Moving from managing their marina with a paper-based system to a comprehensive software solution has allowed the team at Bay of Islands Marina to turn with the tide of technology, boosting their berthage and setting them up for success.
Bay of Islands Marina Administration Manager Jane Wubben said casting off the anchor of a paper-based system and going live with PacsoftNG was “frightening” when they made the change years ago. However, the move has paid off, transforming the marina into an award-winning operation trusted as New Zealand’s primary port of call for overseas cruising yachts.
“We couldn’t operate without PacsoftNG.”
After an expansion project starting in 2017, the picturesque marina in Port Opua now boasts 440 berths and a 120-metre-long superyacht dock pontoon, which can accommodate boats up to 80 metres in length. Shore-side support facilities include a new haul-out trailer, upgraded travel lift and hardstand, pump-out facilities, a diesel fuel dock, a host of marine services and conveniences like Wi-Fi, hot showers and postal services.
Ms Wubben said berth occupancy had been steadily increasing and this, alongside the growing trend of boat ownership post-Covid, had more than justified the investment in expansion.
“Pre-Covid we were welcoming approximately 400 to 450 cruisers per season.”
The marina’s expansion has led to its office team growing to eight staff, with four on rotation at the front desk to assist customers seven days a week. All staff use PacsoftNG to simplify the management of the marina’s extensive array of berths and to keep customers informed with everything they need to make their visit the ideal introduction to New Zealand.
Ms Wubben said PacsoftNG offered a comprehensive suite of features that was powerful enough to take care of all the nuts and bolts involved with running one of New Zealand’s top marinas.
“We basically do everything in PacsoftNG.”
The introduction of a tool called TallyBee, which uses radio technology to measure customer’s individual electricity meters, was integrated with PacsoftNG so the marina could charge their customers accurately for the electricity they used.
“Controlling the power through PacsoftNG is a great tool and well worth it – we love it.”
With its evolution into a state-of-the-art marine hub the marina is well-placed to provide the perfect first impression to foreign guests. New Zealand Customs and biosecurity staff are on hand to clear visitors and their boats for entry into New Zealand.
The continual enhancement of New Zealand’s front door for yachties has helped Bay of Islands Marina make a splash amongst its local and international peers. The Marina Industries Association recognised Bay of Islands Marina as the Best International Marina in the Asia-Pacific Region at the association’s 2019-2020 Club Marine Marina of the Year Awards, marking the first time in 17 years that a New Zealand marina was awarded the prestigious accolade.
After a rain-drenched summer last year, Ms Wubben and her team are hoping for plainer sailing during 2023-2024 peak season. The marina has some exciting events on the horizon and is hoping for a record number of visitors.
“Bay Of Islands Race Week at the end of January is a huge event and the summer waitlist is very long for people waiting to visit the area.”
