SailGP returns to Auckland – Westhaven Marina access information | 13-15 February 2026

19 January 2026

As Auckland hosts SailGP once again, there will be temporary on-water and on-land access impacts at Westhaven Marina. The marina is positioned as a prime viewing location for this major event and is expected to attract large crowds, including berth holders and members of the public.

To ensure safety and smooth operations:

· On-water: The Harbourmaster has established exclusion zones within the Waitematā Harbour, affecting marine traffic entering and exiting Westhaven Marina at certain times

· On-land: A traffic management plan, approved by Auckland Transport, will be implemented, with additional security staff on site throughout the event

Key information for the SailGP weekend

On-water exclusion zone details

An exclusion zone will be enforced on the Waitematā Harbour during the following times:

· Friday 13 February 2026 (inner harbour official practice race): 2.30pm to 7pm

· Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 February 2026 (race days): 2.30pm to 7pm

During these periods:

· Access within the exclusion zone will be restricted to official event vessels and a limited number of flagged boats with valid ‘Bring Your Own Boat’ passes

· Non-flagged vessels will not be permitted entry

· Access through the exclusion zone to enter or exit from Westhaven Marina will not be possible

Please refer to the exclusion zone map below.

Marina access and traffic management on race days (14-15 February)

Pedestrian and emergency access to the marina will be maintained at all times.

Curran Street access

· Vehicle access to the marina via Curran Street will close from 11am. Vehicles approaching from this direction will be redirected to Shelly Beach Road

· Curran Street access will reopen once crowds have dispersed

Beaumont Street access

· Vehicle access to the marina via Beaumont Street will remain open

· Road closures will be in place near Burnsco at 129 Westhaven Drive

Traffic management and security

· Security and traffic management staff will be stationed at key locations throughout Westhaven Marina to assist and direct drivers

To avoid disruption, we recommend provisioning your vessel the evening before, or prior to 11am on race days.

Parking at Westhaven

Parking availability will be limited due to anticipated crowds. To ensure a smoother experience:

· Arrive early if you plan to park at the marina on race days, as spaces will fill up quickly

· Parking will be limited, and as always, the marina cannot accept responsibility for any damage to vehicles

· Recommended parking: southern end of the marina, between Z pier and Burnsco

· Vehicle access to the northern reclamation (near the yacht clubs) will close at 11am – if you need to enter or exit the northern reclamation after this time, traffic management staff will assist when it is safe to do so, however, delays are likely. Please note: you may be asked for your name and berth number when attempting access after 11am

Note: Usual parking restrictions will apply. Additional security contractors will monitor all parking areas, including in the southern car parks, to support safety and traffic flow.

Temporary boat ramp closure

To prioritise safety and ensure the boat ramp remains available for emergency services and event safety vessels, the public boat ramp at Z pier will be closed for the duration of the SailGP event, from Friday 13 to Sunday 15 February 2026.

During the SailGP event, trailer boats will not be able to access or exit Westhaven Marina, as the exclusion zone will close the marina entry and exit.

Safety and security

To ensure safety and enjoyment for all during this busy event:

· Please remain vigilant with personal belongings and be mindful of tailgaters at pier gates

· Additional marina staff and security guards will be on site throughout the event and overnight, with regular patrols of the piers

· You may be asked for your name and berth number when accessing the piers – this is standard security protocol

· In the unlikely event of someone falling into the water, all patrolling marina staff are trained in multiple extraction techniques

· If staying overnight on your vessel, please:

Be considerate of other marina users, particularly with noise levels
Look out for one another and prioritise safety

A shared responsibility

The safety and enjoyment of all berth holders and visitors is our top priority. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding during the SailGP weekend, which will help ensure safe operations while allowing everyone to enjoy this exceptional sailing event on the Waitematā Harbour.

For more event information, please visit the SailGP website here. General enquiries about the event can be directed to the SailGP team at contact@sailgp.com.

If you have any questions or concerns about accessing the marina or your vessel during the event, please contact the marina office.

Thank you for your understanding and support.