After an offshore passage, the first port matters. Opua offers a straightforward arrival, a well-established marine-service hub and immediate access to the Bay of Islands.

Located inside one of New Zealand’s leading cruising grounds, Opua is a practical landfall for yachts arriving from Fiji, Tonga, New Caledonia and the wider South Pacific. Bay of Islands Marina provides dedicated Customs and quarantine berths, supported by a full-service boatyard and an experienced marine precinct.

Arriving in Opua

International vessels must arrive at an approved place of first arrival and complete Customs and MPI clearance before moving elsewhere in New Zealand waters.

Before arrival, complete the required documentation, including the Advance Notice of Arrival. Customs currently requires this form at least 48 hours before arrival. Vessels must also meet MPI’s biosecurity and biofouling requirements.
On approach, follow the instructions provided by New Zealand Customs, MPI and Bay of Islands Marina. Proceed directly to the designated quarantine berth and remain aboard until clearance is complete.
Current arrival requirements should always be confirmed before departure through New Zealand Customs, MPI and the Bay of Islands Marina arrivals guide.

Clear In. Then Slow Down.

Arrive. Reset. Plan what’s next.
Once clearance is complete, there is no need to rush south.

The Bay of Islands offers sheltered anchorages, historic coastal settlements and extensive cruising within a short distance of the marina. It is also a practical base for resetting after an offshore passage and preparing for the next stage of your cruising programme.

 

Your South Pacific Service Base

Opua provides direct access to the marine trades, supplies and facilities required for routine maintenance, insurance work and larger refit projects.

The local marine precinct includes:

• Opua Boatbuilders

• Marine engineers

• SeaPower Marine Electrics

• Yacht riggers

• North Sails

• Opua Boat Yard

• Refrigeration technicians

• Cater Marine Chandlery

• NZ Yacht Services Rigging

Make Opua Your First Stop

Visiting owners have access to:

• Full-service boatyard and haul-out facilities

• Fuel dock

• Pump-out facilities

• Complimentary Wi-Fi and customer lounge

• Commercial laundry and hot showers

• Restaurants and general store

• Refuse and recycling facilities

This concentration of services makes Opua a strong base for repairs, provisioning and preparing the yacht for another season in the Pacific.

Considering Selling Your Yacht in New Zealand?

Planning to return to New Zealand and considering selling your yacht?
Recent changes to New Zealand Customs requirements have created plenty of discussion across the cruising community. The process is manageable with the right advice. And the problems have been with cruisers last year arriving under 1 set of rules and customs changing them. This year we are set in stone, and we are all used to their changes, and customs have now come to grips with how the rules all work in context. 

Visiting foreign-owned yachts that want to sell will now be required to provide a refundable financial security when entering New Zealand. That security is your importation amount, so 20% of your depreciated value from your bill of sale. 

If the yacht is sold to an international buyer and exported in accordance with Customs requirements, the security will be refunded. If it is sold to a New Zealand buyer, the vessel can be formally imported, with the applicable GST and duties paid during the transaction. It is important to understand the requirements before arriving, advertising the yacht or agreeing to a sale.

Get Clear Advice Before You Arrive

36° Brokers is based in Opua and works directly with visiting yacht owners considering their next move.
We can discuss your plans before you reach New Zealand, help establish the correct process with the New Zealand Customs Service and coordinate a sale through to settlement.

Returning from the islands and considering selling your yacht?
Contact 36° Brokers before arrival. We will help you establish the facts and plan the process correctly.