A Legacy of Innovation and Elegance

Spirit, a large white superyacht wavepiercer cruising through the ocean with a small hot tub on the deck.

New Zealand Yachts was founded on a bold vision: to redefine the ocean-going experience through innovative wavepiercer design, exceptional seakeeping, and timeless elegance. That vision first came to life with Spirit, the award-winning 35-metre yacht that set a new benchmark for performance, comfort, and efficiency at sea.

A Vision at the Whangārei Port, NZ

Allen Jones, gray shirt, and gold watch leaning on a railing inside a large shipyard with construction workers working on yacht molds.

In the early 2000s, Allen Jones acquired the Port of Whangārei, including a fully operational commercial shipyard. Under his leadership, the yard continued its essential role in New Zealand’s marine industry—specializing in the refit and repair of commercial vessels, including superseiners (large tuna seiners), coastal freighters, and technical survey work.

A man working on a large industrial machine in a workshop, with tools and equipment in the background.

In addition to these core operations, New Zealand Yachts expanded the facility’s capabilities to include luxury yacht refits, both sail and power—refining the team’s craftsmanship and attention to detail.

With a long-term vision to bring world-class yacht building to New Zealand, Allen oversaw the development of a dedicated build facility on the property—purpose-built for the construction of new superyachts. It was within this space that Spirit, the award-winning 35-metre wavepiercer, was conceived and launched.

This fusion of commercial capability and luxury craftsmanship became the foundation of New Zealand Yachts' legacy.

Three individuals wearing safety masks and goggles are kneeling and installing a horizontal support on a pink wall, working with tools in a construction setting.
A man in a tan uniform interacting with a control panel inside an industrial or mechanical room.

The Launch of Spirit

Aerial view of a luxury yacht with a spacious wooden deck, surrounded by water.

Launched in 2005, Spirit was awarded the International Superyacht Design Award for Best Power Yacht (32–43m), earning acclaim for its efficiency, stability, and sculptural design. With exterior and interior styling by world-renowned designer Ken Freivokh, the yacht marked a turning point in the evolution of performance-driven luxury.

Spiral staircase with wooden steps and metal railing in a modern superyacht with circular ceiling lighting and decorative floor design.
Sculpture of a black sphere with a sailboat mast and sail, mounted on a striped wooden base.

A Pause Amid Global Shifts

White flag with blue and gold lettering waving on a boat, with the ocean and sky in the background.

The economic downturn in 2008 impacted the yachting industry worldwide. New Zealand Yachts, like many, suspended operations. The spirit of innovation, however, remained very much alive.

A Legacy Reimagined

A large luxury yacht with multiple decks floating on calm water, featuring a flag at the stern, and furnished outdoor seating areas on the decks.

Today, New Zealand Yachts carries this legacy forward with a renewed focus: creating wavepiercer superyachts that unite advanced engineering, exceptional seakeeping, and timeless design.

Guided by a commitment to innovation, craftsmanship, and ocean-going performance, New Zealand Yachts brings together world-class design, naval architecture, and New Zealand's rich shipbuilding heritage to create vessels of exceptional capability and distinction.

Designed for the real ocean.
Refined for the way you live.

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