Four thousand square kilometres of marine park. Twenty-plus islands. The Hauraki Gulf is yours from the moment you turn the key.
The Hauraki Gulf is one of the country's best inshore fisheries. Pink snapper year-round, kingfish through summer, kahawai workups when the birds give it away. The SF545 carries enough rod holders for the whole family - and a deck wide enough to land the big one.
Waiheke for the vineyards. Rotoroa for the empty beaches. Motutapu for a swim. Kawau for the lunch run. Tiritiri for the birds. There's no right answer - only how much daylight you've got left.
Every member finds their own piece of paradise. The wreck off Motutapu. The quiet side of Rakino. That bay on Kawau where the water turns the colour of jade. The SBC team will share theirs if you ask. Some they won't.
The Gulf is a marine park. Wildlife is abundant - over 130 species in the Gulf. Common dolphins arrive in pods of up to fifty. Orca come through in late spring. Sometimes you find them. Sometimes they find you.
The deck holds a family of six comfortably. Tow a biscuit on the way home. Anchor in a sheltered bay for lunch. Kids overboard? Swim ladder's on the transom. Life jackets included but the sunscreen's on you.
Last light over the Sky Tower. Auckland from the water in autumn, which most Aucklanders never see. A cold beer in the holder, the kids tired in the cabin. The crew has the boat ready for you next time. You just turn the key and go.
From the Westhaven berth, here's where the regulars go. Drive times based on flat water and a sensible cruising speed.
Waiheke's flagship lunch spot - if you have a boat.
Motutapu's eastern arm. Sheltered. Empty most weekdays.
Four perfect beaches. The conservation island. Worth the run.
Snapper grounds. Reliable in 18–25m. Drift the workups.
Twenty-four boats. Limited memberships. Begin yours today or come aboard for a complimentary marina visit first.