Gulf Harbour, near the end of the Whangaparāoa Peninsula, is an easy first overnight from Westhaven: a couple of hours' sail, a sheltered marina, and pest-free sanctuaries on the doorstep.
Updated October 2026 · By the YachtShare team, Westhaven Marina
Gulf Harbour Marina sits on the southern side of the Whangaparāoa Peninsula, about 4 km from its tip.
From Westhaven, head out past North Head and up the Rangitoto Channel, then follow the Whangaparāoa Peninsula north. It is about 16 nautical miles, so about 2 hours at 8 knots.
The marina is approached from the south and east. Stay in the white sector of the red and white sectored light to keep clear of Kotanui Island to the south-west and the end of the rock breakwater to the east. Inside, follow the red and green lit piles and line up the white triangle leading marks. A shelf extends beyond some pier ends, so deeper-draft boats should keep close to the leads at low tide. Keep under 5 knots and wake-free in the marina.
Off the end of the peninsula, the Whangaparāoa Passage separates the mainland from Tiritiri Matangi Island, about 4 km offshore. It is the usual route north, so check the tidal streams on your chart before going through.
Gulf Harbour has more than 1,000 berths. To book a visitor berth, call the marina office on 09 424 6200, email marina@gulfharbourmarina.co.nz or call the dockmaster on VHF 73. Book ahead in summer and ask about rates when you call.
The self-service fuel dock, opposite E and F piers, has diesel, petrol and water at any state of tide. Ashore there are showers, a laundry and wifi, plus a boatyard with travel lifts. The village, about a 10-minute walk away, has a supermarket, cafés, a bakery and a good range of takeaways.
Both sit on the south side of Shakespear Regional Park, next door to the marina. Te Haruhi Bay is a lovely swimming beach inside the park's pest-proof fence, with old wrecks off its western point to explore by dinghy. Okoromai Bay is sheltered in westerlies but very tidal, with mudflats a long way out at low tide.
On the peninsula's northern side, Army Bay has good swimming but is exposed to northerlies and north-westerlies. Save it for settled or southerly weather.
Tiritiri is a pest-free open sanctuary managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC), alive with rare native birds. Private boats are welcome. The wharf is for the ferry and permitted vessels, so anchor off Hobbs Beach on the western side and take the dinghy in. Take your rubbish home, and no fires or barbecues.
The surrounding waters are now the Tiritiri Matangi High Protection Area. No recreational fishing, including shellfish and crayfish, but careful anchoring is fine.
Further north, south-west of Kawau, Motuora is another pest-free island with walking tracks and kiwi. DOC lists Home Bay (west) and Still Bay (east) as safe anchorages. Bring everything you need, as nothing is for sale there.
Te Hāruhi / Shakespear Regional Park is an open sanctuary and working farm with bush, beaches and views across to Tiritiri, Kawau and Little Barrier. Try the Lookout Track for 360-degree views, or the longer Tiritiri Track or Heritage Trail. Dogs and all other pets are banned in the sanctuary, the park is smokefree, and drones are not allowed.
Gulf Harbour is also a handy first stop on the way north to Kawau, Marsden Cove, Tutukaka and the Bay of Islands, and bookings of up to 14 days leave plenty of room. With about 2 hours each way, it can even work as a freebie-day sail on a long summer afternoon. More in our sailing guides.
Every yacht in the YachtShare fleet suits this trip. For a couple's first overnight, 'Thin Air', 'Island Breeze' and 'Mirabelle' are easy to handle in the marina, while the J/112e 'Oro Rosa' is quick up the peninsula. For families or groups, 'Schonica', 'Incognito', 'Zen' and the catamaran 'The Bach' give everyone room.
New to overnighting? Our sailing courses build confidence, and members have a 24-hour support line. See how it works and our membership options.
Planning note: distances and sailing times are approximate, calculated at an average of 8 knots. Always check current charts, the marine forecast and local notices, including biosecurity and marine protection rules, before you set out.
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