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Australia & New Zealand Haul-Out Guide
For South Pacific cruisers, the cyclone season (November–April) means either pitting in Fiji or sailing to Australia or New Zealand. Most choose NZ/AU because their insurers prefer it, the trade depth is deeper, and the climate — while cold — supports a full refit season.
NZ hubs
| Hub | Strength |
|---|---|
| Opua (Bay of Islands) | Customs entry, cruiser community |
| Whangarei (Northland) | Largest refit base; deepest trades |
| Tauranga (east coast) | Alternative entry; quieter refit |
| Auckland | Sail and racing-yacht specialty |
Australia hubs
| Hub | Strength |
|---|---|
| Bundaberg (QLD) | Cruiser entry from S. Pacific |
| Brisbane / Gold Coast | Refit infrastructure, marina capacity |
| Sydney | Premium marine industry |
| Newcastle | Working yards |
Costs (40-foot, season storage)
| Location | Common range |
|---|---|
| NZ hardstand (6 mo) | NZD 3,500–6,000 |
| NZ marina (6 mo) | NZD 4,000–7,500 |
| AU hardstand (6 mo) | AUD 3,500–6,500 |
| Fiji cyclone pit (6 mo) | USD 2,500–4,000 |
Frequently asked questions
Why NZ/AU?
Below cyclone zone, insurer-accepted, deep trades.
NZ entry?
Opua primary; Tauranga alternative.
AU entry?
Bundaberg or Sydney. Biosecurity hull clean required.
Costs vs Fiji?
NZ/AU more expensive but deeper trades.
NZ trade depth?
Whangarei deepest in Southern Hemisphere.