Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf: boating safety
Last verified:
Auckland, the 'City of Sails', sits on the Waitematā Harbour at the gateway to the Hauraki Gulf, a sheltered cruising area of islands, bays and marine reserves. The harbour is a working port with container ships, cruise ships and frequent fast ferries, and is very busy with recreational boats in summer.
New Zealand: all rescue numbers → On the rescue map → Print an emergency card →
Harbour and marinas
The Auckland Harbourmaster's duty officers are available 24 hours: urgent calls 09 362 0397, email harbourmaster@at.govt.nz — for harbour emergencies, dangerous boating, navigation hazards and oil spills.
Auckland Transport – Harbourmaster's office ▾
Weather
The Harbourmaster points boaters to the MetService website for forecasts and to Coastguard's NowCasting weather information on VHF.
Auckland Transport – Water safety ▾
Local rules
All vessels must keep to 5 knots within 50 m of any other vessel or person in the water, within 200 m of the shore, and near any structure or vessel flying a dive flag. Permanent limits: 12 knots in the Waitematā Harbour (Harbour Bridge to North Head); 5 knots in Bon Accord Harbour, Kawau Island.
Auckland Transport – Water safety · Auckland Transport – Water safety ▾
Skippers of vessels capable of more than 10 knots must be over 15. Carry two independent ways to contact someone ashore.
Auckland Transport – Water safety · Auckland Transport – Water safety ▾
Hazards
The Manukau and Kaipara harbour bars on the west coast can be dangerous to cross; inexperienced mariners should not attempt them, and a VHF radio is required near a harbour entrance bar.
Auckland Transport – Water safety · Auckland Transport – Water safety ▾
Arriving from abroad
Approved first ports of arrival in Auckland: Auckland Central Marina and Silo Marina (superyachts, specified clients, booking required) and Westhaven Marina (private recreational vessels up to 20 m length and 5 m beam, booking required). Send the Customs Advance Notice of Arrival at least 48 hours before entering NZ waters (12 nm).
New Zealand Customs Service · New Zealand Customs Service · New Zealand Customs Service ▾
Frequently asked
Who do I call in an emergency at sea near Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf?
Call 111 and ask for Police. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.
How do I contact the harbour in Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf?
The Auckland Harbourmaster's duty officers are available 24 hours: urgent calls 09 362 0397, email harbourmaster@at.govt.nz — for harbour emergencies, dangerous boating, navigation hazards and oil spills.
Where do I get the marine forecast for Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf?
The Harbourmaster points boaters to the MetService website for forecasts and to Coastguard's NowCasting weather information on VHF.
Read before you sail
Nearby destinations
Local rules change. Spotted something out of date? support@vesselsos.com