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Noble Marine 2022 SW - LEADERBOARD

Tips for sailing to New Zealand

by Island Cruising NZ 6 Oct 2022 01:22 UTC
SV Rosalie Clare under sail in New Zealand © Sea Stewardship

One of the hardest things and time consuming things about sailing to international destinations is navigating the multitude of formalities and mountains of paperwork required.

Covid has made this process even more complicated and cumbersome, and sailing to New Zealand is no exception. But never fear! Island Cruising is here to help and if you are having issues navigating the various websites to find all the information, please get in touch.

Here are some key tips to make the process easier for both returning NZ and International visiting vessels:

  • If you aren't a NZ or Australian passport holder you'll need to get a visa. You'll need to apply for a NZeTA before you arrive which will give you a three month entry and then you'll probably want to extend your visa. If you've got questions about this process we highly recommend Flair Migration.

  • New Zealand has very strict biosecurity requirements. Declare all your fresh food, fruit, honey, eggs meat etc - or better yet - eat it all before you get here as it will be taken off you. There are harsh penalties for not declaring the items on the biosecurity forms. Your yacht will probably be searched by a dog so don't try to conceal anything - they'll find it!

  • You must have a clean hull - don't bring any nasties in on your hull. Give it a good scrub before you set sail. You'll go faster too!

  • International yachts are allowed to enter and stay for up to two years. Stay any longer than that and you'll be up for 15% GST and 5% duty.

  • Ports of first arrival for recreational vessels include: Opua, Whangarei, Auckland (Westhaven marina), Auckland Harbour Viaduct marina and Silo Park marina, Tauranga (Vessel works precinct), Picton, Lyttelton

  • If you're not a NZ citizen you need to have a Covid vaccination certificate.

  • Make sure you submit all the advance notification of arrival forms before you set off.

If you have any questions, need a hand with all the paperwork, or would like to join our rally departure heading home to NZ mid-October please get in touch -

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