23/08/2022
We are very happy to pass on the very latest update on New Zealand's opening up to visiting vessels.
Please contact us if we can help in any way with your plans for visiting New Zealand / Aotearoa - [email protected]
"Once again we are preparing for the summer arrivals of recreational vessels, yachts and small craft into New Zealand. This year will look quite different, with less COVID-19 restrictions in place and with the maritime border having reopened to foreign flagged recreational vessels, yachts and small craft.
We can now confirm with you that these vessels will once again be able to arrive at seven ports and marinas in New Zealand from 11.59pm, 31 August 2022.
Since 2020, arrivals have been restricted to entering New Zealand via Opua in the Bay of Islands so that COVID-19 restrictions could be managed effectively to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
The ports/marinas that vessels can arrive at from 31 August are:
• Opua
• Whangarei
• Auckland (Westhaven marina)
• Auckland Harbour Viaduct marina and Silo Park marina
• Tauranga (Vessel works precinct)
• Picton
• Lyttelton
Pre-COVID-19, these seven ports were authorised for arrivals of recreational vessels, yachts and small craft. All seven ports and marinas are Customs Controlled Areas (CCA’s) and Places of First Arrival (PoFA) for MPI.
Some health requirements remain in place for arrivals on these vessels as described in the Maritime Border Order:
• Passengers and crew must be fully vaccinated, exempt, or excused for medical reasons before arriving in New Zealand.
• Passengers and crew will be required to show evidence of COVID-19 vaccination or exemption to New Zealand Customs on their arrival
• If passengers or crew test positive for COVID-19 while in New Zealand, they will need to self-isolate for 7 days on board. On a recreational vessel, yacht or small craft, everyone on board the same vessel as someone testing positive for COVID-19 is considered a ‘household contact,’ and must self-isolate on board for 7 days.
• The master of the vessel must complete mandatory documentation and send this to Customs before arrival in New Zealand including the Extended Notice of Arrival (ENA) and Advance Notice of Arrival (ANA).
• Passengers and crew on these vessels are no longer required to test or isolate on arrival unless they are unwell and test positive for COVID-19.
For more information about vaccination requirements to travel to New Zealand visit covid19.govt.nz | Vaccination requirements to travel to NZ"