Whitianga Marina Wins Marina and Boatyard of the Year

Whitianga Marina has won both Marina of the Year and Boatyard of the Year in the 2026 New Zealand Marina Operators Association Awards. The results also brought specialist recognition for Auckland’s Silo Marina, an eight-berth facility serving superyachts up to 145 metres.

A double award for Whitianga

Whitianga Marina was selected as Marina of the Year from finalists including Gulf Harbour Marina, Marsden Cove Marina and Silo Marina. This source-confirmed detail establishes the immediate context for the report and keeps the article tied to a dated announcement rather than speculation.

The same facility also won Boatyard of the Year ahead of Gulf Harbour, Marsden Cove and Titan Marine Engineering. The significance for Superyacht Guide readers is the double result recognises both marina management and the practical operation of the associated boatyard, while any later sale, delivery, design change or operational milestone would require separate confirmation.

Facilities and recent investment

Whitianga is a certified Clean Marina with 231 berths for vessels from 10 to 24 metres and access to Mercury Bay and the Mercury Islands. This source-confirmed detail establishes the immediate context for the report and keeps the article tied to a dated announcement rather than speculation.

Judges highlighted recent projects including a new fuel dock and seawall alongside a well-maintained 35-tonne travel lift and work facilities. The significance for Superyacht Guide readers is the award reflects operational standards and recent infrastructure work rather than size alone, while any later sale, delivery, design change or operational milestone would require separate confirmation.

Silo Marina’s superyacht role

Silo Marina received a specialist distinction and is described as an eight-berth central Auckland facility serving superyachts up to 145 metres. This source-confirmed detail establishes the immediate context for the report and keeps the article tied to a dated announcement rather than speculation.

Its presence among the finalists required judges to compare a purpose-built superyacht marina with destination facilities serving very different fleets. The significance for Superyacht Guide readers is the awards provide a broader view of marina performance across both regional boating and international superyacht infrastructure, while any later sale, delivery, design change or operational milestone would require separate confirmation.

Wider industry recognition

The NZMOA awards also recognised initiatives in marine biosecurity, staff systems and individual contribution across New Zealand’s marina and boatyard sector. This source-confirmed detail establishes the immediate context for the report and keeps the article tied to a dated announcement rather than speculation.

Marsden Cove Marina was highly commended in both the Marina of the Year and Boatyard of the Year categories. The significance for Superyacht Guide readers is the programme therefore records operational practice, environmental work and workforce capability as well as berth infrastructure, while any later sale, delivery, design change or operational milestone would require separate confirmation.

Official sources: www.nzmoa.com.