Mooring self-help guide

Overview of moorings in Auckland

Auckland Transport (AT) Harbourmaster administers mooring sites within designated Mooring Management Areas (MMAs) across the Auckland Region. When you apply for a mooring, AT allocates a site and issues you a licence. Licences are valid from 1 July to 30 June and can be renewed annually on payment of the fee. View information on mooring license.

If you wish to lay a mooring outside these zones, you must obtain a resource consent from Auckland Council.

Mooring inspections

Like a car’s warrant of fitness, moorings require regular inspection to ensure they are safe for use. Make sure you:

• inspect your mooring every 2 to 3 years — we will send reminders 6 and 3 months before your due date

• choose any approved mooring contractor — ask about their availability in your area

• make a booking even if your contractor cannot meet the exact due date — we will follow up if needed

• understand that most moorings are repaired during inspection — if you do not act, your licence may be cancelled and fines applied

• check top ropes for wear, chafing or twisting — other common failures include pitting, bending or stretched components.

For moorings that dry each tide cycle, owners may carry out their own inspections.

Using and maintaining your mooring

To keep your mooring compliant and in good condition, make sure you:

• avoid leaving your mooring unused for more than 6 months without prior written approval
  

• go aboard your vessel regularly, we recommend once a month, to inspect its condition and check for line chafing

• monitor fergie buoys closely — top ropes and swivels need particular attention, and multiplait rope is recommended for durability

Keep your contact details up to date with the Harbourmaster's office. This ensures AT can reach you quickly in case of incidents involving your vessel.

New moorings and upgrades

If you're applying for a new mooring or upgrading an existing one, make sure you:

• complete the online application form — new sites are subject to availability and assessment

• explore possible areas using the interactive mooring zone map

• allow up to 5 working days for AT to advise on site availability — installation timelines depend on contractor schedules
  

• contact the Harbourmaster before upgrading for a larger vessel — the maximum permitted vessel length is 15m, though exceptions may be granted under specific conditions such as insurance, including wreck removal.

Rights and responsibilities

As a mooring owner, you must:

• allow only authorised use of your mooring — tying up without permission is illegal and may result in a $200 infringement fine

• contact the Harbourmaster if another vessel occupies your mooring without authorisation

• rent your mooring for up to 6 months only with Harbourmaster approval, longer periods require further consent

• complete a mooring transfer form and pay a transfer fee when transferring ownership

• notify the Harbourmaster in writing if cancelling your licence and arrange removal or disposal of the mooring tackle with a contractor.

Costs

When owning or transferring a mooring, you should be aware of the following costs:

• annual license fee — paid to AT for renewal

• inspection and repairs costs — cost can be discussed with your chosen contractor

Renting or selling a mooring

If you plan on renting a mooring, we recommended pricing at a rate of $25 to $35 per week.

If you are selling a mooring, you can expect to get:

• $2,750 to $4,000 — for a mooring with a valid inspection report

• $1,500 to $2,250 — for a mooring without a report, the buyer must cover inspection and repair costs

• $4,500 to $6,000 — for a new mooring depending on vessel size.