Vessels call up Whangarei Harbour Radio on VHF Channel 16 and 19 and will be instructed to either anchor 1nm East of the Fairway buoy or to standby for a pilot 2 miles SE of the Fairway Buoy.

The pilot boards by pilot boat at the pilot boarding ground. The vessel proceeds in under pilot instructions. The pilot is in radio contact with Northport staff through Whangarei Harbour Radio on VHF Channel 19.

The tugs will meet vessels at either No. 4 or No 9 buoys depending on their size. Vessels will invariably berth to the tide.

11.1 CUSTOMS, MAF and MARINAS

All first port overseas yachts must report to Whangarei Harbour Radio.  Yachts inbound from overseas are directed to the Customs and MAF clearance berths at Marsden Cove Marina - The Entrance Channel charted position is approximately 35 ° 49.85'S  174° 28.45'E.

The Customs and MAF Departments should be advised of the yachts time od arrival at the berth by phone, Customs: Phone 029209305, MAF Whangarei: Phone (09) 430 7848. This phone service can be provided by Whangarei Harbour Radio. Yachts requiring berths in the Town Basin or Kissing Point Marina can contact Marina Office on VHF Channel 64 or telephone (09) 438 2033. 

11.2 FISHING BOATS and OTHER CRAFT

All commercial vessels arriving / departing the Refinery, Portland and Whangarei Harbour must call Whangarei Harbour Radio prior to entry into the harbour and prior to leaving the berth for sea.

11.3 DISTRESS CALLS

Distress calls are handled by Northland Maritime Radio which is a Government run radio service. 
Mayday calls will take precedence over shipping operations.
The local search and rescue centre is the Whangarei Police.

Whangarei Police:                            (09) 430 4500
Maritime NZ - Emergency Number :  0508 472269
NZ Rescue Coordination Centre :    (04) 914 8380