We’re proud to share that Gulf Harbour Marina has been named a finalist in two categories at the 2026 New Zealand Marina Operators Association (NZMOA) Awards – Marina of the Year and Boatyard of the Year.
The NZMOA Awards recognise excellence across New Zealand’s marina industry, celebrating the people, facilities and operations that continue to raise standards across the sector.
For Gulf Harbour to be recognised across both our marina and boatyard operations is a fantastic acknowledgement of the work being carried out across the entire site.
Marina of the Year finalist
Gulf Harbour Marina is one of four finalists for the 2026 Marina of the Year Award, alongside Silo Marina, Whitianga Marina and Marsden Cove Marina.
Home to more than 1,000 vessels on Auckland’s Whangaparāoa Peninsula, Gulf Harbour is one of New Zealand’s largest marina facilities.
During the judging process, the scale and complexity of the operation was recognised, along with the welcoming presentation of the marina and the breadth of services available across the wider precinct.
The combination of the marina, boatyard, specialist marine trades, hospitality businesses and public boating facilities makes Gulf Harbour much more than simply a place to berth a boat – it is a complete marine hub serving both our local boating community and visitors to the Hauraki Gulf.
Boatyard of the Year finalist
Our boatyard has also been selected as one of four finalists for the 2026 Boatyard of the Year Award.
With an 18,500m² sealed hardstand and lifting capacity of up to 100 tonnes, Gulf Harbour operates one of the largest marine service facilities in the upper North Island.
NZMOA highlighted the continued investment being made across the boatyard, including a new forklift and digger, upgrades to the travel lift, improved security systems and enhancements to the yard, accessways and overall presentation.
The judges also recognised the boatyard’s approach to health and safety. Our real-time reporting system has helped encourage staff participation in identifying and addressing potential safety issues, with more than 2,000 items captured, assessed and addressed over the past year.
Environmental management is another important part of the operation, with improvements to waste, recycling and oil-disposal facilities, proactive maintenance of drainage and filtration systems, and Gulf Harbour Marina’s ongoing support of Forest & Bird’s Pest Free Hibiscus Coast programme.
Together with the network of specialist marine businesses based onsite, the boatyard provides boat owners with access to an extensive range of marine services in one convenient location.
Continuing to invest in Gulf Harbour
Being named a finalist in both categories comes at an exciting time for Gulf Harbour Marina.
Investment continues across the marina and boatyard, including our ongoing pier refurbishment programme and improvements to infrastructure, equipment and facilities.
Gulf Harbour Marina previously won the NZMOA Marina of the Year Award in 2020, and we’re incredibly proud to once again have the work of our team recognised by the industry.
Being shortlisted in both the Marina of the Year and Boatyard of the Year categories is a reflection of the work happening across Gulf Harbour every day – and of the wider community of berth holders, customers, tenants, marine businesses and contractors who contribute to the marina.
Marina Manager Nathan Tong will represent Gulf Harbour Marina at the NZMOA Awards Gala Dinner in Tauranga on Thursday, 24 September, where the winners of both categories will be announced.
We’re looking forward to celebrating alongside others from across New Zealand’s marina industry and are proud to see Gulf Harbour recognised among this year’s finalists.
