About Us
Nestled in the heart of one of New Zealand’s most picturesque regions, Bay of Islands Marina offers a welcoming haven for all who venture to its shores, from local boating enthusiasts to visiting superyachts.
As the gateway to 144 emerald-green islands, our marina combines world-class facilities with genuine Kiwi hospitality, creating a unique destination where vessels of all sizes find exceptional service, support, and a sense of community.
Whether you’re here for a short stay or an extended adventure, Bay of Islands Marina is your perfect home on the water, offering the best of New Zealand’s sailing, marine services, and natural beauty.
PART OF FAR NORTH HOLDINGS
As part of Far North Holdings, Bay of Islands Marina benefits from a strong relationship that has been pivotal in driving innovation, progress and fostering community-focused initiatives.
Far North Holdings owns and operates a diverse range of commercial and recreational maritime facilities across the region, including wharves, boat ramps, jetties and the Bay of Islands Marina and Boatyard here in Opua. This extensive portfolio supports visitors and local communities to connect with the coastline for recreation, transport, livelihoods and access to land and homes.
Their leadership and ongoing investment in infrastructure and improvements have been instrumental, not only in advancing the marina but also supportive of the enhancement of the wider marine community across Northland.
Our shared commitment to sustainable development and enhancing coastal experiences has allowed us to implement initiatives such as the Clean Marina Programme and win accolades including NZMOA Boatyard of the Year 2024.
OUR PEOPLE & CULTURE
At Bay of Islands Marina, our greatest asset is our people.
Our team and culture are the driving forces behind our commitment to exceptional service and quality.
We've carefully built a skilled and passionate team that embodies the best of Kiwi hospitality and expertise, ensuring that every vessel and crew receives a warm welcome and world-class care.
Our team members come with diverse backgrounds and deep experience in the marine industry, from working on superyachts around the globe to collaborating with leading shipyards in the Pacific, US and Europe.
This wealth of experience, combined with a genuine enthusiasm for what we do, allows us to deliver outstanding outcomes for vessels of all sizes.
OUR VISION FOR THE FUTURE
At Bay of Islands Marina, our vision is to be a welcoming hub for all who love the sea — from local boaties to superyacht owners and their crews. We are dedicated to providing a world-class destination where every vessel, big or small, receives exceptional care and service. Our goal is to create a marina that feels like home to everyone, whether you’re stopping by for a weekend adventure or planning an extended stay.
We see a future where the marina continues to be a vibrant and thriving community that attracts both local enthusiasts and global explorers. We are committed to fostering a sense of belonging for all our guests while continually enhancing our facilities, embracing innovative technologies, and offering new services that make every visit enjoyable and memorable.
As we look ahead, we are focused on strengthening our community connections, building lasting partnerships and leading with a commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
By investing in our people, facilities and the natural beauty of The Bay of Islands, we aim to create a marina that brings people together and celebrates the unique spirit of our region for generations to come.
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Bay of Islands Marina Board of Directors collectively bring extensive experience and expertise to the table. Each member offers unique perspectives and capabilities, ensuring comprehensive oversight and effective decision-making to drive forward the objectives and initiatives at the Marina.
Sarah Peterson - Chair
A Fellow Chartered Accountant, Sarah is also Deputy Chair and Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee for Far North Holdings.
Sarah Petersen has broad governance experience, including experience of investment assessment, risk management, and development and infrastructure projects to support economic development.
Raised and educated in Tai Tokerau, she brings a deep understanding of Northland's economy and serves as a Director for a number of other organisations.
Kevin Drinkwater
Bringing extensive technology and finance expertise, Kevin is a Northlander who is passionate about Northland's development.
With a background in global business, he chairs Duffy Books in Homes NZ and serves on various boards, including North Power.
A seasoned director, he retired from Mainfreight, after almost 35 years, in 2020.
Phil Wardale
Phil is Managing Director of WARDALE Ltd, a consultancy specialising in maritime advisory and project management for local government in New Zealand.
With expertise in complex maritime projects, often in partnership with iwi.
His senior roles have included Special Projects Manager at Panuku Development Auckland and General Manager at Bayswater Marina.
Phil is currently leading two major projects: Te Pūwaha (Whanganui Port Revitalisation) and Te Rāhui Herenga Waka Whakatane (Boat Harbour development), and is also Director of Nelson Marina Management Ltd.