yacht season nz

Black Foils star on home waters with Lyttelton Harbour win to move top of Season Championship.

New Zealand secured the ultimate win on home waters in Christchurch to seize the Championship lead from Australia with only four events remaining of Season 4.

The Kiwis trounced France and Canada in dramatic style on Lyttelton Harbour, securing a picture-perfect start and executing a flawless race to take the win on home waters.

Despite efforts by Quentin Delapierre’s France to pass the Black Foils by splitting at Gate 4, the Kiwis proved uncatchable and crossed the finish line to seize their 4th event win of the season.

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Superyachts line up to race in New Zealand's celebration of summer on the water

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By using our extensive climate guides for each charter region throughout the world, you can explore in-depth weather information for each month and work out which time will suit your individual needs.

For example, the sea temperature will largely affect how much time you intend on spending in the water trying out your superyacht toys so watersports will want to make sure they travel during the warmest periods. In contrast, some areas may become particularly hot during summer and charterers would be advised to book later to ensure more comfortable conditions.

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NZ Marine Industry Association

Committed to developing the Marine Industry in New Zealand

2022’s largest superyacht event in the southern hemisphere, shows yachts have made a return

January 22, 2023 by Caroline

A superyacht welcome function, held last month marking the start of the cruising season in New Zealand, showed the strength of the return of superyachts to the southern hemisphere cruising grounds. 

Superyachts are back, and the New Zealand industry has welcomed them with open arms.

At the country’s annual Superyacht Welcome Function, which marks the start of the superyacht season in New Zealand, crew from more than 30 superyachts gathered to celebrate the return to New Zealand’s iconic cruising grounds.

Hundreds of crew, both newly arrived in New Zealand and from yachts that had undergone refit in the country through winter, demonstrated the return of superyachts in force to New Zealand for its cruising season.

Hosted by Superyacht New Zealand and NZ Marine, crew were joined by key industry representatives and 54 sponsor companies from the domestic market, which specialises in the provision of high-quality refit and services. The event was also an opportunity to foreshadow one of the key events on the superyacht calendar in New Zealand, as Sail GP prepares to race in March 2023, with Sail GP’s chief commercial officer, Karl Budge on hand to get the crowd excited about the superyacht and VIP race viewing to come.

New Zealand’s superyacht-friendly legislation and easy clearance policies have seen yachts rapidly return to the country, with a two-year temporary import entry (TIE) gaining yachts tax concessions. With the opportunity to access GST-free goods, services, and refit, the nation has also greatly increased its marine infrastructure, ensuring vessels have world-class facilities.

The past three years have seen New Zealand’s inner city marinas, haul out and refit facilities increase exponentially and it’s now possible to berth an exceptional number of large superyachts in the heart of major cities.

Peter Busfield, executive director of NZ Marine, the organisation which administers Superyacht New Zealand, greeted guests and thanked crew for visiting New Zealand.

He invited crew to pick up a copy of the Destination & Cruising New Zealand book, which is also available for download. Detailing the best of New Zealand cruising, it acts as a companion for crew both planning their New Zealand journey and those already in the country.

The guide has just been re-released with updated information. Download the Guide here , and see Superyacht New Zealand for more information.

ENDS superyachtnewzealand.co.nz www.nzmarine.com

For more information or interview requests, please contact Isla McKechnie of Albatross PR,  [email protected]

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New Zealand

Possessing an intense beauty mirrored in tranquil mountains and raging rivers, New Zealand is one of the most breathtakingly scenic yachting destinations in the southern hemisphere. Mesmerizing glaciers, bubbling mud pools and soft golden beaches are all there to be discovered alongside one of the world’s premier wine and food scenes.

The cruising grounds of New Zealand are split into the North and South Islands; varying in landscape and atmosphere but united in a pure sense of natural wonderment. The south is the most scenic and mountainous of the two, with a breathtaking range of jagged Alps running the length of the island. The north is somewhat of a quieter and more relaxed holiday destination with a strong yachting history.

Auckland The picturesque city of Auckland is famous for its exceptional international sailing connections, hosting a collection of first class regattas and superb marinas. The ‘City of Sails’ is the enchanting base for sailing the Hauraki Gulf and the Coromandel Peninsula, two equally captivating cruising grounds in their own right.

Hauraki Gulf and The Coromandel The Hauraki Gulf is an island-sprinkled, smooth-water paradise boasting gorgeous landscapes swathed in scarlet flowers, glowing beaches, sprawling vineyards and seaside villages that are a delight to explore. The Coromandel is dotted with sublime beaches and hidden bays that make for perfect anchorage points.

The Bay of Islands Further north, The Bay of Islands is traditionally New Zealand’s yachting centre, boasting an extraordinary protected bay and hundreds of secluded islands offering the perfect secluded escape. Characterised by unbelievably green hills rolling down onto silky soft sands, the cool waters are simply bursting with incredible marine life, where marlin, dolphins and seals can be seen right from the deck.

Marlborough Sounds For a more peaceful and secluded twist, head to one of New Zealand’s most internationally renowned areas in Marlborough Sounds. An absolute yachting heaven, the exquisite waters of Marlborough are equally matched by their onshore delights, boasting sheltered bays, glistening beaches, hidden caves and exhilarating bushwalks. World-renowned for its exquisite wines, the region is the perfect place to sample some of the world’s best Sauvignon Blanc.

Fiordland Words can not do justice to the natural wonder that awaits in the Fiordland on New Zealand’s remote south-west coast. Nothing short of spectacular, ethereal landscapes rise up majestically from the strikingly calm waters; a flowing combination of snow-capped mountains, rolling hills, tumbling waterfalls and fascinating wildlife.

Queenstown Onshore, there are endless outdoor pursuits on offer, from cycling and canoeing to walking and four-wheel driving. Inland on the South Island is the famous adventure capital of Queenstown, offering a dizzying range of unique and off-beat activities to satisfy even the most hardened thrill-seeker.

By SuperyachtNews 20 Dec 2022

New Zealand superyacht season commences

The newly formed superyacht new zealand organisation hosted crew from more than 30 yachts to announce the start of the southern hemisphere season….

A superyacht welcome function held on December 13, marked the start of the cruising season in New Zealand and showed the strength of the return of superyachts to the southern hemisphere cruising grounds. Superyachts are back, and the New Zealand industry has welcomed them with open arms.

At the country’s annual Superyacht Welcome Function, which marks the start of the superyacht season in New Zealand, crew from more than 30 superyachts gathered to celebrate the return to New Zealand’s iconic cruising grounds.

Hundreds of crew, both newly arrived in New Zealand and from yachts which had undergone a refit in the country through winter, demonstrated the return of superyachts in force to New Zealand for its cruising season.

Hosted by Superyacht New Zealand and NZ Marine, crew were joined by key industry representatives and 54 sponsor companies from the domestic market, which specialises in providing high-quality refit and services. The event was also an opportunity to foreshadow one of the critical events on the superyacht calendar in New Zealand, as Sail GP prepares to race in March 2023, with Sail GP’s chief commercial officer, Karl Budge on hand to get the crowd excited about the superyacht and VIP race viewing to come.

New Zealand’s superyacht-friendly legislation and easy clearance policies have seen yachts rapidly return to the country, with a two-year temporary import entry (TIE) gaining yachts tax concessions. With the opportunity to access GST-free goods, services, and refit, the nation has also greatly increased its marine infrastructure, ensuring vessels have world-class facilities.

The past three years have seen New Zealand’s superyacht marinas, haul out and refit facilities increase exponentially. It’s now possible to berth or refit large superyachts in key regions throughout New Zealand.

Peter Busfield, executive director of NZ Marine, the organisation which administers Superyacht New Zealand, greeted guests and thanked crew for visiting New Zealand.

He invited crew to pick up a copy of the Destination & Cruising New Zealand book, which is also available for download. Detailing the best of New Zealand cruising, it acts as a companion for crew planning their New Zealand journey and those already in the country.

The guide has just been re-released with updated information. Contact Superyacht New Zealand for more details and to download the guide. 

Image credit: Superyacht New Zealand/Jeff Brown

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A Season in New Zealand

A Cruising Guide for Superyachts

Posted on November 6, 2019 February 26, 2020 by Seal Superyachts

New Zealand is an ideal destination for many Superyacht owners sailing in the Pacific. Not only is it a safe country in safe waters, south of the cyclone belt, but it has an English-speaking population. It’s a place where sailors can relax, slow down and catch up on boat projects and essential maintenance – after all, the majority of them will have sailed right along the coast of the Americas in a single 6,000-mile season.

Most owners choose to bring their yachts to Opua in the Bay of Islands, though some head directly for Marsden Cove (Whangarei) – the primary destination for maintenance. Larger vessels tend to clear in at Auckland as Opua can only dock yachts up to a maximum of 30 metres in length.

The Bay of Islands

The shallow waters of the the Bay of Islands make a very pleasant change for sailors who have spent months crossing the deep blue water passages of the Pacific. As the name implies, the bay contains a good choice of islands, some of them uninhabited. There’s a variety of anchorages available for every wind direction, as well as pristine beaches, hiking trails and a few hurricane holes. Each day dawns with emerald views and exotic birdcalls, like the wavering, gong-like call of the tui. Among the more popular islands is Urupukapuka, which is loved for the varied hiking opportunities its undulating terrain provides. Morturua also offers some very dramatic scenery and forested slopes.

As ideal a destination as this may sound, the Bay of Islands has its limits. It’s a relatively small place and, while there are dozens of excellent anchorages, the best spots are clustered around a handful of islands and mainland bays, none more than 15 miles from another. You can easily explore the best of the pay within a fortnight, even at a leisurely pace.

Beyond the Bay of Islands

The Cavalli Islands and Whangaroa are just a day’s sailing north of the Bay of Islands, and are equally enticing. Even the voyage there, with the feel of the open ocean under your keel, can be exhilarating without being too challenging. It’s still just a short coastal hop, with only line-of-sight navigation needed. Alternatively, you can head south to Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf. It’s a very popular destination that almost every sailor heads to eventually, though the journey can be a little wild. It requires shifting mentality from one of “paradise at anchor” to “full sailing mode” as the coastline is raw and exposed to the full brunt of the Southern Ocean. At its best, getting to the Hauraki Gulf is two or three days of enjoyable sailing. At its worst, it’s something of an endurance test.

Along the way between the Bay of Islands and the Hauraki Gulf is Whangamumu – an essential stop that’s just around the corner from Cape Brett. The large, circular bay opens to the east and is uninhabited. It contains only the ruins of an old whaling station, from which a number of hiking trails emerge. Other anchorages on the voyage south include Tutukaka and the outer reaches of Whangarei. There are several islands along the coast here, which are nice to look at as you sail by. Sadly, being nature reserves and having few safe anchorages among them, that’s all you can do with them.

The Hauraki Gulf

Conveniently close to Auckland, the Hauraki Gulf comfortably holds the title of New Zealand’s finest cruising ground. Within a short sail, you can go from city life to woodland reserves like Tiritiri Matangi Island. And, thanks to steady ocean breezes over relatively calm seas, that short sail is an excellent one.

Hopping the [generally] short distances between islands will reveal unique and varied environments on each. You can hike up to the volcanic peak of Rangitoto in the morning, then catch the 15-knot southeasterly wind to enjoy the nightlife of Waiheke Island’s swanky neighbourhoods. Of course, being such a fantastic destination, there will always be plenty of other sailors around. Fortunately, most anchorages are spacious, so you won’t be fighting for space.

If you’d rather escape the ‘sea of sails’, the peaceful Te Kouma Bay is within a day’s sailing from Auckland, on the Coromandel Peninsula. Alternatively, Great Barrier Island acts as a lid to the Hauraki Gulf and offers great hiking among native kauri trees. Be sure to visit the aptly named Smokehouse Bay, where a do-it-yourself wood-fired hot tub awaits.

South To Tauranga

At the northeastern-most point of Hauraki Gulf is Cape Colville, which effectively forms the edge of the map for most sailors. However, rather than monsters of the edge of the world, adventurous sailors are rewarded with destinations like Great Mercury Island. It’s just a day’s sailing to the southeast and is stunningly beautiful, with long, sandy beaches and outstanding scenery. As you head further south, you break up your trip with stops at Mercury Bay, Mayor Island and Slipper Island, weather permitting. It’s worth the voyage to reach Tauranga and its sister city, Mount Maunganui.

There are several reasons why this area should be on your itinerary. You can go ashore to see one of the best-known attractions of New Zealand’s North Island: Rotorua, which is famous for its culture and thermal activity. There’s also the stunning but extremely different scenery offered by Lake Taupo and Tongariro National Park. As an added bonus, the area has some of the lowest marina and yard fees on the North Island too.

If you really want to test your seamanship, you can sail down to the South Island and Fiordland. While very beautiful, the national park is at the extreme southern end of the country and extreme weather can make it effectively off-limits to most sailors, who prefer the calmer conditions of the North Island’s coastline and the convenient overland travel options to take them that far south. Of course, that only makes the experience more rewarding for those able to undertake it.

Along the east coast of the South Island, Akaroa is a little timewarp. The tiny towns around the natural harbour have developed just enough to provide pretty good sailing facilities, but still retain their 19th-century atmosphere and much of the architecture, too. The Akaroa Harbour is part of the Banks Peninsula, which was formed by volcanic activity. Even after 5 million years of inactivity, the area still has a fresh, rugged landscape.

It’s the rich, shallow waters in and around the harbour that bring sailors to this striking part of New Zealand, just southeast of Christchurch. Within a short distance of the main wharf, you can see a New Zealand fur seal colony, rare Hector’s dolphins and cliffs that teem with seabirds. If you like fishing, you can expect to hook blue moki, banded wrasse and a range of sharks, among plenty of others.

With such striking natural attractions, it’s worth noting that you’ll rarely be the only one on the water. Being within a short drive of Christchurch makes Akaroa is a popular day-trip destination. As such, there are many charter vessels in the area, as well as powerboats, pedalos and paddleboard companies.

Marlborough Sounds

The vast, remote Marlborough Sounds are made up of 4,000 sq km of rugged coastline, bays, drowned sea-valleys, native forests and beaches. The result is a natural paradise and a delightful cruising destination on the northern tip of the South Island.

The quaint port town of Picton is worth a visit in its own right, being a gateway to some very picturesque hiking routes. There are also some first-class wineries within a short drive. However, it’s the wildlife in the sounds that are the star attraction. Here, you’ll find the entire breeding population of the rough-faced shag (or New Zealand king cormorant), as well as fur seal colonies, dolphins and penguins.

While most of the waters within the sounds are perfectly calm, the Cook Strait is famous for its strong currents and rough waters, which can be treacherous. It’s worth being wary and maybe even seeking the assistance of a local expert, lest you add your cruiser to the long list of attractions for scuba divers here.

New Zealand’s capital, on the southern end of the North Island, might not be your first thought when it comes to picking a beautiful sailing destination. However, not only does it offer a vibrant city with excellent facilities on land, but there’s plenty to see around Wellington Harbour, too.

A perfect natural shelter, the harbour is a regular haunt of little blue penguins, dolphins and even orcas. Right in the middle is Matiu/Somes Island, which is both a historical and scientific reserve, home to New Zealand’s first harbour light, a Second World War anti-aircraft gun emplacement, seabird colonies and a number of nice hiking routes.

When it comes to sailing conditions, Wellington enjoys very consistent winds, making virtually every day in the summer an ideal day to raise the sheets and earning it the nickname “Windy Wellington”. Of course, many Wellingtonians get the same idea, which can make the harbour a little crowded, particularly on weekends.

Napier and the Hawke’s Bay region, on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island, is home to a rich array of history and nature. There’s the Cape Kidnappers gannet colony at the southern end of the bay, close to the city. Right at the northern end is the Mahia Peninsula, where you might be lucky enough to see a space rocket launch. In between, the region is a great wine-growing area.

The bay is a great spot for fishing. Among the potential catches are lemonfish, kahawai, trevally and moki. Even Napier itself gets regular visits from some interesting wildlife, including fur seals, whales, orcas and little blue penguins.

The Napier Sailing Club is a very good value marina and one of the few safe havens along an otherwise rather challenging coastline, so be sure to stop for a day or two to enjoy the city’s art deco architecture and interesting attractions.

The long natural harbour of Dunedin, on the southeast coast of New Zealand’s South Island, contains both a good choice of sailing clubs and marinas, but also an impressive array of wildlife. The Otago Peninsula runs parallel to the main coastline, creating the harbour, and is home to penguins, fur seals, sea lions, albatrosses and other remarkable creatures, all protected by extensive conservation areas.

Out to sea, you might catch sight of some amazing animals, including blue, humpback and Minke whales. Sail for Taiaroa Head for the best chance of spotting these majestic giants. Other species spotted in the area include orcas, sperm and pilot whales and various types of dolphin.

The Otago Peninsula has a number of smaller coves facing out to sea, many of which are both strikingly beautiful and provide shelter for even more wildlife. There’s even an impressive amount of history to discover, including old fortifications, lime kilns and lighthouses. Be sure to check out the many hiking trails within easy reach of Dunedin city to fully enjoy this natural wonder.

Great Mercury Islands

The Mercury Islands consist of seven beautiful islands about 8 km off the northeast of the North Island. The largest of them – Great Mercury – is privately owned and hosts two luxurious residences that can be hired for about NZ$20,000 per day! Fortunately, you can access the island for free or enjoy enjoy its beauty from the surrounding sea without charge – and they certainly are beautiful! Expect white sands, rolling green hills and sapphire blue waters. Check out Peachgrove Bay – said to be one of the most beautiful bays in New Zealand!

If you like wildlife, you should certainly check out the smaller Mercuries. They host over 3,000 breeding pairs of Pycroft’s petrels and a number of other remarkable bird species. You can also expect to see sharks, penguins and more. Being pest-free, the wildlife on land is particularly remarkable.

We can’t possibly claim that New Zealand has everything you could possibly want from a destination, but it comes about as close as any single destination can. Apart from its own myriad attractions, it’s a restful stop for weary sailors, allowing them to recharge before heading out to “the Islands” – the Kiwi term given to the tropical nations to the north, including Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu and New Caledonia.

In fact, some Superyacht captains enjoy the diversity and comfort of New Zealand that they will simply migrate between here and the tropics as the season changes, bouncing between the two continuously and returning to their favourite spots over and over again. It’s that sort of a place.

Destinations: Australasia , New Zealand

Footnote : Contact Seal Superyachts New Zealand for detailed information about cruising around New Zealand, superyacht charter regulations and about how we can support your visit. Principle agent Ben Osborne is proud to have worked with many of the World’s largest Superyachts and has extensive knowledge of New Zealand and the surrounding area. Ben Osborne Phone: +64 21 040 9976 Email: [email protected]

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2024 NATIONALS - LYTTELTON

59 Zephyrs spent Waitangi Weekend 2024 battling it out in on Lyttelton Harbour, with Mark "MarkO" Orams taking his second consecutive win! A big thanks to host club Naval Point Club Lyttelton, RO Phil Folter & team, the event's sponsors, and event photographer/media Suellen Hurling from  LiveSailDie  for helping promote our class to NZ sailors!

MEDIA COVERAGE FROM LIVE SAIL DIE

DAY THREE REPORT 

Mark Orams builds a picket fence at the 67th Zephyr Nationals  by LiveSailDie

READ ARTICLE

Congratulations to Mark “MarkO” Orams, our Zephyr National Champion of 2024! 

The Sailing Professor had a few great words to share...

MARKO'S SPEECH

DAY ONE REPORT

59 Shades of Grey at the 67th Zephyr Nationals in Lyttelton  by LiveSailDie

DAY TWO REPORT

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..."   - by Live Sail Die

No ego and no protests at the 2023 Zephyr Nationals in Wellington  by LiveSailDie

"@ZephyrYacht has better Nationals coverage than the Olympics classes!" - Jo Aleh, watching from Auckland

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FOLLOW ALONG!

2023 north island champs, taupo: 11-12 nov 2023.

Notice of Race coming soon. read more

2023 SOUTH ISLAND CHAMPS

The latest news.

Photo: Mike Drummond in Zephyr #606 "A-Z" match racing Emirates Team New Zealand in their winning boat "Te Rehutai" on her first sail!  - Photo thanks to LiveSailDie

ZEPHYR NATIONALS 2021 

The name sponsor of the 2021 Nationals, Salthouse Next Generation Boats, had a drone & camera out on the water during the regatta. Watch all the fun (and carnage) in their video!

Manly Sailing Club's commodore Barry Thom chats to ZOA President Matt Mitchell, Youth & Women sailor Penny Linton, and the National Champ of 2021 Rod Dawson.

A video from the start boat on Day Three of the Zephyr Nationals 2021. This was Day Two of racing due to the postponement on Saturday 10th April.

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2023/2024 SEASON MEMBERSHIP

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Join the ZOA and your regional association or renew your membership

$55 membership, or $30 for Zephyr sailors under 25 years old.

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New Zealand Charter Cruising

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Membership Benefits & Fees

Nelson Yacht Club welcomes new members throughout the year. All new membership applications are provisional until approved by the Administration Committee.

The membership year runs 1st September – 31st August, with the sailing season October to April inclusive. A discounted rate can be applied for memberships taken up after 1st February.

As a member of New Zealand’s oldest yacht club, you become a stakeholder in the facilities – the club owns all the buildings, on land leased from Nelson City Council. Much of this land was actually reclaimed by club members’ hard work. There is a great history of the club called “Sailors of 41 degrees South” written by Tracy Neal for the club’s 150th anniversary in 2007.

As well as access to the facilities there are a number of other benefits to being a member:

• Eligible to participate in club racing programmes and social events.
• Members pricing on Sailing School activities (Sailing, Windsurfing, Wingfoiling, SUP)
• 5% Members discount off RRP at the club shop for clothing, equipment & accessories.
• Discounted rates on hire of the Aurora Lounge.
• Able to sign in visitors for the Penguin’s Nest bar.

You also gain access to the benefits provided by Yachting New Zealand through the digital members card and App. It takes a wee while for the admin processes to flow through, but you should receive an email from YNZ within a month or two with details on how to access the App and members benefits. https://www.yachtingnz.org.nz/about-us/member-card-and-app

Volunteering

Membership is of course not just a one-way thing, and we love members to contribute where they can; whether this be on the water, in the Penguin’s Nest, or putting their professional expertise to use in some other area. Check out more info here: Volunteering

Subscriptions – all rates include GST

Subscriptions > feb 1st – all rates include gst.

Please note, whilst the NYC portion of the membership fee is reduced by 50% after Feb 1st, the YNZ levy remains the same price. This is why the overall membership fee is not half the annual fee.

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$240 million superyacht berths in northland.

The 80-metre superyacht Artefact, owned by Canadian tech entrepreneur Mike Lazaridis, arrives in the Bay of Islands. Photo: RNZ / Peter De Graaf

One of the world's most exclusive superyachts has berthed in the Northland port of Ōpua for a two-week stay.

The 80-metre Artefact is owned by Canadian tech entrepreneur Mike Lazaridis, best known for creating the BlackBerry mobile device.

Built in Germany in 2020 at an estimated cost of $240 million and named Motor Yacht of the Year in 2021, Artefact is one of the world's biggest superyachts by volume.

It is also believed to be the biggest motor yacht ever to visit the Bay of Islands.

The vessel arrived just after 1pm on Tuesday and was piloted to Ōpua wharf by the harbourmaster vessel Waikare.

Artefact is expected to stay in the Bay of Islands until 1 January.

It boasts a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system, a range of 5300 nautical miles and a crew of 17, including two chefs and a sous chef.

The 80-metre superyacht Artefact berths at Ōpua wharf. Photo: RNZ / Peter De Graaf

The vessel is notable for the sheer amount of glass used on the passenger decks - 70 tons of glass went into its construction - and interior features such as a high-ceilinged tai chi room designed so that practitioners of the martial art can hold a sword above their heads.

Lazaridis, 62, was born in Turkey to Greek parents, who moved to Canada when he was a child.

At the age of 12 he won a prize for reading every science book in the library at Windsor, his home town in Ontario.

After founding BlackBerry he went on specialise in quantum computing. He has donated large sums of money to theoretical physics research.

When Lazaridis was nominated as a Fellow of the Royal Society in 2014, he was described as the father of what later became known as the smartphone.

It was not known if he was on board when Artefact docked on Tuesday afternoon.

Even superyachts need to get Customs clearance. Photo: RNZ / Peter De Graaf

Irwin Wilson, commercial manager of port authority Far North Holdings, said the visit of the "magnificent" vessel was a sign of the Bay of Islands' post-Covid recovery and a bumper season on the water.

Artefact was joined in the bay on Tuesday by the boutique cruise ship Crystal Symphony, one of a record 93 cruise ships expected this season.

Though many more small cruise ships were calling in this year, the number of passengers would also be a record as long as there were no cancellations due to weather or other factors this year.

The season would ramp up after 18 January with three ships on one day on 31 January. The biggest ship, Ovation of the Seas with 4180 passengers, was due back on 12 February.

Wilson said cruise ships played an important role in the economy of the Bay of Islands, and Northland, because they brought "fresh money" into the region rather than just the money locals recycled among themselves.

With each passenger spending on average $180 on shore, that added up to $23m this season, he said.

Copyright © 2023 , Radio New Zealand

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Aon New Zealand – boat insurance

Aon exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people in Aotearoa New Zealand, and around the world.

Our long-term commitment to Yachting New Zealand, combined with the expertise of our market leading marine division, ensures that we provide Yachting New Zealand clubs and members with comprehensive and reliable insurance cover – both on and off the water.

Dinghy, tender and racing boat

Insurance for your boat, trailer and equipment throughout New Zealand, while travelling on land or on water. Includes racing cover and is available to all members of affiliated Yachting New Zealand clubs. 

•    Agreed value: not based on market value, instead, you set the sum insured. •    Racing cover: usually only offered as an extension for additional premium, our offering includes racing cover for damage to your own boat or a third party. •    Extended third party liability up to $10 million

Get a quote here .

Overseas regatta and transit insurance

Insurance for your racing boat, equipment and third party liability cover while you're competing in an overseas regatta – insurance covers you while racing and in transit. A third party only insurance cover option is also available to align with the notice of race. 

Complete the online application form here .

Travel insurance

Personal travel insurance for both amateur and professional sailors which extends to include injury cover whilst training or racing. Aon provide the following options:

For amateur sailors competing in events, in non-mechanically propelled watercraft less than ten (10) metres in length, and where total regatta prize money is below NZ$1,000, travel insurance can be purchased on Aon’s website here .

If you purchase this policy, there are a few things worth noting:      •    This policy offers liability limits of NZ$2m (Essential Plan) or NZ$5m (Comprehensive and Prestige Plan) with no specific exclusion for on water third party liability cover. This may not be sufficient to meet the regatta notice of race third party liability requirement. •    This policy does not extend to provide insurance for sailors under the age of 18 years old. •    This policy does not cover for injury to family, close relatives or travel companions. •    If the insured gives control of their vessel to another person and that person causes a loss, the skipper could be held liable, and the vessel owner vicariously liable. Under this scenario, the policy may not respond as it’s not a liability directly incurred by the Insured. •    The policy only responds to wreck removal/salvage costs of a third-party vessel, not the insured vessel. •    Training isn’t classed as racing under this policy so loss arising from training may not be covered.

For amateur sailors whose requirements fall outside the travel policy criteria as outlined above, and for professional sailors, Aon have an alternative, tailored travel policy available which also extends to cover injury whilst racing or training. To discuss this policy, please contact Aon’s Marine team as below.

Yacht and launch insurance 

Aon can provide insurance for larger yachts and launches. For more information, please contact the Aon Marine team or visit Aon Boat Insurance.

Find out how Aon can support you with insurance for your boat, racing and travel. 

Say hello to the Aon team today.

Email [email protected]

Contact Chloe Donnelly  (09) 362 9048 or 027 257 9361 | [email protected]

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• Fortnite guides

When does Fortnite downtime end and Chapter 5 Season 3 release?

Get Wrecked from the fallout

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Chapter 5 Season 3 of Fortnite , formally called Wrecked , appears to be focused on using huge vehicles to get around a desert wasteland.

Hot on the w-heels of a Greek methology-themed season , Fortnite Chapter 5 Season 3 will also feature a Fallout crossover .

We’ll break down the expected release times for Fortnite Chapter 5 Season 3 (based on your time zone) and explain when Fortnite downtime is supposed to end . You’ll also get a summary of what to expect from the new Fortnite season.

What time does Fortnite downtime end and Chapter 5 Season 3 release in your time zone?

Update (May 24): Following some down time, we’re live! If you’re just diving in, here’s the list of Chapter 5 Season 3 battle pass skins , a rundown of map and weapon pool loot changes , details about the Magneto skin release date , and an explainer on how to mod vehicles .

Original story follows...

Fortnite Chapter 5 Season 3 is set to launch on Friday, May 24 , at the same time around the world. Based on the launch times of previous seasons, we can make a strong educated guess for when Fortnite will go down and come back up again.

Server downtime typically starts around 2 or 3 a.m. EDT and typically last about four hours, give or take. That means we can reasonably expect Fortnite Chapter 5 Season 3 to go live at the following times depending on your time zone:

• 1 a.m. - 4 a.m. PDT for the west coast of North America
• 4 a.m. - 7 a.m. EDT for the east coast of North America
• 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. BST for the U.K.
• 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. CEST for western Europe/Paris
• 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. JST on Japan/Tokyo

What to expect in Fortnite Chapter 5 Season 3

So far, the known quantities for Fortnite Chapter 5 Season 3 are the name (“Wrecked”) and the much-ballyhooed Fallout collaboration, which will see you get your hands on some Power Armor. Whether this is an item or a skin is yet to be confirmed, but you can briefly see it in action in the following embedded post on X:

Courtesy of the Brotherhood of Steel. pic.twitter.com/x3IEwZOxtU — Fortnite (@FortniteGame) May 21, 2024

Elsewhere, an official teaser trailer suggests a sandstorm will bring about an apocalyptic desert theme:

Meanwhile, the Fortnite X account teased the possibility of a new bus, replete with video footage of a (real) monster truck jumping over a (real?) bus. This dovetails with what longtime Fortnite leaker ShiinaBR (who has a sturdy track record for this sort of thing) said on X : that monster trucks are coming to Fortnite as of Chapter 5 Season 3.

might be a new bus in town pic.twitter.com/Y0nmyxJVs5 — Fortnite (@FortniteGame) May 20, 2024

Tying into all of the above, datamines from the HYPEX account on X suggest “sand landmarks” or a dedicated desert biome, as well as a steam train makeover for the map’s snaking locomotive.

There’s also the suggestion of collaborations with Metallica, Fall Guys, and Pirates of the Caribbean. That said, based on the game’s track record, take these tie-ins with a pinch of salt — and if they do appear, could be in non-battle royale modes, and / or will appear later in the season.

SEASON 3 INFO & LEAKS SO FAR • THEME & DATE: Post-Apocalyptic / May 24th • COLLABS: Metallica, Fall Guys, Pirates of the Caribbean & More.. • UI UPDATES: Each item in the shop will have its own timer • Lead-up Mini Event with a huge sandstorm & lightning • Sand Landmarks… pic.twitter.com/r40pYAPMnV — HYPEX (@HYPEX) May 13, 2024

There’s plenty to look forward to then. The other thing of note — and this is pure speculation on our part — is the season launches day-in-date with Furiosa , making it primed for a possible Mad Max crossover. There has been no indication of that so far (from developer Epic Games or otherwise) but we’d be surprised if that doesn’t appear at some point.

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