Discover Westhaven Marina in Auckland
Westhaven Marina, located in St Mary's Bay in Auckland, is the largest yacht marina in the Southern Hemisphere, with approximately 2,000 berths and swing moorings. It epitomises Auckland's "City of Sails" reputation and also has some of the finest views of the Auckland Harbour Bridge from its southern vantage point. Westhaven Marina was the first marina in New Zealand to earn the prestigious Blue Flag Quality award, recognising its high standards in quality and environmental practices.
A Historical Perspective
The marina's location in St Mary's Bay has a rich history. In the 1950s, the bay's foreshore was buried under the motorway connection to the newly constructed Harbour Bridge, severing access for several small boatyards and private moorings.
Despite the Auckland Harbour Board’s plans to fill Westhaven, local residents resisted. Many contributed to transforming the derelict waterway into Westhaven Marina, preserving it from the fate that befell much of the waterfront until renewal projects in the late 1990s and 2000s.
Exploring the Marina and Surroundings
Westhaven Marina is easily accessible from the Wynyard Quarter. To reach the marina, take Beaumont Street to Westhaven Drive on the west side of the quarter, then follow the path to the marina's south side.
For a longer walk, continue north around the west side of the marina, pass under the Harbour Bridge, and head up to Ponsonby via the Harbour Bridge Pathway. This area not only provides a scenic walk but also connects you to another vibrant part of Auckland.
How to Get There
To drive into the marina from the motorway, coming from the north, take the Westhaven Drive off-ramp, and the marina access from Beaumont Street is immediately on your left. Coming from the south, take the Nelson Street off-ramp and head north to the end of Nelson Street, then turn west into Fanshawe Street. Turn north into Beaumont Street immediately before the motorway on-ramp.
You can easily walk into Downtown Auckland from the marina.. Head east to Silo Park and the Wynyard Quarter, then continue on to the Viaduct, Commercial Bay and Britomart. From there, you can also explore Queen Street, the Art Gallery, Albert Park and the University of Auckland.
