7 min read

Top destinations for boaties in New Zealand

New Zealand is one of the best places in the world to own a boat. From sailing to fishing and water sports, we've rounded up the best places to explore with your boat in New Zealand.
By · April 5, 2024
Top destinations for boaties in New Zealand

New Zealand is one of the best places in the world to own a boat. Whether you live at the bottom of the South Island or the top of the North, there’s no shortage of lakes to sail on, seas to fish or coastlines to explore.

Here are ten of the best places to visit with your boat in New Zealand.

What should boat owners know before they use their boat in New Zealand?

New Zealand has specific laws around recreational fishing, wildlife protection and general boating safety. If you’re new to the country, or to boating in general, make sure you understand what’s expected of you as a boat owner.

Boating Safety Regulations

Before you set off, familiarise yourself with New Zealand's maritime rules and regulations, including safety equipment, navigation lights, and right-of-way rules. Make sure your boat is properly equipped with life jackets, flares, fire extinguishers, and other essential safety gear.

What to know

While it’s not mandatory to register your boat, it’s still a good idea to understand the local regulations for your area, as some Councils require owners to register their jetskis or personal watercraft (PWCs). A PWC is usually defined as a small boat with an outboard or propellor-driven motor.

Marine Mammal Protection

There are many marine mammals that make the waters of Aotearoa home. This means, we also have strict rules around interacting with dolphins, whales, and seals. It is illegal to disturb, harass, or harm animals in any way.

What to know

Boaters must maintain a safe distance (usually at least 50 meters) from marine mammals and avoid approaching them directly. Special regulations apply to whale watching and swimming with dolphins.

Check out the DOC website for specifics on how close your boat can get to whales, dolphins or seals in the wild.

Fishing Regulations

New Zealand is one of the best places in the world to fish. Our waters are home to a wide range of species. But with great fishing comes great responsibility.

To sustain our fishing populations there are rules around the size of fish you are allowed to catch.

What to know

Before fishing, make sure you are at least one nautical mile away from a marine reserve and check the size of your catch as you go. Check out MPI for current rules on fishing gear, methods and measuring.

Marine Reserves

New Zealand has 35 marine reserves or marine sanctuaries around the country. Marine reserves are great for preserving marine biodiversity and habitats. The overflow in fish populations from these areas is also what makes our coasts such a great place to fish.

What to know

These areas are off-limits to fishing, shellfish gathering, and other extractive activities to allow our fish populations to recover and thrive. Be mindful of marine reserve boundaries and refrain from fishing or disturbing marine life within these protected areas.

Check out the DOC website for marine reserves near you.

Biosecurity Measures

It’s always a good idea to properly clean your boat after going on the water. This helps prevent the spread of invasive species like didymo and other spreadable algaes that can impact local lakes and waterspots.

What to know

Make sure you properly clean your vessel's hull, bilge, and equipment after use. Wash your boat, trailer, and gear with water and detergent if travelling between different waterways. This helps avoid introducing invasive species to new environments.

Weather Conditions

New Zealand's weather can be unpredictable, with sudden changes in wind, tides, and sea conditions. Stay informed about weather forecasts and sea conditions before heading out on the water.

What to know

Always be prepared to change your plans based on the weather forecast or sudden changes in weather. Keep a lookout on Metservice for the most up-to-date forecast. Always prioritise the safety of those on the boat over your chosen activity.

The best places to boat in New Zealand

Bay of Islands, Northland

The Bay of Islands is made up of 144 picturesque islands. That means even if you’ve been a dozen times before, there’s always something new to explore. The Bay of Islands is a maritime haven. It offers calm, warm waters, and lots of coastline and coves to explore. It’s the perfect destination for sailing or for anyone looking for a calm day on the water.

If you like water sports, make the most of being surrounded by such stunning scenery by kayaking around the coast. Much of the Bay of Islands is located in a marine sanctuary which is ideal for snorkeling and swimming.

While you can’t fish in a marine sanctuary, the nearby waters are often highly populated with fish. Just make sure you are at least one nautical mile away from the marine reserve.

Hauraki Gulf, Auckland

The Hauraki Gulf is made up of over 50 islands and is known as the playground for Auckland's boating community. If you’re into sailing, spend the day navigating the gulf's pristine waters.

If adventuring is more you thing why not take a trip over to Waiheke Island or beyond to Kawau Island and Great Barrier Island.

The Bay of Plenty

The Bay of Plenty is know for its golden sandy beaches and abundant waters. It’s not surprise that this area is also a haven for boat owners. Sheltered harbours provide ideal conditions for recreational activities, including fishing, swimming, and water skiing.

Keen to go fishing? Whakatane is one of the best fishing destinations nearby and offerssome of New Zealand's best angling spots.

Rotorua Lakes

Surrounded by volcanic landscapes, Rotorua's lakes offer a unique boating experience in New Zealand. From Lake Rotorua to Blue Lake, these calm, deep waters are ideal for water sports, fishing, and family-friendly adventures.

The lake district of Rotorua is ideal for long weekends as there are many camping grounds and walking tracks nearby that are worth exploring.

Lake Taupō

As New Zealand's largest lake, Lake Taupō offers endless opportunities for getting out on the water. Whether you are into jet boating, sailing or fishing, there's something for everyone to partake in on its calm waters.

Explore the iconic Maori rock carvings or simply cruise along the scenic shoreline. Whether you seek adventure or relaxation, Lake Taupō delivers an unforgettable boating experience.

Wellington

Wellington might has a reputation (and nickname) of being the ‘Windy City’ but it’s also an ideal place to own a boat. The centrally located marina and its many bays means there’s always somewhere sheltered to explore.

Enjoy a leisurely cruise around the south coast, sail over to Dave’s Bay, drop anchor in Oriental Bay or sail up the Kapiti Coast. There’s also great diving spots to be found close to the city, including Island Bay.

Marlborough Sounds

Nestled in the northeastern tip of the South Island, the Marlborough Sounds are one of the most beautiful places in the country for boat owners to explore.

With over 1,500 kilometres of secluded coves, stunning coastlines and sandy beaches to explore, the Sounds offer some of the best sailing opportunities in New Zealand.

Discover hidden bays, encounter diverse marine life and enjoy the calmness and tranquility of a day (or weekend) on the water.

Abel Tasman National Park

The sun-drenched region of Nelson-Tasman gets some of the highest sunshine house in the country. Here, you’ll find the spectacular Abel Tasman National Park, a paradise for hikers and sea lovers. The park is home to golden beaches and clear waters and long stretches of quiet, pristine coastline.

Visit the Tonga Island Marine Reserve for unparalleled snorkelling and diving experiences, or simply cruise along the shoreline, taking in the beautiful scenery.

Central Otago’s Lakes

From Lake Wakatipu to Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea, Central Otago has plenty of lakes to explore. Enjoy a day on the crystal clear waters surrounded by stunning mountains.

If you’re into fishing, watersports or just spending time on the water, Central Otago has you covered. There are lakes to fish for trout or simply soak in the breathtaking scenery.

Getting your boat from A to B

Whether you need to transport your boat to your holiday home or are buying a boat off Trademe, getting your boat from A to B isn't always easy.

At Wise Move, our boat transportation teams can make sure your boat is delivered on time and without any hassle. Book your boat transportation service today.

What do our customers say?

Read reviews of Wise Move to learn stories from our customers.
$1,500
DNA535 Trailer Boat
Christchurch, Cracroft
Auckland, Unsworth Heights
10
Maree
Reviewed 2 days ago
Jeff was fantastic moving our boat from Christchurch to Auckland. Excellent service and treated and cared for, as his own. Would recommend him to all. Cheers Jeff.
$350
Small motor boat
Auckland, Waitakere
Porirua, Whitby
10
Stephanie
Reviewed 1 week ago
Amazing service, these guys are the best! Very happy with the service and communications!
$380
Small boat Kayak
Motueka, Tasman
Paraparaumu, Raumati Beach
10
Louise
Reviewed 1 week ago
Thank you for transporting our items. Communication was great including phone call when it was on it's way. Price was very reasonable compared to others. Thanks again!
$2,250
Lincoln, Canterbury
Parua Bay, Northland
10
Bruno
Reviewed 2 weeks ago
Would happily use Eagle eye in the future to transport our assets. Gold star Service! Thanks Jeff.
$995
Small boat Optimist
Auckland, Milford
Christchurch, Redcliffs
10
Mike
Reviewed 3 weeks ago
Rach and Russ were awesome to deal with, brilliant communication, boat was delivered in great condition. Highly recommend using them! Cheers guys.
$1,700
Morrinsville, Waikato
Willowby, Canterbury
9.5
Tim
Reviewed 4 weeks ago
Delivered in good time, good price. Thanks would definitely recommend
$1,590
Hastings, Hawke's Bay
Dunedin, Otago
10
Steven
Reviewed 30 October, 2024
These guys are legends! They were flexible on picking up and took great care of my JetSki. They covered with blankets and shrink wrapped it for the 1100km journey. I would absolutely recommend and use them again.
$1,500
Small boat 29er on beach trailer
Christchurch, Bromley
Auckland, Albany
10
Jason
Reviewed 29 October, 2024
Great service will use again

For every (wise)move

TradeMe purchase pickup and delivery service across NZ
TradeMe Delivery
Get your heavy-large TradeMe purchase picked up and delivered by our movers anywhere in NZ.
Learn more
Car transport nz
Car Transport
Our professional car transport teams from across New Zealand are the best at what they do.
Learn more
Motorbike transport nz
Motorcycle Transport
Our pros take everything into consideration when ensuring the safety and well-being of your bike.
Learn more
Piano transport
Piano Move
Moving a piano requires the expertise to ensure is kept safe and protected on the road.
Learn more
Furniture removals
Furniture Removals
Our teams will treat your possessions like they would their own, ensuring that the greatest care and diligence is taken.
Learn more
Pet transport nz
Pet Transport
During the transport our teams will ensure full care, well-being and friendliness as if they were our own.
Learn more
Boat transport nz
Boat Transport
Our transport teams will ensure your boats will be delivered safely, efficiently and on time.
Learn more