June 14, 2024

Iceberg spotted at Port Nikau

When the luxury motor yacht Iceberg, built by Circa Marine, returned to Whangārei for maintenance and repairs, it was more than just a homecoming – it was the beginning of a deep connection with Port Nikau and the surrounding Northland region.

Built by Circa Marine in Whangārei, just up the road from Port Nikau, Iceberg found the perfect home for maintenance and repairs. We caught up with Hans to learn more about their experience and the deep connection they’ve formed with Whangārei and the surrounding Northland region.

Since their first day at Port Nikau, Hans, partner Heather, and the crew have found a real home-from-home, helped by the technical expertise on hand being a rewarding and stress-free experience.

Work on Iceberg included main engine servicing and a wide range of upgrades and specification checks to the 34-metre boat. “There are good contractors and marine services here, especially for the big yachts and yachts like ourselves. Everyone we’ve dealt with at Port Nikau has great expertise and knows what they’re doing, and the support from Blair [Smeal, Marina Manager] has been incredible.”

Iceberg bid a fond goodbye to New Zealand in March 2024, but it’s not farewell forever. Hans has plans to return to Port Nikau later this year after trips to Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Fiji, the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.

“I’ve grown really fond of Whangārei and the surrounding areas, as has the whole crew! We’ll have more work to do, and we have no reason to go anywhere else. We’d rather take a 10-day trip to get back here and do the work knowing we’ve established this special connection.”

Aside from the world-class marine services available here, Hans and the team have fallen in love with Northland. Hans has immersed himself into Northland life and is full of praise for the world-class diving and sea fishing opportunities presented by Poor Knights Islands, Tutukaka coast and the wider Bay of Islands, the abundance of outdoor leisure activities on offer and, the culinary scene in Whangārei.

“The restaurants! I don’t even know where to begin! We’ve found so many nice ones. Then there’s the farmers’ markets, the fresh food, fresh groceries, and all the friendly local people, they’re just too nice.

“The BBQ smokehouses are phenomenal and, because we have a big South African crew, we have loved the butcheries here and all the South African products. It’s amazing because it tastes just like home!”

Hans also has plenty of praise for the New Zealand sailing community, including customs, immigration and biosecurity services. “What I love about being in New Zealand is just how well everybody looks after their stuff – especially the environment. The environment is really important to people here.”