Whangārei's marine construction and refit industry has expanded from a historical strength in boat-building into the building, repair and re-fitting of pleasure craft and super yachts, naval vessels along with fishing fleet vessels and barges.
Whangārei is recognised as a boatbuilding and marine engineering hub, with a strong focus on heavier engineering repairs and superyacht refits. It is the closest marine engineering precinct to southern cruise routes and boasts a 100 tonne travel lift as well as the largest slipway in New Zealand's North Island. Whangarei is well placed to serve international clients.
Whangārei is often the first entry points for yachties sailing to New Zealand to avoid the Pacific hurricane season and has become a highly respected layover and provisioning spots, for ‘yachties’ sailing to New Zealand and the greater South Pacific. Whangārei welcomes around a hundred visiting overseas vessels each year, with many mooring at the Whangārei Marina located a short walk from the city centre or at Marsden Cove Marina.
Whangārei Marine Promotions Group aims to deliver quality services to visiting yachties. Maintenance services available to these vessels include refrigeration, electronics and electrical, engine supply and service, haul-out and hard-stand, engineering, chandlery, glazing, sail and canvas makers, paint, riggers and sand blasters.