Superyacht Industry Celebrates Annual Welcome Function in Auckland

Auckland’s waterfront came alive last night, Thursday 4th December 2025 as superyacht captains, crew, and industry leaders gathered for New Zealand’s annual Superyacht Welcome Function, the largest networking event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.

Hosted by NZ Marine, the event brought together representatives from 52 leading marine companies and crew from approximately 30 superyachts. Guests enjoyed an evening of connection and collaboration, with newcomers celebrating their first season in New Zealand alongside returning crew eager to share experiences.

Peter Busfield, Executive Director of NZ Marine, welcomed attendees and expressed gratitude to captains and crew for choosing New Zealand, while acknowledging the sponsors who make the event possible.

“This function showcases the strength of New Zealand’s superyacht sector and the warm welcome we extend to visiting yachts,” said Busfield.

The evening provided an opportunity for crew to engage with key industry representatives across refit, maintenance, equipment supply, and support services, as well as exchange cruising insights with fellow yachts.

The event also highlighted New Zealand’s superyacht-friendly regulations, including a 21-month temporary import period and tax concessions for refits, supported by expanded marina and shipyard infrastructure in Auckland, Northland, and Tauranga. These advantages make New Zealand an efficient and attractive destination for cruising and refit work.

NZ Marine encouraged crew to download the 2025–2026 Destination & Cruising New Zealand Guide, available via the App Store and Google Play, offering comprehensive cruising information and a marine services directory. Additionally, NZ Marine unveiled a new three-page summary guide outlining the latest rules and procedures for visiting yachts.