Winter at TMP: Busy Yard, Better Facilities, Boat Safety Tips
Hi everyone,
Well the Solstice has passed and the days should be getting longer! With that, winter has finally arrived with the temperatures dropping, but we are still getting some of the best boating days out there on the Hauraki Gulf. It has been great seeing people heading out there and getting the most out of their boats.
If you aren’t boating, these winter days are perfect for getting works done on your boat. There are a number of great special offers around such as antifouling, outboard service, etc… It is a perfect time to take advantage of these deals before the usual crazy rush in November and December!
We've been making the most of this winter period to get on with a number of improvements around the site. One of the key big projects for this winter was undertaking an overhaul of the dry stack marina so as to maintain a strong, usable marina for years to come.
Here's a quick look at what's in this month's newsletter. Click through to read the full stories. As always, if there's anything we can help you with around the marina or boatyard, just give the TMP team a call.
– Martin and the Tamaki Marine Park Team
SAVE BIG THIS SEASON!
Winter’s the perfect time to give your hull the care it deserves.
Save 20% on your Haulout + Waterblast at TMP*
and when you book an anti-foul with Gloss Boats,
Save 15% and get a FREE soapy wash thrown in*
This winter deal sails away 30 September 2026.
Catching Up with Matakana Marine
We recently caught up with Matt from Matakana Marine to hear why Tamaki Marine Park is his go-to spot for servicing boats in Auckland.
Matt and his team are at TMP about twice a week handling major marine projects, and we loved hearing his thoughts on why our facilities work so well for his growing business. Here are a few highlights from our chat:
Top-Tier Facilities: Matt highlights that our facilities are awesome and make it easy to tackle big jobs indoors.
Convenient Access: Located right off the motorway, TMP provides a nice, easy drive for the Matakana Marine team.
Great Crew: He gave a fantastic shoutout to our hardstand guys for being easy to deal with.
Heavy-Duty Servicing: TMP's setup allows them to easily drop pods and perform engine rebuilds, maintenance, and major engine work on premium vessels like Palm Beach motor yachts.
Matt considers Tamaki Marine Park to be "probably one of the best in Auckland," and we couldn't be prouder to support expert marine businesses like his.
Building A Better Drystack Experience
If you've been around the drystack lately, you may have noticed a bit of activity. Over winter we've been busy carrying out some important maintenance and upgrades to keep everything in top shape.
We've replaced a number of structural components (brackets, walers and rods) and sleeved the drystack marina piles. It’s all part of looking after the facility and making sure it's ready for many years of reliable service.
Around the wider marina, we've also taken the opportunity to upgrade a large number of fenders, along with replacing hoses and lines to help keep everything operating smoothly.
Most of this work happens behind the scenes, but it's all part of our commitment to providing the best possible facilities and service for our customers. We look forward to welcoming both familiar and new faces back to the TMP drystack over the months ahead.
Marina Berths Available
After a short-term stay or somewhere more permanent? Tamaki Marine Park has marina berths available for a wide range of vessels. With direct access to the Hauraki Gulf, on-site marine services, and a secure, well-maintained marina, everything you need is right here in one place.
Why choose TMP?
Berths available for boats up to 30 metre
Flexible month-to-month terms (three-month minimum preferred)
One simple flat fee with no separate utility charges
Power and water at every berth
Secure marina with 24-hour monitoring
Plenty of on-site parking
Condon Marine Services (CMS)
If you've wandered around the TMP boatyard, chances are you've seen Sean and the team at Condon Marine Services hard at work. They're one of our resident marine businesses and have become a familiar face around the yard over the past few years.
Since 2018, Sean Condon and his team have built a reputation for quality workmanship and practical marine solutions, working on everything from jet skis and trailer boats through to launches, superyachts, and commercial vessels. Including:
Boat servicing and scheduled maintenance
Fibreglass and gelcoat repairs
Refits and system installations
Seakeeper gyro stabiliser sales and installation
Teak decking, detailing, and insurance repairs
Custom modifications and game fishing rigging
If you need a hand, talk to CMS on 021 0257 0060
The Cost of Outboard Servicing: AOW's Price Guide
It’s the number one question on every boatie's mind when it comes time for maintenance. We all know regular servicing is the secret to safe days on the water, but trying to budget for it can often feel like a guessing game. That is why the team at Auckland Outboard Workshop (AOW), conveniently located right here at Tamaki Marine Park, has put together a handy Outboard Service Price Guide. From a nimble little two-stroke to a high-horsepower four-stroke, their baseline estimates are clearly broken down by horsepower so you have a solid idea of what to expect before the spanners even come out.
Curious about what your engine will cost to service?
HMB Marine Electrical
If you've got an electrical issue on your boat, chances are Simon Jennings has seen it before! Simon and the team at HMB Marine Electrical are another of our resident marine businesses here at TMP. Between them, they bring decades of experience working on everything from trailer boats and launches through to superyachts and commercial vessels. Simon has a serious boating CV, having worked as an electrical engineer on superyachts, raced offshore yachts around the world, and skippered game fishing boats too. Services include:
Electrical fault finding and repairs
Lithium battery systems
EWOF inspections
Smart marine electronics
Boat internet and WiFi solutions
Outboard servicing
Windlasses, winches and power systems
Get in touch with HMB Marine Electrical on 09 537 0502.
Heading Out This Winter? Don't Forget
Winter can be one of the best times to get out on the water. But it does pay to be a little more prepared. Here are a few must-do’s before you head off.
Dress for the Conditions
A good waterproof jacket and plenty of warm layers can make the difference between a great day and a miserable one (it's always easier to take a layer off than wish you'd packed another).Check Your Battery
Cold weather can be hard on batteries. If yours is getting a bit tired, now's the time to have it tested before it leaves you stranded.Test Your Safety Gear
Make sure your lifejackets are in good condition, your VHF radio is working, and your flares, torch, and locator beacon are all up to date. Hopefully you'll never need them, but you'll be glad they're there (and working) if you do.Keep an Eye on the Forecast
Winter weather has a habit of changing its mind. Check the forecast before you head out and have a Plan B if conditions take a turn.Pack Something Warm
Whether it's a coffee, soup, or a hot chocolate, a decent thermos can be worth its weight in gold after a cold morning on the water.Tell Someone Where You're Going
Before you head out, let someone know your plans and roughly when you'll be back. It's one of the simplest things you can do, and one of the most important.
Winter boating really can be some of the best boating of the year. A little prep simply means you can relax, enjoy the day, and get home safely.
Tamaki River: Ease Off the Throttle
It's easy to get caught up enjoying a great day on the water, but it's worth remembering that we're sharing it with plenty of other people, including on our the Tamaki River. Here’s a quick reminder that the 5-knot speed limit applies:
Within 200m of the shore
Within 200m of any structure
Within 200m of a boat displaying a diver's flag
Within 50m of another boat
Within 50m of a person swimming
Whenever someone on your boat has any part of their body outside the rails or edge of the deck
Slow down where required, keep a good lookout, and let's make the Tamaki River and the Gulf a safe place for everyone.