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If you’ve ever driven over Auckland’s Harbour Bridge, and thought, ‘I must visit that marina one day’ then this day is for you.
If you have ever wondered how to get started in sailing or boating, then this day is for you.
If you have friends and family that love the sea and the waterfront, then this day is for you.
The Westhaven Marina Day on Sunday, March 25 at Westhaven Marina in central Auckland showcases one of Auckland’s iconic attractions at its best, and is an opportunity to see a different side to boating in Auckland.
Thanks to Westhaven’s yacht and boating clubs, local marine businesses, and the support of Panuku Development Auckland, all activities are completely free.
“This day is all about inviting Aucklanders to come in and explore the heart of boating in Auckland,” Panuku Development Auckland marinas manager Tom Warren said. “There is a lot happening here, and all are welcome to discover it.”
Activities include a special kids fishing experience, boat tours, Sealegs amphibious boat rides, sailing, kayaking and stand up paddleboard sessions, tuk-tuk rides, and the opportunity to climb aboard the Maritime Police vessel Deodar, meet the Auckland Council biosecurity dogs, visit the America’s Cup and even a complimentary sausage sizzle.
There will also be a marine car boot sale, a craft fair (organised by the Buoy Café), a range of displays and activities, a pirate ship bouncy castle, face painting, gutterboat racing, music and food.
By participating in sailing, kayaking or SUP at St Marys Bay, you’ll have the opportunity to go into the draw to win a Phantom Kayak from Phoenix Kayaks valued at $599 – and you can talk to the Ponsonby Cruising Club’s members about how to join a crew and get started in Auckland’s yacht racing scene.
You’ll also be able to find out about projects and initiatives to improve water quality in the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest marina.
Westhaven Marina thanks the following organisations for their tremendous support of Marina Day: the Ponsonby Cruising Club, Buoy Café, LegaSea, Phoenix Kayaks and GiveitaGo Kayak & SUP Hire, Drowning Prevention Auckland, Watershed, Westhaven Rotary, Coastguard Auckland, Sealegs, Coastguard Boating Education, Ministry of Primary Industries, Maritime Police, Department of Conservation, the Auckland Motorway Alliance, Auckland Council, the FatBikeShop, Westhaven Radio Sailing, the Cruising Association of New Zealand, Sailability and the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron.
See www.westhaven.co.nz/marinaday for more.
- Postponement due to weather will be posted on Facebook and online. Most activities are free, but we recommend bringing some money in case you’d like to make a purchase. Bringing your own bottle of water is also recommended. Westhaven usually has plenty of parking, but please only use the white zones unless you have a parking permit. If you plan to take part in on the water activities, please wear suitable clothes and dress for the weather. Sports clothes are ideal, but no jeans.
