiggins Marina Bull model, which is safe, reliable, and can handle heavier boats with ease – which all adds up to your pride and joy being ready to go when you want and secure during transfer!

Ocean Sailor Drops Anchor at Tamaki Marine Park

Tamaki Marine Park is home to a diverse community of boating enthusiasts – including some real characters! Among them is Ross Field, a true blue Kiwi sailor whose adventures have taken him around the world’s oceans.

For the past three years, Ross and his pride and joy “Ruru” – a 15-metre Pelin – have called the Tamaki Marine Park Marina their home port. Ross’s eyes light up as he speaks about his decision to base himself at Tamaki Marine Park.

“I’ve sailed the world’s oceans, but there’s something special about being up river here,” he says. “It’s serene, private and protected from the weather, which is a big plus for any sailor.”

Ross also enjoys the scenic cruise to and from the marina. “I actually enjoy the trip in and out. It gives me a chance to have a cup of tea, relax, and cruise along. Sometimes, I even let my guests take the helm – it’s a great way to share the boating experience.”

Ross also appreciates the relaxed pace of boating here, along with the exceptional service provided by the staff. “The team here is incredibly helpful – they really do bend over backwards to make sure you have everything you need. And compared to other marinas, TMP is reasonably priced. It’s a win-win situation for boaties like me.”

The icing on the cake? Over the years, Ross has become good mates with some of the other marina tenants. “I’ve got to know my neighbours,” he says. “It’s nice here – I really like it and would recommend it to any Auckland boatie.”

For Ross Field, a man who has sailed the seven seas, finding a home at Tamaki Marine Park has been a bit like finding a hidden treasure. If you see Ross, make sure you say hi – we’re sure he’ll be able to tell you a few good boating tales!

Gloss Boats work their magic on the Outer Reef 630 “Amokura”

The team at Gloss Boats Marine Spraying are true experts, bringing a wealth of expertise in repaints, antifouling, Propspeed application, interior boat varnishing, and general repairs and touch-ups. In tandem with the Tamaki Marine Park Haulout team, they recently worked on a beautiful Outer Reef 630 named “Amokura”. We caught up with Rod, the vastly experienced lead painter at Gloss Boats Marine Spraying, to see what the project involved.

We talked to Todd who is a long time dry stack customer and what he has to say about the benefits of having his boats in our facilities.

We talked to Joe, our haulout guru at Tamaki Marine Park and asked him what his secret is for getting boats in and out of the water safely.

The Tamaki River is more than our ‘road’ in and out of Tamaki Marine Park – it’s a living, breathing ecosystem that’s home to a variety of bird life.

One of the key sites along the river is the Tahuna Torea nature reserve (off Glendowie – on your left as you reach open waters). It’s an important shorebird roost within the Tamaki Ecological District. The diverse habitats at Tahuna Torea attract a wide variety of coastal and shorebirds, each adding to this rich wildlife region.

Next time you’re heading out to sea, take a look around and see how many species you can spot!

Some of the birds that call Tamaki River home:

• Tōrea (South Island Pied Oystercatcher): Known for their striking black and white plumage, these birds are often seen foraging along the shoreline.
• Tōrea Pango (Variable Oystercatcher): These birds are a common sight, known for their loud calls and active behaviour.
• Taranui (Caspian Tern): The largest of the terns, with a distinctive red bill, the Caspian Tern is an impressive sight as it dives for fish.
• Poaka (Pied Stilt): These elegant birds are easily recognisable by their long, pink legs and black-and-white colours – often wading in shallow waters.
• Kuaka (Bar-tailed Godwit): Famous for their long migratory journeys, these birds are often spotted on Tamaki mudflats.
• Huahou (Red Knot): Another long-distance migrant, the Red Knot can be seen in flocks, particularly during their migratory stopovers.
• Pohowera (Banded Dotterel): These small, plump birds are noted for their banded chests and quick movements along the beaches.
• Tūturiwhatu (New Zealand Dotterel): A threatened species, these birds are a conservation priority, with efforts underway to protect their nesting sites.
• Ngutuparore (Wrybill): Unique for their curved bill, Wrybills use their unusual bill to forage under stones.
• Tarāpunga (Red-billed Gulls): Common around the coast, these gulls are easily identified by their bright red bills and legs.
• Kōtare (Kingfisher): A distinctive bird with a green-blue back, buff to yellow undersides and a large black bill.
• Kāruhiruhi (Pied Shags): Often seen perched on rocks or trees drying their wings, Pied Shags are skilled divers, catching fish underwater.
• Matuku (White-faced Heron): With their graceful stance and elegant plumage, these herons are frequently observed stalking their prey in shallow waters.
• Matuku Moana (Reef Heron): Less common, these solitary birds can be seen hunting along rocky shores and tidal areas.

As we said, there are a lot of birds in our local waters and along the shoreline! Which is even more reason to be aware of and respect this special area.

Tamaki Marine Park: Expectations Happily Exceeded

When Mark Oberman, a Tauranga project manager, contracted a Riviera 68 to us, for a complete overhaul, he had some reservations about working with an Auckland-based business. He’s heard some stories about dealing with Auckland business – and they weren’t great!

But we’re glad to say that his experience at Tamaki Marine Park turned around those preconceptions, and exceeded his expectations in every way.

From the moment Mark arrived at TMP, he was greeted with a warm welcome. And the staff, led by Martin, went over above to ensure that Mark’s tight timeline was met. Our Fijian workers played a big role in Mark’s project too – always ready to lend a helping hand and make sure everything ran smoothly.

“I couldn’t help but notice their attention to detail and willingness to go the extra mile,” said Mark.

During the project, Mark took advantage of the wide range of services we offer at TMP, from the haul-out to the various trades who are resident here. Gloss Boats, HMB Electrical, and Marine Detailing all played crucial roles in the overhaul.

And Mike from Aquaplumb kept Mark fueled with his fantastic coffee – Mark even joked that he must have been a barista in his past life! (Mike deserves a high five).

To make sure the project stayed on track, we brought in additional contractors to help meet the tight deadlines. We knew the amount of work that needed to be done in such a short timeframe was substantial, but with careful coordination everything ran smoothly.

We were thrilled to hear Mark’s feedback after the project was completed.

In his own words, “It was spectacular, the ease of TMP management and workmanship, considering the amount of work needed to be done and the tight timeline given. The customer care on the whole project was outstanding.”

By the end of the project, we had completely erased any negative thoughts Mark had about us ‘Aucklanders’. He was thrilled with the results and the exceptional service he received from all involved. In fact, he now highly recommends our services to anyone, whether they’re based in Auckland or beyond.

When you have your boat in the Tamaki Marine Park Drystack, you can rest assured that our team will look after your boat like it’s their own. It’s all about providing exceptional customer service and peace of mind you can trust. Here are a few words from Patrick, our Filipino dry stack master!

Keep Fuel Tanks Full

During winter storage, it’s crucial to keep your boat’s fuel tanks full to prevent condensation. Moisture can lead to corrosion and fuel degradation, especially in diesel tanks, where it can cause the growth of diesel bugs, resulting in costly repairs! Petrol tanks can also get water buildup; keeping them at least half full allows for “breathing” with temperature changes, preventing fuel staleness. Remember, full tanks retain freshness!

Protect Your Boat from UV Damage

Prolonged exposure to UV light can damage your boat’s surfaces and equipment. To safeguard your vessel during the off-season, consider using custom-fitted covers for exterior fixtures or simply drape a sheet over seats or the helm station. It’s also a good idea to move electronics, such as chartplotters and sounders, to a warm, dry indoor location for the winter.

Secure Loose Items

Before storing your boat for the winter, make sure to strap down or remove any items that could potentially blow away or get damaged. This includes:

• Paddle boards
• Kayaks
• Boat covers
• Cushions
• Life jackets
• Fishing gear

Secure these items properly or store them indoors to prevent loss or damage from strong winds or storms during the winter months.

Perform a Thorough Cleaning

One crucial tip for winter boat storage is to perform a thorough cleaning before storing your vessel. This involves:

• Washing the exterior to remove salt, dirt, and grime
• Cleaning and drying the interior, including carpets and upholstery
• Emptying and cleaning storage compartments
• Removing any food items to prevent mould and pests

A clean boat is less likely to develop mould, mildew, or attract pests during storage. Moreover, starting the next boating season with a clean vessel will be much more enjoyable!

At Tamaki Marine Park Boatyard we take a lot of pride in the range and quality of marine services we have onsite. Our service providers are genuine experts in their fields – plus they often work together projects – which makes the process easier.

Winter Specials

With winter well and truly here – keep an eye out for special offers from our service providers – winter isn’t just a time to make the most of sharp pricing – you’ll well and truly avoid the pre-Labour Weekend rush too!

Winteriser Reminder: Quick Tips

As we go to press – you would have noticed the big drop in temperature. (Winter is here and it’s come early). It’s crucial for boaties to take steps to winterise their boats to prevent breakdowns and costly repairs come summertime. By properly preparing your vessel for the off-season, you’ll make sure you have a smooth and enjoyable boating experience when the weather warms up again.

Here are some essential tips for winterising your boat:

Don’t wait until it’s too late – start winterising your boat today! If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to our team at Tamaki Marine Park. We’re here to help you keep your boat in top condition year-round.

We talked to our resident marine plumbing guru, Mike Ledbrooke from Aquaplumb, who took us through a new industry-leading ‘de-sal’ solution that’s designed and manufactured by Kiwi company Oceanflo. Along with exceptional running efficiency, automated operation, and 12/24VDC options, this clever system can literally pump out 70 litres of fresh water every hour.

As the quieter months approach, now is the perfect time to book your spot at Tamaki Marine Park Boatyard. You can take advantage of our hard stands and prepare your boat for the upcoming season.

And with rainy days on the horizon, secure a private working shed or canopy for hire to ensure you (or your chosen marine service professionals) can work on your vessel in comfort, no matter the weather. Don’t wait until the busy period – book your space today and get ahead of the game!

We talked to Nick Olson from PredictWind and got his insights about Auckland weather and how PredictWind uses the latest models to give boaties the forecasts they need.

PredictWind is owned and developed right here in Auckland. And 95% of the PredictWind team lives here too and are all passionate water sport enthusiasts. As we know, Auckland weather can be changeable, making accurate forecasts crucial for safe and enjoyable outings.

Which is why a weather forecasting tool like PredictWind is so valuable, combining cutting-edge technology and an extensive observation network to provide the most reliable weather forecasts you can get.

“PredictWind stands out by incorporating six of the world’s leading weather models: ECMWF, GFS, UKMO, Spire and the proprietary PWG and PWE models,” said Nick.

“These models are renowned for their accuracy and are trusted by professionals and recreational users around the world. By cross-referencing multiple models, PredictWind ensures that you receive the most precise and reliable forecast possible. This multi-model approach significantly reduces the uncertainty that comes with relying on a single weather model.”

One of PredictWind’s unique advantages is its extensive observation network, which was initially developed for the America’s Cup.

“Our network includes strategically placed weather stations that cover key locations around Auckland, such as Gannet Rock, Haystack, Flat Rock, and Rangitoto Light,” says Nick. “In total, you can access over 20 locations around Auckland along with webcams for seeing what conditions are like before heading out.”

Recently, PredictWind released the most detailed tidal maps you can get, which can make your planning easier, trips safer, and more comfortable. “The modelling in Auckland has a 100m resolution, showing eddies and tidal changes in a way one could only ever try to imagine,” said Nick.

PredictWind is available on iOS, Android and the web. Learn more at www.predictwind.com

In the dreams are free category… a Mexican billionaire’s 217-foot hybrid yacht has won top honours at the prestigious World Superyacht Awards – luxury features included spa-like interiors, a spacious galley, a sushi kitchen, a wine wall, rollable OLED TVs, and a panoramic spa pool. Wow!

Prize Catch: Kubota Billfish Classic