Making it easier for yachts to visit New Zealand has paid off, the New Zealand’s government says.
Customs Minister Nicky Wagner says 57 superyachts visited between April last year and March this year, compared with 37 during the previous season. “This is the highest number of superyacht visits since we hosted the America’s Cup in 2000,” Ms Wagner said today. Each visit contributes significantly to our economy through tourism, hospitality, berthage and marine services.”
Overall, customs has cleared 620 arriving yachts since last spring. Changes made to the customs regime included making it easier for owners to charter their yacht or carry out maintenance work.