About

History

Ngā Kōrero o Mua

Auckland is a city built on our love of the sea, so it makes sense that you’d find the Southern Hemisphere’s largest recreational marina here.

Since Māori used the harbour inlet to access the rich volcanic soils and bountiful fishing spots of Tāmaki Makaurau, this stretch of the city’s waterfront was a popular spot for all Aucklanders to enjoy the harbour.

In the 1940s, the Auckland Harbour Board created a protected water-space for recreational boats. This led to the creation of boat and yacht clubs, which saw vessels actively racing and cruising from Westhaven. The clubs promoted learn-to-sail programmes, keen to spread their passion and expertise.

In the 1960s, the floating marina development constructed A Pier, which included 36 berths. After funds were raised via a berth licence release in the 1970s, the floating marina continued to grow, with a further 1490 berths built over the next 10 years.

Watch the history of Westhaven Marina unfold, told by those who lived it:

1 1800 — 1800s

At the turn of the century, the area including was home to traditional industries, in particular timber, tanning, and fishing. Here, tall ships are anchored in the harbour, waiting to drop of or pick up cargo.

2 1939 — 1930-1940

From before the turn of the century, Shelly Beach was a great public promenade and meeting place, where people went to experience all things maritime and to enjoy the waterfront.

3 1940 — 1940-1950

By the 1940s the city had reclaimed land on top of the reef, to create a safe and sheltered haven for boating and mooring boats. The reef is said to have been used as a back scratcher by the Taniwha Ureia, hence its name, "Te Routu o Ureia" - The comb of Ureia. The boat club buildings, built by the hands of club members, are already present on the reclamation.

8 Pre 1951 — 1950-1960

By 1951, the area is used more intensively as an anchorage and mooring area. The old Shelley Beach Baths are on the foreshore - but these later disappeared under the motorway.

9 1952 — 1950-1960

The part of the reclamation that will become Westhaven Drive, emerges in the early 1950s, but vehicle access is still via Curran Street. The Harbour Bridge is yet to appear.

11 1955 — 1950 - 1960

1955 The Harbour Bridge is in build. The western edge of the marina is nearly fully reclaimed to enable access for traffic, and the first pile moorings have appeared. Homes on the St Mary's Bay waterfront still have direct beach access - but not for much longer.

12 1956 — 1950-1960

1956 The sea wall where the Westhaven Promenade is now being built, has appeared, and the density of boats within the marina, is increasing.

13 1957 — 1950-1960

1957 - By the late 50s, the motorway was finished. The waterfront was now a highway, and the coastal dynamic would be forever changed for the local community.

14 1958 — 1950-1960

1958 - The Harbour Bridge is nearly complete, linking the North Shore with the rest of the city.

16 1982 — 1980-1990

1982 - Modern marina berths now offer convenience and security for modern boat owners

17 1982 2 — 1980-190

1982 - With the Northern side of the marina at full capacity, the build of the southern side has commenced, to cater for ever increasing demand for berthage. The city is growing, and Aucklanders can't get enough of sailing - it is a true national sport and the reason the city became known as 'The City of Sails'.

18 1982 3 — 1980-1990

1982 - Access and marina car parking has always been an important part of Westhaven's infrastructure.

With the 1980s came the addition of three restaurants, brokerages and essential marine services. Soon after, the Z Pier charter base was introduced, as well as a modern refuelling dock that dispenses 11.5 million litres of fuel per year.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2020 Westhaven Marina successfully underwent one of the largest periods of development since it was founded. At the 2020 New Zealand Marina Operators Association awards, the marina received the Outstanding Initiative Award for the ‘Load n Go’ berth and was highly commended in the Marina of the Year Category.

In 2021, the Pile Berth Redevelopment project introduced an additional 86 berths, while R Pier was redeveloped to house a further 14m berth, and several piers received upgrades to futureproof the marina. New infrastructure also includes a 2461sqm Marine Village and a 400m section added to the popular, and now award-winning, promenade boardwalk.