SeaChart
Vue d’ensemble
Scope: Non-commercial yachts and pleasure craft arriving in New Zealand from overseas. Vessel customs, each person's immigration eligibility, and MPI biosecurity are assessed separately. The vessel's temporary import period is different from an individual's visa period.
Important: From 1 September 2026, eligible temporarily imported small craft will generally be allowed to remain for up to 21 months (reduced from 24 months). Customs decides eligibility and any extension.
Official source: NZ Customs — Small craft
Sources
- Travel to and from New Zealand by small craft · New Zealand Customs Service · 2026-11-03
Ports d’entrée et de sortie
First arrival ports (officially designated; vessel type and restrictions apply): Opua Marine Park, Marsden Cove Marina, Auckland Central Marina / Silo Marina (private superyachts for specified clients only, by appointment), Westhaven Marina (private pleasure craft no more than 20 metres long and 5 metres in maximum beam, by appointment), Port Marlborough (including Waikawa Marina), and Lyttelton.
Restrictions: Nelson Port is currently not accepting general yacht arrivals. An exception may be requested with evidence of compliance with MPI's Craft Risk Management Standard; send supporting documents to [email protected]. Tauranga Vessel Works cannot currently accept international yacht arrivals or departures. A port approved for departure must not be assumed to be approved for arrival.
Official source: Official information
Sources
- Travel to and from New Zealand by small craft · New Zealand Customs Service · 2026-11-03
Déclaration préalable à l’arrivée
- At least 48 hours in advance: Before entering New Zealand's 12-nautical-mile territorial sea, email NZCS 340 and passport bio-data pages for all crew and passengers, proof of vessel registration, and a full-vessel photograph to [email protected]. Customs recommends doing this before leaving the last overseas port.
- Changes to ETA or plans: Notify [email protected] and [email protected].
- Every traveller must submit an NZTD: Submission is available from 24 hours before departure from the last overseas port and should normally be completed before the vessel first berths. If online access is unavailable, a paper declaration can be made on arrival.
- Advance steps recommended where applicable: Obtain an NZCS 224A Customs number. The NZCS 274 temporary import application is currently optional, but Customs recommends submitting it in advance. Paper C4G forms will be replaced from 1 May 2027.
Official source: Official information
Sources
- Travel to and from New Zealand by small craft · New Zealand Customs Service · 2026-11-03
Immigration
Check each person individually: valid passport, applicable visa or NZeTA requirements, and permitted stay. Private yacht crew and passengers cannot automatically rely on the entry concessions or stay periods for cruise-ship passengers. Anyone leaving the vessel to depart by air may need to show an onward ticket or proof of funds to buy one.
Officers assess the circumstances of the crew and vessel. Check the yacht arrival guide and current Immigration New Zealand requirements.
Official sources: New Zealand Customs · INZ guidance for yacht passengers
Sources
- Travel to and from New Zealand by small craft · New Zealand Customs Service · 2026-11-03
- Nz Yacht Visa · New Zealand Government · 2026-11-03
Douane du navire
- On arrival, have the vessel registration document, evidence of vessel value (preferably the sale and purchase agreement; insurance value may also be accepted), and clearance documents from the previous port ready. Submit the C1B arrival report within 24 hours of arrival.
- Temporary Import Entry (TIE): From 1 September 2026, the maximum period will generally be 21 months. Eligibility depends on conditions including the owner's residence and intended use; the vessel must not be sold without authorisation. Security or a bond may be required. A 21-month period is not automatically granted to every vessel. Apply for an extension before the TIE expires.
- Permanent import or ineligibility for TIE: Import duty and GST may apply, and Customs clearance is required. A vessel intended for sale requires prior Customs approval (NZCS 275).
- NZCS 274 may currently be submitted voluntarily in advance. From 1 May 2027, the paper C4G TIE form will be replaced.
Official source: Official information
Sources
- Travel to and from New Zealand by small craft · New Zealand Customs Service · 2026-11-03
Quarantaine et biosécurité
Quarantine and biosecurity
Until Customs and MPI have both cleared the vessel, all unauthorised persons must remain aboard and no items may be unloaded without permission. Fully declare risk items to MPI, including food, animals and pets, plants, marine growth on the hull, and rubbish. Follow instructions for inspection, treatment, sealing, or removal. Do not assume MPI clearance has been granted merely because you received a Customs ANA acknowledgement.
Official source: Official information
Sources
- Travel to and from New Zealand by small craft · New Zealand Customs Service · 2026-11-03
- Arriving in NZ in yachts and other recreational boats · Ministry for Primary Industries (New Zealand) · 2026-11-03
Articles interdits ou réglementés
- Cash of NZ$10,000 or more, or the equivalent: A Border Cash Report is required; consider the requirement for both arrival and departure.
- Check firearms, controlled drugs, food, animal and plant products, and other prohibited or restricted goods with NZ Customs, MPI, or the relevant permitting authority before departure. Omission of a specific item from this list does not mean it is permitted.
Official source: Official information
Sources
- Travel to and from New Zealand by small craft · New Zealand Customs Service · 2026-11-03
Formalités portuaires
- Raise the international yellow quarantine flag (Q flag) when crossing New Zealand's 12-nautical-mile boundary and keep it displayed until arrival clearance is granted.
- Keep AIS or observable satellite tracking on throughout the voyage where possible. After entering New Zealand waters, report by marine radio on VHF 16 or the HF frequencies specified by the authorities.
- After the first berth, wait for Customs and MPI officers to board. Do not leave the vessel or move to another port without permission.
Official source: Official information
Sources
- Travel to and from New Zealand by small craft · New Zealand Customs Service · 2026-11-03
Frais et départ
Border processing levies per person (excluding 15% GST): Through 30 June 2027, the charge for a private vessel arrival is NZ$25.07 (Customs $13.04 + MPI $12.03), and departure is NZ$3.62. Published rates from 1 July 2027 are NZ$25.72 on arrival and NZ$3.29 on departure. These are not total vessel-clearance or berth charges.
Departure has two separate notice deadlines:
- Contact [email protected] or the designated departure port at least 48 hours in advance to arrange in-person clearance.
- Submit the C2B departure report at least 4 hours in advance; Customs recommends submitting it earlier where possible. Once cleared, proceed directly out of New Zealand waters and do not make another stop unless there is an emergency.
Official sources: Border levies · Departure procedures
Sources
- Travel to and from New Zealand by small craft · New Zealand Customs Service · 2026-11-03
- Border processing levies · New Zealand Customs Service · 2026-11-03
Ports recensés dans ce guide 10
Consultez les notes propres à chaque port en complément du guide de la destination ci-dessus.
Auckland Central Marina
Arrivée · Soumis à des restrictions
Départ · Soumis à des restrictions
Date de vérification · 2026-11-03
Vue d’ensemble
Langue du contenu · English
Port status (information compiled on 2026-11-03)
- Arrival: Arrivals are accepted subject to conditions or restrictions.
- Departure: Available only to certain vessel types or with prior approval.
- Evidence: The official port directory has been checked. This does not guarantee round-the-clock service or immediate clearance.
Before going ashore: confirm with local customs/border control, port health and the marina which vessel types they can receive, where to berth, working hours, public-holiday arrangements and permitted international routes. Being listed does not itself grant permission to land.
Reference: New Zealand Customs list
Ports d’entrée et de sortie
Langue du contenu · English
Available only to private recreational superyachts belonging to designated clients, by appointment.
Restrictions: Private superyachts of designated clients only; an appointment is required. The official departure list uses the name Viaduct Marina. Confirm how that name relates to Auckland Central Marina and which facility actually handles clearance.
Travel to and from New Zealand by small craft · New Zealand Customs Service
Lyttelton Port
Arrivée · Répertorié comme autorisé
Départ · Répertorié comme autorisé
Date de vérification · 2026-11-03
Vue d’ensemble
Langue du contenu · English
Port status (information compiled on 2026-11-03)
- Arrival: Listed as accepting arrivals; eligibility must still be confirmed and an appointment arranged.
- Departure: Listed as providing outward clearance; an appointment is still required.
- Evidence: The official port directory has been checked. This does not guarantee round-the-clock service or immediate clearance.
Before going ashore: confirm with local customs/border control, port health and the marina which vessel types they can receive, where to berth, working hours, public-holiday arrangements and permitted international routes. Being listed does not itself grant permission to land.
Reference: New Zealand Customs list
Marsden Cove Marina
Arrivée · Répertorié comme autorisé
Départ · Répertorié comme autorisé
Date de vérification · 2026-11-03
Vue d’ensemble
Langue du contenu · English
Port status (information compiled on 2026-11-03)
- Arrival: Listed as accepting arrivals; eligibility must still be confirmed and an appointment arranged.
- Departure: Listed as providing outward clearance; an appointment is still required.
- Evidence: The official port directory has been checked. This does not guarantee round-the-clock service or immediate clearance.
Before going ashore: confirm with local customs/border control, port health and the marina which vessel types they can receive, where to berth, working hours, public-holiday arrangements and permitted international routes. Being listed does not itself grant permission to land.
Reference: New Zealand Customs list
Nelson Port
Arrivée · Soumis à des restrictions
Départ · Répertorié comme autorisé
Date de vérification · 2026-11-03
Vue d’ensemble
Langue du contenu · English
Port status (information compiled on 2026-11-03)
- Arrival: Arrivals are accepted subject to conditions or restrictions.
- Departure: Listed as providing outward clearance; an appointment is still required.
- Evidence: The official port directory has been checked. This does not guarantee round-the-clock service or immediate clearance.
Before going ashore: confirm with local customs/border control, port health and the marina which vessel types they can receive, where to berth, working hours, public-holiday arrangements and permitted international routes. Being listed does not itself grant permission to land.
Reference: New Zealand Customs list
Ports d’entrée et de sortie
Langue du contenu · English
Official update of 18 August 2026: yacht arrivals are temporarily restricted. Vessels meeting MPI vessel risk-management standards may submit supporting evidence to [email protected] for assessment.
Official update, 18 August 2026: International yachts are generally unable to make their first arrival in Nelson. Vessels meeting the MPI CRMS may apply in advance for an exception by sending supporting evidence to [email protected]. Nelson remains on the official list of approved departure ports.
Travel to and from New Zealand by small craft · New Zealand Customs Service
Opua Marine Park
Arrivée · Répertorié comme autorisé
Départ · Répertorié comme autorisé
Date de vérification · 2026-11-03
Vue d’ensemble
Langue du contenu · English
Port status (information compiled on 2026-11-03)
- Arrival: Listed as accepting arrivals; eligibility must still be confirmed and an appointment arranged.
- Departure: Listed as providing outward clearance; an appointment is still required.
- Evidence: The official port directory has been checked. This does not guarantee round-the-clock service or immediate clearance.
Before going ashore: confirm with local customs/border control, port health and the marina which vessel types they can receive, where to berth, working hours, public-holiday arrangements and permitted international routes. Being listed does not itself grant permission to land.
Reference: New Zealand Customs list
Port Marlborough, Picton
Arrivée · Répertorié comme autorisé
Départ · Répertorié comme autorisé
Date de vérification · 2026-11-03
Vue d’ensemble
Langue du contenu · English
Port status (information compiled on 2026-11-03)
- Arrival: Listed as accepting arrivals; eligibility must still be confirmed and an appointment arranged.
- Departure: Listed as providing outward clearance; an appointment is still required.
- Evidence: The official port directory has been checked. This does not guarantee round-the-clock service or immediate clearance.
Before going ashore: confirm with local customs/border control, port health and the marina which vessel types they can receive, where to berth, working hours, public-holiday arrangements and permitted international routes. Being listed does not itself grant permission to land.
Reference: New Zealand Customs list
Ports d’entrée et de sortie
Langue du contenu · English
The official list includes Waikawa Marina; confirm reception arrangements.
Travel to and from New Zealand by small craft · New Zealand Customs Service
Silo Marina
Arrivée · Soumis à des restrictions
Départ · Soumis à des restrictions
Date de vérification · 2026-11-03
Vue d’ensemble
Langue du contenu · English
Port status (information compiled on 2026-11-03)
- Arrival: Arrivals are accepted subject to conditions or restrictions.
- Departure: Available only to certain vessel types or with prior approval.
- Evidence: The official port directory has been checked. This does not guarantee round-the-clock service or immediate clearance.
Before going ashore: confirm with local customs/border control, port health and the marina which vessel types they can receive, where to berth, working hours, public-holiday arrangements and permitted international routes. Being listed does not itself grant permission to land.
Reference: New Zealand Customs list
Ports d’entrée et de sortie
Langue du contenu · English
Available only to private recreational superyachts belonging to designated clients, by appointment.
Restrictions: Private superyachts of designated clients only, by appointment. Do not assume that all private yachts can clear here.
Travel to and from New Zealand by small craft · New Zealand Customs Service
Vessel Works precinct, Tauranga
Arrivée · Formalités indisponibles
Départ · Formalités indisponibles
Date de vérification · 2026-11-03
Vue d’ensemble
Langue du contenu · English
Port status (information compiled on 2026-11-03)
- Arrival: Current information indicates that inward clearance is unavailable here.
- Departure: Current information indicates that outward clearance is unavailable here.
- Evidence: Listed in the source material; current eligibility and opening hours have not been verified for this individual port.
Before going ashore: confirm with local customs/border control, port health and the marina which vessel types they can receive, where to berth, working hours, public-holiday arrangements and permitted international routes. Being listed does not itself grant permission to land.
Reference: New Zealand Customs list
Ports d’entrée et de sortie
Langue du contenu · English
Official update of 18 August 2026: inward and outward clearance for internationally voyaging yachts and other recreational vessels is suspended until further notice.
Official update, 18 August 2026: Tauranga Vessel Works is not accepting international yacht arrivals or departures until further notice.
Travel to and from New Zealand by small craft · New Zealand Customs Service
Waikawa Marina
Arrivée · Répertorié comme autorisé
Départ · Répertorié comme autorisé
Date de vérification · 2026-11-03
Vue d’ensemble
Langue du contenu · English
Port status (information compiled on 2026-11-03)
- Arrival: Listed as accepting arrivals; eligibility must still be confirmed and an appointment arranged.
- Departure: Listed as providing outward clearance; an appointment is still required.
- Evidence: The official port directory has been checked. This does not guarantee round-the-clock service or immediate clearance.
Before going ashore: confirm with local customs/border control, port health and the marina which vessel types they can receive, where to berth, working hours, public-holiday arrangements and permitted international routes. Being listed does not itself grant permission to land.
Reference: New Zealand Customs list
Ports d’entrée et de sortie
Langue du contenu · English
Included within the approved Port Marlborough, Picton facilities. Do not treat it as a separately verified customs office.
Travel to and from New Zealand by small craft · New Zealand Customs Service
Westhaven Marina
Arrivée · Soumis à des restrictions
Départ · Répertorié comme autorisé
Date de vérification · 2026-11-03
Vue d’ensemble
Langue du contenu · English
Port status (information compiled on 2026-11-03)
- Arrival: Arrivals are accepted subject to conditions or restrictions.
- Departure: Listed as providing outward clearance; an appointment is still required.
- Evidence: The official port directory has been checked. This does not guarantee round-the-clock service or immediate clearance.
Before going ashore: confirm with local customs/border control, port health and the marina which vessel types they can receive, where to berth, working hours, public-holiday arrangements and permitted international routes. Being listed does not itself grant permission to land.
Reference: New Zealand Customs list
Ports d’entrée et de sortie
Langue du contenu · English
Private recreational vessels only, with a maximum length of 20 metres and beam of 5 metres; an appointment is required.
Specific restrictions: Only private yachts no longer than 20 metres and no wider than 5 metres are eligible. Arrange an appointment before the first arrival.
Travel to and from New Zealand by small craft · New Zealand Customs Service