January 31, 2023

International Yacht Rally Welcomed to Port Nikau

Yachts sailing on the Grand Large Yachting (GLY) World Odyssey 500 recently cruised through New Zealand, with a number of vessels calling into Port Nikau for refits and maintenance.

The GLY World Odyssey 500 is a fleet of 32 boats (100 crew from 13 different nationalities) embarking on a three-year round-the-world voyage commemorating the 500th anniversary of the first round-the-world voyage by Ferdinand Magellan and Juan Sebastian Elcano between 1519 and 1522.

Peter and Kathleen Franck had their sailing yacht, the Tartine, hauled out for minor repairs at the Port Whangārei Marine Centre and berthed at Port Nikau’s new marina, Pier B. This was their first time visiting New Zealand and they were hugely impressed by the beauty of Northland and the friendliness of the Port Nikau community.

“Port Nikau has been a great place to stay,” said Peter. “It’s a modern marina, with all the amenities and facilities that make for a comfortable stay.”

Peter and Kathleen were delighted with the peace and quiet of the new marina, tucked away down the Hatea River and sheltered enough to use their water maker. “It’s the perfect location. Everything we need is close by – we’re close to where our boat is being repaired and close enough to the city to bike in and have dinner which was great,” said Kathleen. “It’s really first-rate here, we would definitely recommend the marina to others.”

The new Pier B marina opened in September last year and is already full of both local and international vessels. The pier provides berthage for 24 vessels, 16 to 20 metres in length, including multi-hull options and the opportunity for a vessel up to 40 metres to occupy the berth at the end of the pier.  

Port Nikau’s Marine Manager Blair Smeal says the opening of the international border last year has vessels from around the world plotting their course to New Zealand. “We’ve had the privilege of hosting some of the world’s largest and most well-known vessels and we’re excited that they will once again head to Port Nikau.”

The full Port Nikau Marina, once completed, will be home to three piers dedicated to 120 recreational vessels, including the existing Eastpoint Marina, Pier B and Pier A, which is scheduled for construction this year. These marinas will complement the existing commercial and superyacht marinas at Port Nikau