Auckland Council’s marinas are helping share ideas about how cities can make the most of their waterfronts, with a delegation from our sister city, Fukuoka City in Japan, recently visiting Westhaven Marina, Auckland Central Marina and Silo Marina.
The delegation was interested in understanding more than how Auckland’s marinas operate. They wanted to see how these waterfront spaces connect with the city, encourage people to move between the waterfront and surrounding areas, create places for people to enjoy, and support vibrant boating communities.
The Fukuoka delegation inspecting one of Auckland's marina areas.
During their visit, the delegation explored the three Auckland Council-owned and managed marinas and their different roles within Auckland’s waterfront. Westhaven Marina provides a major hub for Auckland’s recreational boating community, while Auckland Central Marina sits alongside the heart of the city. Silo Marina supports Auckland’s superyacht sector and adds another dimension to the city’s waterfront.
For Aucklanders, these marinas are places to enjoy the harbour, connect with the water and experience the waterfront – whether they are boating, visiting a yacht club, walking through the area, or simply taking in the activity around them.
The Fukuoka City delegation was impressed by the passion Aucklanders have for their marinas and how these spaces have become places to be cherished and enjoyed by many. They said the visit provided an important opportunity to consider the future development of Fukuoka City’s marinas.
Sharing Auckland’s experience with Fukuoka is part of the broader value of our sister-city relationship. Exchanges like this allow cities to share ideas, learn from each other and consider new approaches to making their waterfronts places that work for both residents and visitors.