SailingTree

About the school

Westhaven Marina, one of the largest marinas in the Southern Hemisphere, provides an excellent and central base for RYA training with direct access to Auckland's Hauraki Gulf. The Gulf itself is a world class sailing destination, offering a vast cruising area with numerous islands, sheltered waters, and varied conditions perfect for learning.

The location

Auckland Airport (AKL) is the main international gateway to New Zealand and for reaching Westhaven Marina. From the airport, the marina is approximately a 30-45 minute drive by taxi, ride hailing service, or airport shuttle. Car rentals are also available. The SkyBus service also runs from the airport to the city centre, from where Westhaven is a short taxi ride.

How to get there

The prime sailing season in Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf is during the New Zealand summer, from November to April. These months offer warm weather, reliable sea breezes (often southwesterlies or northeasterlies), and generally settled conditions, making it ideal for RYA courses and exploring the beautiful Gulf islands.