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New Zealand has become the “go to” place in the Asia Pacific Region for superyachts to go for refit and cruising along its pristine coastline which offers a whole world in a very small country.
With the South Pacific summer kicking off, New Zealand’s season starts to wind up and to welcome the arrival of the yachts into Auckland, Asia Pacific Superyachts New Zealand (APS NZ) threw their first “Dock Party” at Silo Marina in Auckland’s CBD.
APS NZ guests at ‘Opening Party on Dock’ at Silo Marina in Auckland’s CBD
With over 100 of their crew in attendance, Asia Pacific shouted the sausages, sauce, beer and wine to start the evening. It was a busy weekend for the team at APS NZ, the ‘All Blacks’ played Australia in Auckland on the Saturday evening & hosted 8 of their captains to the game in a corporate box. Says Duthie Lidgard, MD of Asia Pacific Superyachts NZ, “It’s a very kiwi thing to want to welcome our guests and show them the best time we possibly can. We want to share our love of food and rugby and with the big game being in Auckland and summer beginning, it was a perfect weekend – plus the All Blacks won!”
“New Zealand has become the “go to” place in the Asia Pacific Region for superyachts to go for refit and cruising along its pristine coastline which offers a whole world in a very small country”, says Duthie Lidgard: “White sandy beaches, sheltered bays, fiords, great fishing and diving, a vibrant food and wine culture, world class hiking trails and some stunning scenery.. What else could you need? Leave your northern winter behind and head down here for a summer Christmas cruise out of the madness. It’s a safe place to visit.”
APS NZ Whangarei overview
Auckland is now being challenged for refit and as a base for visiting vessels by Whangarei, a sheltered harbour 2.5hrs north of Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour, and it is with this potential growth, Asia Pacific Superyachts NZ have opened an office based in Whangarei to support the growing number of vessels heading there. Run by experienced “retired” crew member, Karma Butler, this season has taken off. “The atmosphere here is a lot more relaxed although the work is still first class” says Butler. “There isn’t the traffic and uptight nature that you see in Auckland. Crew are loving the access to the Northland Beaches which offer peace and tranquility after a long day in the yard. It’s a nice atmosphere to do your refit and gives you a quality of life outside of work hours.”
Lidgard adds “We saw Whangarei as a fantastic alternative to Auckland for refit and as a base for cruising Northland and we’ve made this commitment to support the vessels that make the decision to go there by employing Karma, who will run our office. With Karma’s experience in the region she will be offering provisioning and full support for vessels cruising along with full itinerary and tourism services in Northland region which includes the stunning Bay of Islands.”
APS NZ new added office – Whangarei Ship Repair
“Auckland is always busy and will always be the main hub of the Superyacht Industry in the Pacific. Its two slipways in Downtown Auckland offer great service in a prime location and with the Silo Marina offering 8 berths for vessels up to 120m & the Viaduct Harbour, there aren’t many better places for boats & crew to be based but we now have a great alternative for visiting vessels. We have an amazing and very dedicated team in Auckland and now with the addition of Karma who has the same vision & work ethic as we do, the fit has been pretty seamless.”
Photo caption: APS NZ Team at ‘Opening Party on Dock’ at Silo Marina in Auckland’s CBD. From left: Marisol (Auckland) Karma (Whangarei), Duthie (APSNZ MD), Quintin (Parts)
Tatiana is the news co-ordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes to monitor the hundrends of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skim the most important according to our strategy. She holds a Bachelor degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
