New Zealand opens its coastline for increased superyacht chartering

New Zealand has announced a new process to encourage increased superyacht chartering in its waters, just in time for the country’s cruising season.

Aimed at streamlining the temporary import procedure for charter in New Zealand, the new process ensures that chartering in the area is an easy and attractive prospect for visiting superyachts.

The process significantly streamlines entry procedures for superyachts chartering in New Zealand waters. It works with the country’s existing temporary import entry (TIE) making provisions for superyachts to charter, undertake private cruises and complete refit work within the Pacific nation.

The move comes at the end of a year which has seen New Zealand make considerable moves in promoting its charter prospects to superyachts. Yacht agents in the area are well-versed in the new process which will be instrumental in helping yachts to simplify their entry and charter process. 

Current regulations insist that charter work must make up less than 65% of the superyacht’s time within New Zealand waters. NZ Customs also require a declaration from the vessel’s owner in order to ensure that the yacht will not stay in the country for longer than 24 months. 

The TIE means that yachts can now stay in the country for up to 24 months, allowing those on board to enjoy cruising, charter and refit potential. Those yachts holding the TIE will enjoy zero goods and services tax (GST) rating for goods and services for the yacht while it is not under charter. Crew’s qualifications can also be cross-credited to New Zealand qualifications by Maritime NZ. 

Find New Zealand charter companies, here.