Tauranga's Vessel Works: An Ultimate Superyacht Refit Destination
Tristan Blatter 20 Nov 2023 Tauranga / New Zealand / Refit & Repairs / Project Management
New Zealand’s refit infrastructure is rapidly expanding and an area that should certainly be on the superyacht map is Tauranga, the largest city in the tourist hotspot of the Bay of Plenty. This harbourside city has one of the fastest-growing population centres in New Zealand and has become a favourite holiday destination. Tauranga is home to a deep water port and commercial harbour making it a hub of marine industry infrastructure. Central to this is Vessel Works, one of New Zealand’s premier specialists for superyacht haul out and refit work.
Photo: 48m Christensen, No Comment
Superyachts, owners and crew, can easily experience the beautiful country by land and sea, enjoying simple access to New Zealand’s safe shores, high-quality refit services and world-renowned scenery. Foreign flagged yachts visiting New Zealand benefit from a superyacht-friendly framework that includes newly completed refit facilities, a 24-month Temporary Import Entry (TIE), and refit services and supplies which are exempt from New Zealand’s 15% goods and services tax (GST). Importantly, these factors make New Zealand a fantastic location for any superyachts undergoing refits and repairs.
Photo: 34m Royal Huisman, Sassafras
Vessel Works is a premier shipyard in New Zealand with haul-out capabilities for vessels from 15-55m. Vessel Works is an approved Port of First Arrival and Transitional Facility, working closely with New Zealand Customs. The facility is purpose-built to lift commercial and recreational vessels up to 350 tonnes. Additionally, larger yachts have alongside berthing up to 55m.
Photo: 36m Alloy Yachts, Miss Silver
One of the key selling points for Tauranga, Dave Withington, Precinct Director at Vessel Work explains, is the city and surrounding region. Yachts choosing New Zealand for their refits have already made a great decision, the summer refit season is a welcome change from the traditional Mediterranean winter. Situated in the heart of the pristine Bay of Plenty, Tauranga is a premier destination for Kiwis and international visitors alike.
Crew and guests based here are spoilt for choice. Te Moananui ā Toi (the coastal Bay of Plenty) has 125km of white sand beaches stretching in either direction along the coast from Tauranga. Superyachts based at Vessel Works are a short drive from the Rotorua lakes, with its famous cycling tracks, and in winter, the ski fields in the central North Island of New Zealand are easily accessible. There are not many refit destinations in the world that can offer kayaking across a lake to see the world-famous glow worms, or hiking through untouched rainforests right on its doorstep.
Photo: The view from atop Mt Maunganui, a 10-minute drive from Vessel Works.
Vessel Works specialises in 15 to 55m superyacht haul-outs on its hardstand. Drawing on the extensive world-class maritime contractor network in the region, the open yard allows a vessel conducting a refit the flexibility of unlimited contractor access to complete a project with contractors of your choosing. Tauranga’s extensive recreational and commercial maritime history is another key factor that supports successful refits at Vessel Works. A favourite destination of cruise ships, the regulatory framework in place is well placed for visiting superyachts, making for seamless visitation.
Superyachts considering a refit in the South Pacific have a truly unique and world-class offering in Tauranga. For those yachts looking for a specialised refit, with established contractors and an unbeatable location, Vessel Works Tauranga is the perfect refit destination.
