Testimonials of Port Nikau
Port Nikau hosts superyachts from around the world. Discover firsthand accounts from captains who've berthed at Port Nikau, detailing their experiences with repairs, maintenance, and refurbishments during their stay.
Sea Legacy 1
Sea Legacy 1 has returned to its homestead in Aotearoa (New Zealand) to document its natural beauty and the impact marine reserves have on the nation’s biodiversity when the community comes together to protect it. We were thrilled to host the yacht between November 2023 and March 2024. Learn more about their conservation work on their website.
We spoke to Captain Michael Gestal who told us that Port Nikau was an amazing place to launch a refit for any size yacht, while giving the crew onboard a good quality life. As the Marina is located just out of Whangarei, there is easy access to hiking, diving, surfing and a slew of other outdoor activities for the crew.
“The marina and amenities were top-notch, but the staff and skill of the trades in the area set Port Nikau apart. We couldn’t have asked for a better host! Blair, the Marine Manager, was extremely flexible, helpful, communicative, and created a nice welcoming atmosphere all the while showcasing the high quality of work that you can find in Whangarei.
“During our time, we worked with exceptional welders, electricians, engineers and riggers, all providing us with top-quality yacht services without any of the headaches and politics you can find in other busier areas. I would recommend Port Nikau to yachts of all sizes. We will definitely return here for any major refits or stopovers in the future.”
Michael Gestal Sea Legacy 1 Captain
Sea Eagle II
In April 2023, the world’s largest aluminium yacht arrived in the Whangārei Harbour. The triple 62.5m high mast Sea Eagle II moored at Port Nikau since finishing off her maiden voyage and sea trial to New Zealand from the Netherlands.
In late October a chorus of horns farewelled the Sea Eagle II departing from the Whangārei Harbour after a six-month refit based at Port Nikau’s superyacht berth.
“Port Nikau and Whangārei was a successful refit port for Sea Eagle III. We found a high degree of competency and practicality in the various contractors that carried out the work. Engine work, engineering, hydraulics, air con, insulation, rigging, and fine woodwork were all carried out here. Agents for local services such as accommodation, temp crew, and logistics also contributed.
“It’s very convenient, and a situation not readily found in other ports. We were alongside a secure berth on a large wharf – large enough that we had two work containers at the end of the gangway, and cranes attending to rigging work, and to work on the booms alongside the vessel.
“The Whangārei District has plenty of natural environment activities enjoyed by the crew as well as venues for after-work/evening hang-outs. Auckland is ever closer with the new motorway (less than 2 hours away) and the Bay of Islands is only an hour north.”
Tod Thompson Sea Eagle II Co-Captain and Manager
Altair
Altair was berthed at Port Nikau from March 2020 – March 2022 for a full refit. We talked with the Captain of the boat, Nigel Blackbourn, who has been involved in the superyacht industry for a large part of his 40 years at sea. He’s worked for the Qatari royal family, overseeing the running of 19 superyachts and hundreds of staff. He was also team boss of the German America’s Cup team in 2007.
Altair is a famous schooner, often seen as the vessel that set the standard for classic yacht restorations. Nigel says this has been reflected throughout the recent restorations and says that Altair represents the perfection and quality of the workmanship that has been available locally.
“Altair represents the perfection and quality of the workmanship that has been available locally. It couldn’t have been done any better – the challenge was met at a very very high level.
“We came to Port Nikau because of the skillset that is here in Whangārei, especially for a refit of a classic yacht of this period. We knew local shipwrights and boatbuilders that could help.
“The level of workmanship here is second to none of anything I have seen in the world of 40-odd years in the industry, visiting some of the best yards in Europe and America. It’s strange to find everything you want in a small community like this. It’s been fantastic.”
Nigel Blackbourn Captain of Altair
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