MARSDEN COVE MARINA
(Kia Ora, Bonjour, Ciao, Hallo, Hello and Welcome to Marsden Cove Marina, Whangarei Harbour, New Zealand
Marsden Cove Marina is located just inside the Picturesque Whangarei Harbour, approximately 7km (3 nautical miles) inside the Harbour’s entrance on the southern side. The Marina entrance channel is well marked with navigational buoys which are visible as you proceed past the commercial wharves. (0.43 nautical miles from the last wharf).
Marsden Cove Marina is a full service marina with 230 marina berths ranging from 10.5 metre through to 30 metres. We have a designated pier for Catamarans and can take up to a 20 metre.
Depth: Entrance channel has a 3m depth at low tide
Depth: Berths and pier ends (including customs Pier) have up to a 3.2m – 4m at low tide.
Customs Dock: Customs “Q” Dock is located at the end of B Pier which is the second pier on your starboard side as you enter the marina. Marsden Cove provides the Q dock at no charge and free rubbish disposal to all boats entering the country. However, before arriving dispose of (or eat) all contraband food stuff at least 12 miles off shore. New Zealand is very strict and will confiscate meats, fruit, veggie’s and honey along with other items.
Upon clearance, Customs will issue offshore vessels with a yellow TIE (temporary import entry) form, keep a copy of this with you as a lot of the local businesses will honour the GST (goods & services tax) exemption for any boat related purchases.
Marsden Cove suggests that when approaching Whangrei, you call Whangarei Harbour Radio on CH16 or CH19. They will direct you to the Customs Dock.
Once you have cleared through customs and MAF contact the friendly staff at the marina office on channel 64 and they will direct you to your berth.
Live-aboard welcome - Showers , Toilets & Laundry Block. Power and water to all berths - pump-out facilities (holding tanks MUST be used), fuel dock (Diesel& Petrol), rubbish, trolleys and oil disposal located within the marina complex. wi-fi and postal services also available. There is also a marina car that can be hired out for trips into Whangarei or the local Shopping Centre at Ruakaka.
The Marina Office is at the Heart of Marsden Cove, if you have any questions or enquiries; the staff is always ready to help so your stay in Whangarei is a most memorable one.
Marina Tally Card – available from the marina office a $20 deposit is required.
Your tally card opens the marina security gates, rubbish depot, oil and trolley compound area. It also opens the ablutions and laundry facilities. Quite simply, you load money on your card and away you go, no need to carry around coins to operate anything.
Charges are as follows
- Power charged at 25 cents per Kilo watt (the metre will take off increments of $20) ask the marina staff how it works.
- Showers are charged at $3 for 7 mins. (Remember to leave the card in while in the shower otherwise you will be having a cold one)
- Laundry is $4 per load wash or dry (they are big machines so you can fit a lot into them)
Fuel Dock is located in front of the shops. The self service Diesel and Petrol Pumps require eftpos, MC/Visa with a pin.
Oil disposal is located in the Rubbish Compound.
LPG Gasoline Alley (1.3km) on the way to the Ruakaka Shopping Centre.
Storage Units are available in Ruakaka, just ask at the Marina office.
Phone Calls The marina office sells Vodafone Prepay sim cards and the Liqour store sells Vodafone and Telecom pre pay top up cards.
If making a local call, the marina office will always allow you to use there phone.
Mail Yacht in transit, your Boat Name, Marsden Cove Marina Po Box 218 Ruakaka, 0151 New Zealand.
Couriers. Yacht in Transit, your boat name, Marsden Cove, 48 Rauiri Drive, Ruakaka 0116, New Zealand.
VHF Call on 64 or 16 then switch to 06 or 08 to chat. Do not use any other channel for boat to boat communications. Marsden Cove Marina and the Whangarei Coastguard monitor channel 64.
ATM/Cash Machine There is a Westpac bank located at the Shopping centre in Ruakaka. Some retail businesses within the Marina complex also provide an EFTPOS cash service.
Within the Marina Complex are the following Services and Shops
- · Electrical and Marine Servicing
- · Chandlery/ Bait and Tackle Shop
- · Insurance and Boat Brokers
- · Café & Bar
- · Hair & Beauty Salon
- · Fashion Clothing Store
- · Gym
- · Real Estate Office
- · Regional Coastguard Office
- · New Zealand Customs Office
- · Liquor Store (also Duty Free)
- · Oil & Rubbish disposal
- · Pump out facilities (either available on A Pier or on the fuel dock)
- · Satellite wi-fi available on all piers (please ask at marina office)
- · Day car Hire available from the Marina office
A Short 5 min Drive away is the following Shops and Services
- · Supermarket
- · Bank
- · Postal & Stationary Store
- · Takeaway food & Cafes
- · Doctor’s surgery
- · Dental Centre
- · Chemist
- · Butcher
- · Hardware store
- · Boat builders
- · Printers
- · Storage Units
Car Hire:
- · Casual Day hire for short trips – see the marina office
- · Rent a Dent ph 09 459 6504
- · Rent a Cheepy ph 09 438 7373
Car Purchases – Good used cars are cheap. No matter where you base yourself you will need a car. NZ is a beautiful country and travel by private motor car is the best way to see it.
Even big city marinas with high levels of service amenities are not located close to the picturesque NZ scenery you may wish to see.
Turners Auction in Whangarei is a great place to buy a cheap car. Also, talk to the marina office, as they might know of another cruising sailor who is trying to sell theirs.
NZ Driving Rules- Stay on the left hand side of the road. Everyone must wear a seat belt, children under the age of 5 must be in a child restraint. Speed limit on open road is 80km - 100km and 50km around town. Oh and there is this crazy right turn rule that we have here in NZ.
Things to see and do around Marsden Cove, Whangarei and Northland.
A favorite fishing and boating playground, Marsden Cove Marina is located halfway between Auckland and Bay of Islands. It is a perfect base from which to explore New Zealand’s highly regarded northern cruising, diving and game fishing grounds.
Up and down the coast within a few hours cruising is a vast choice of beautiful Islands and beaches including the Internationally acclaimed Poor Knights Marine and nature Reserve known for the location of the world’s largest Sea cave. Also the Hen & Chicken Islands and Mokohinau Islands are located just within a couple of hours sailing.
Waipu Museum The best small museum in New Zealand – Discover Waipu’s rich heritage and Scottish/Nova Scotian origins.
Waipu Heritage Trail Established in 2002, this trail will take you back to the early Scottish settlement of Waipu, visiting landmarks and buildings marked by distinctive limestone pillars.
Waipu Cemetery - Hamon Rd, off Cove Rd, a beautiful spot to view the river, explore the old graves, or swim.
Outdoor Adventures in Bream Bay
The Beaches: the only decision is which one – a safe deserted stretch, a clothes optional beach, a long beach to walk on, the popular surf beach of Waipu Cove and Ruakaka (surf patrol in the summer), the white sands of Lang’s Cove, the surf at Mangawhai or Te Arai point…..
Waipu Golf Club: Visitors are welcome at this course with easy walking, fast and true greens and testing layout. It is an all year round course with magnificent view of Bream Bay.
Waipu Caves
Waipu Caves Walking Track Length 2 km Time 1 hour each way From Ormiston Road the sign posted track climbs a leading ridge through farmland dotted with native trees and offering excellent views. The track then passes through a scenic reserve down to the valley and cave area where there is a good picnic spot.
Explore the Waipu caves: 16 kms NW of Waipu. There are 300m of explored passageways. The main cave is 175m in length and contains one of the longest stalagmites in NZ. There is plenty of headroom, impressive limestone formations and glow-worms inside the cave. But take care as the surface is wet and slippery. You need good footwear and a torch and compass if venturing into the cave.
Piroa Falls Walkway – 13 kms up the unsealed Waipu Gorge Road South of Waipu. A 10 minute walk from the road takes you to these beautiful falls where you can swim and picnic. This is sign posted on SH 1 from the northern foot of the Brynderwyn hills. This beautiful winding mountain road takes you through to Maungaturoto, and is an excellent alternative route to visit the world renowned Kauri Museum at Matakohe.
Pancake Rocks, Waipu
Pancake Rocks A short track South of Waipu Cove – Cross the stream on the southern end of the beach, follow the path through the gate, and take the upper track. Follow this for about 15-20 mins and you come to an impressive pancake rock structure fringed by ancient Potutukawa trees. This track crosses some private land, so please leave only footprints.
Mangawhai cliffs Walk Length 5 km Time 2-3 hours return This is a beach and cliff top walkway. The beginning is signposted at the Mangawhai Heads surf club. The route heads north along the beach for about 30 minutes before crossing a fence into paddocks. The walkway continues along the cliff tops for about an hour offering excellent views to the Hen and Chickens and Little Barrier islands. At low tide you can return along the bottom of the cliffs. Otherwise you must return the way you have come.
The Brynderwyn Walkway This is a well known tramp from the summit of SH1 near the Skyline Tearooms down to Waipu Cove. It takes 7 hours and is only recommended for serious trampers. Massey Rd cuts this walkway about half way, so one option is to walk from the top of Massey Rd to Waipu Cove.
Water Based Adventures:
Kayaking and Bird Watching in Ruakaka Wildlife Reserve
Princes St, Ruakaka you can rent a kayak at high tide to explore the estuary, or at low tide go on a bird watching trip with Simon who will help you to identify the amazing birdlife that frequents the area. Phone Simon 09 432 8668
Waipu Wildlife Reserve: at the end of Johnson Point Rd – explore at low tide
Indoor things to do in Bream Bay
Visit the Oil Refinery Visitors Centre Open 7 days a week 10-5pm, this visitor’s centre is sign posted from the Port Marsden Hwy. The Oil Refining Industry is both fascinating and complex, and the working model at the Centre helps to bring the story alive. “There are many parts to what we do and some surprising aspects along the way, such as the fact that we supply elemental sulphur to the fertiliser industry and carbon dioxide to the carbonated beverages industry.”
Visit the Waipu Museum and explore Waipu’s unique story
Explore Mangawhai
A great day trip: Drive to Langs Beach – Mangawhai Heads – Mangawhai Village – Kaiwaka – Bream Bay, explore the shops and galleries along the way
Whangarei Heads
This fabulous headland Bream Bay looks out on is Whangarei Heads. From Waipu to Ocean Beach is about 1.5 hr drive. It is one of the most amazing picturesque drives in NZ – winding around the Whangarei Harbour and out to the beach; a great place to explore, and walk the Bream Head tracks, Mt Manaia and Mt Aubrey
The Kauri Coast Discovery
A full day or even overnight trip away from Ruakaka; the Kauri Coast is a fantastic place for exploration and adventure and one of Northland’s best attractions. Be sure not to miss Matakohe’s Kauri Museum, the largest kauri tree in New Zealand, Tane Mahuta 'God of the Forest', the nature sanctuary of Trounson Kauri Park and the crystal-clear Kai Iwi Lakes. Also be sure to explore New Zealand's longest driveable beach (100km) Ripiro Beach, the Kaipara Harbour, the longest coastline in the Southern Hemisphere, and the majestic Pouto Peninsula.
http://www.kauricoast.co.nz/d_Attractions.cfm
Skydiving
Take the opportunity to jump the beach with skydive ballistic blondes. Exit the plane over Whangarei reaching speeds of up to 200km per hour- to then have your state of the art parachute open and bring you safely onto the beach at bream bay.http://www.skydiveballisticblondes.co.nz
Kite Surfing
Going Kitesurfing/Kiteboarding
Kiteboarding is growing at an unbelievable rate. It is one of the most exciting new water sports and loads of fun. Along with the fun does come some risks. The kites used to kite surf are very powerful and have to be used properly. Once you have the ‘getting moving’ skills dragging you through the water then we incorporate the next element – the kite surf board.
http://www.ruakakakitesports.co.nz/
Short drive away
Whangarei Kiwi House Heritage Park & Museum
Great for wet days, dry days, families, train enthusiasts and anyone keen to see a live kiwi .http://www.whangareimuseum.co.nz
Zion Wildlife Gardens
World famous as a result of the Lion Man tv series, guided tours bring you up close with some of the world’s most endangered species of big cats including white & Barbary lions and royal white and orange tigers. http://www.zionwildlifegardens.co.nz
Whangarei Falls and AH Reed Memorial Kauri Walkway
A short drive from Ruakaka are the dramatic Whangarei Falls; you can either view these from above, take as short walk to the bottom or enjoy a longer 1 hour walk round trip bush walk to the AH Reed Kauri Walkway.
Adventure Forest
Glenbervie Forest tree based adventure. Climb on amazing circuits rigged from tree to tree. Grab a rope, jump, roll or swing in the air to reach the next platform, its awesome. Weekends, public holidays and school holidays 10am to 5 pm. http://www.adventureforest.co.nz
Winery
Longview Estate Wines was established by the Vuletich family in 1969. They pioneered winegrowing in Whangarei and Longview is Northland's oldest established vineyard .Longview Estate is located on State Highway One on the southern outskirts of Whangarei city in sunny Northland. Situated under two hours drive from Auckland and one hours drive from the Bay of Islands, the vineyard is in a prime position with commanding view of the Whangarei Harbour. http://www.longviewwines.co.nz
Resturants, Café and Bars
Recommended by other cruisers and the Marina Staff
Waterline Café and Brasserie @ Marsden Cove 09 4327097 www.waterlinecafe.co.nz
Bach Bar @ Ruakaka Tavern 09 4327358
The Sharing Shed Restaurant & Bar 09 4327898
Pizza Barn @ Waipu 09 4321011
Y-Not @ Waipu 09 4320280
Beach House @ Waipu Cove 09 4320877
Café Deli @ Waipu 09 4320990
Bennetts of Mangawhai 09 431 5072 http://www.bennettsofmangawhai.com
Salut Bar & Brasserie @ Whangarei City 09 4308080
Art Deco @ Whangarei City 09 4594957
Tonic @ Whangarei City 09 4375558
Marsden Cove is located just five minutes by road from Ruakaka. It is 25 minutes from Whangarei and 45mins to Whangarei Airport and is a short water crossing from the breathtaking Whangarei Heads.
Opened on the 1st of December 2006, the Marina has been a great success with offshore visitors and locals alike. Marsden Cove is a Gateway to Northland, New Zealand and Port of Entry for off shore cruisers, it is also a popular summer destination for many New Zealanders.
The Marina has special rates for Cruisers staying long term either live on board or if you want somewhere secure to leave your boat while you travel back to your home land.
Come and stay with us.
Contact Karen at Marsden Cove Marina Office and book your berth.
Email: marsdencove@xtra.co.nz
Website: www.marsdencove.co.nz
Telephone: 09 432 7740
VHF: Channel 64
Office hours are 9 am to 5 pm weekdays and 10 am to 4pm on weekends, we do however offer an after hours service.