Westhaven Marina

The basics

You don’t need to have arrived in Auckland by yacht to make use of the facilities at Westhaven Marina. It’s a great place to walk or cycle and admire the city views, and you can also see the marina itself from a distance from many other parts of the city, including the motorway and Auckland Harbour Bridge. Many sailing tours of Waitematā Harbour pass the marina and provide some commentary on it after departing from the nearby Viaduct Harbour.

Things to know before you go

• If you’re looking for a boat charter company, these are located on the eastern side of the marina, closest to the Wynyard Quarter.

• There’s a pedestrian promenade along the southern side of the marina, plus a small beach at Saint Mary’s Bay.

• Toilet, shower, and laundry facilities are available at the marina.

How to get there

Westhaven Marina is on downtown Auckland’s waterfront, just west of the Wynyard Quarter. If you’re coming from other parts of the central city, it’s easy enough to walk or cycle here. Parking is limited and expensive in this area, and it’s often subject to time limits. The marina has its own parking system; permits must be purchased online.

When to get there

You can visit Westhaven Marina at any time. It’s especially nice on a summer evening, when you can enjoy dinner, drinks, and a beautiful sunset. The marina is lively during sailing events and competitions. These tend to take place more often in the summer (December–February), as well as late spring (November) and early fall (March).

Visit the New Zealand Maritime Museum

Not far from the Westhaven Marina in downtown Auckland, the New Zealand Maritime Museum is another worthwhile ocean- and sailing-related attraction in the area. It includes displays on seafaring history, models and replicas of ships of all kinds, and plenty of interactive, kid-friendly exhibits. The location beside Princes Wharf and the Viaduct Harbour is very handy, too.