Boating New Zealand's page dedicated to Coastguard New Zealand news and updates.
Give the gift of peace of mind on the water with a Coastguard Membership
Enjoying time out on the water with friends and whānau is what Kiwi boating is all about. But things don’t always go to plan out there, a flat battery or dodgy engine can ruin any boatie’s day.
That’s where Coastguard have your back every day of the year. With a Coastguard Membership boaties are covered 24/7 for on-water breakdowns, flat batteries, fuel issues, and more. We’ll get them up and running or back to shore safely without a steep towing fee. Because if things do turn pear-shaped out there and they’re not a member, it could cost them $350 an hour for non-urgent assistance. Join thousands of Coastguard members who have peace of mind knowing that we’ve got them covered every time they hit the water.
Individual membership only $150 per year.
For more details, visit here.
Kaipara bar capsize highlights lifejackets, luck, and the value of Coastguard volunteers
Three boaties are alive today following a capsize outside the Kaipara Bar, in an incident that underscores both the life-savi...
Century Batteries extends Coastguard partnership as rescue demand rises
Century Batteries continues its support of Coastguard Tautiaki Moana as volunteer crews face growing demand across New Zealan...
Coastguard Summer Lottery winners announced for 2026
The grand prize boat and ute package has landed, and Coastguard says every ticket helps keep crews rescue ready.
Celia Knowles Rescue reaches 500 assists, marking 15 years on the frontline
Hawke Bay Coastguard has passed a major operational milestone, recording the 500th assist by its rescue vessel Celia Knowles ...
Coastguard urges boaties to slow down as summer rescues surge
Coastguard crews are dealing with one of the busiest Januarys they have seen in years, with emergency callouts tracking clo...
Coastguard called after catamaran loses propulsion in Whitianga Harbour
Coastguard volunteers were called into action this afternoon after a 13 metre catamaran ran into trouble in Whitianga Harbour...
Bar Crossing Awareness: Must-Know Safety Tips
Coastguard NZ has created a helpful video that explains what a bar is and offers crucial advice to help you make an informed decision about whether it's safe to cross.
Safety Guidelines
Three rescued after boat capsizes off Tolaga Bay
Three men were rescued off Tolaga Bay today after their boat overturned suddenly, leaving them in the water for around six ho...
Coastguard Bluff assists three men stranded on island near Bluff
Calm conditions turned rough, prompting an early call for help and a straightforward recovery.
Coastguard Kaikōura rescues nine kayakers as conditions deteriorate
Rapidly changing weather off the Kaikōura coast triggers three simultaneous incidents and a coordinated volunteer response.
Are You VHF Ready?
Knowing how to correctly and confidently use a marine VHF radio is essential in emergency situations. To legally operate a VHF radio, you must hold a VHF Radio Operator Certificate—except when transmitting during an emergency or distress call.
VHF radios offer excellent coverage in most coastal areas, but they can be unreliable in some inland waterways.
Before heading out, it's a good idea to ask a local boatie or the Coastguard for advice. They'll have knowledge of any areas with limited or no VHF coverage due to the coastal terrain.
If you're boating in an area with limited VHF coverage, it's important to carry an EPIRB (Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon) or a waterproof PLB (Personal Locator Beacon), along with a cellphone. In fact, it's always wise to have a distress beacon onboard, regardless of coverage conditions.
Lake Dunstan capsize rescue highlights why Christmas boating safety matters most
A night rescue on Lake Dunstan is a timely reminder that summer boating demands attention, preparation, and discipline.
Coastguard Mangawhai completes first rescue in challenging conditions
Five Coastguard Mangawhai volunteers launched the unit’s rescue vessel Kokako Rescue and made their way to the scene. On arri...
Mayday at Parua Bay: fast response pulls a chilled boatie from the water
A routine fuel stop turned into an urgent rescue for Coastguard Whangārei’s Circa crew.
Coastguard phone lines offline briefly for system upgrade this Wednesday
Coastguard New Zealand will take several phone lines offline on Wednesday, 10 December, from midday while it carries out a sh...
French Pass rescue turns into a 12 hour overnight mission
Coastguard Nelson retrieves five cold but uninjured crew after a grounding at one of New Zealand’s trickiest tidal choke poin...
Coastguard responds to late-night Mahurangi callout
Quick thinking, teamwork and a helpful kayaker prevent a marine emergency from escalating.
Sarah Psaila: “Everyone deserves to come home”
Meet Sarah Psaila, the Coastguard skipper inspiring confidence and safety on New Zealand waters.
Swift community response helps save four after Raglan bar capsize
Four rescued after a Raglan Bar capsize thanks to swift Coastguard and community action.
Early morning yacht rescue in Cook Strait
An early morning yacht rescue unfolded in Cook Strait over Labour Weekend after a distress beacon alerted authorities to a ve...
Police, Coastguard rescue missing night diver near Goat Island
A night-time search off the coast has ended safely after a missing diver was rescued near Goat Island, north of Auckland.
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New rescue PWCs for Manukau
The rescue watercraft are introduced as a response to an increase in incidents in the Harbour. The agile PWCs can reach areas...
Honouring a legacy, building for the future: Coastguard Riverton’s Russell John Chisholm II launched...
The Southland coastline is beautiful but unforgiving. On Saturday, the Riverton community came together to celebrate a major ...
Coastguard North Canterbury rescues five boaties in harrowing Motunau Bar incident
Five boaties were dramatically rescued by Coastguard North Canterbury this past Saturday evening (5 July 2025), after their v...
Kiwis raise over $644,000 for Coastguard in The Big Swim
Big hearts, big distances – Kiwis raise over $644,000 in Coastguard’s big swim fundraiser
Small rescue, big reminder: be prepared on the water
Just four days ago, Coastguard Thames was called out for a seemingly minor rescue—one that highlights a major safety lesson....
Rescue on Lake Tarawera highlights power of teamwork and technology
A missing tramper, fading daylight, and the challenging terrain of the Tarawera Trail set the scene for a swift and successfu...
Answering the call: Coastguard Volunteers celebrated during National Volunteer Week
As Aotearoa marks Te Wiki Tūao ā-Motu – National Volunteer Week (15–21 June), it’s time to recognise the more than 2,100 volu...
Tragedy on the Pātea Bar: Two Lives Lost in Sudden Capsize
Two people have died and a third has been hospitalised after a small vessel capsized on the notorious Pātea Bar on the morni...
Coastguard news: Trial unit set for Mangawhai
Coastguard Tautiaki Moana is progressing plans for a trial unit in Mangawhai, marking a significant step toward strengthening...
Raglan Volunteer Coastguard: “The ocean does not allow second chances”
In the past 12 months, Raglan Volunteer Coastguard has responded to 58 incidents, safely bringing 100 people home.
Southern Bluefin Tuna pre-season 2025 seminar series
Knowledge, preparation, and safety – before the bite begins.
When training turns real: HMNZS Taupo responds to mayday near Rangitoto
In the early hours of this morning—Thursday 1 May—HMNZS Taupo broke from a routine training exercise in the Hauraki Gulf to r...
Coastguard crews respond to high-pressure rescues across NZ in challenging weekend
Coastguard volunteers across the motu were kept on their toes over the weekend, responding to a string of emergencies that st...
Riding along with Coastguard
A sunny Saturday riding along with Auckland Coastguard aboard
Trillian Trust Rescue turned into a real life call out and to...
Injured sailor rescued off Pukerua Bay, yacht lost to rough seas
A dramatic rescue unfolded off Pukerua Bay on Saturday (March 1) when Coastguard Mana responded to reports of a stricken yach...
Four flown to hospital after jetboat crash on Whanganui River
Four people were flown to hospital after two jetboats crashed on the Whanganui River on Saturday.
Police said they were ca...
Missing jetskier in Cook Strait: Rough seas and a widespread search
A jetski without its driver was discovered at Cook Rock, off the top of New Zealand’s South Island, in a case that has drawn ...
Body of Missing Jetskier Recovered from Lake Taupō
The Police Dive Squad has recovered the body of the jetskier reported missing on Lake Taupō near Nukuhau / Acacia Bay. The re...
Search Underway After Jetski Incident on Lake Taupō
Taupō Police and emergency services are conducting a search operation following a distress call regarding a jetski incident o...
Coastguard volunteers in action over the festive season
The holiday season is one of the busiest times for Coastguard New Zealand, and the period from 23 December 2024 to 3 January ...
Coastguard Stresses Safety after a busy day on the water
The festive season is in full swing, and Hawke's Bay Coastguard has already had a busy start, rescuing two vessels in need of...
Coastguard heroes: A December to remember
While many Kiwis celebrated Christmas and the lead-up to it with festive cheer, Coastguard volunteers across New Zealand were...
Three rescued after dramatic capsize on Hokianga Bar
Three men are lucky to be alive after their boat capsized on the treacherous Hokianga River bar on Sunday morning.
Swift rescue off Raglan Bar saves three lives
Quick responses from Surf Lifesavers and Coastguard Raglan volunteers led to the successful rescue of three individuals after...
An interesting look inside Coastguard Hawke’s Bay one of New Zealand’s busiest Coastguar...
On the evening of Wednesday, 27th November, Coastguard Hawke’s Bay responded to a call for assistance from a vessel experienc...
Too-Close-A-Call on the Water: Why Coastguard Membership is a Must-Have
The other week, we found ourselves in a situation every boatie dreads—our 50-foot yacht's motor failed. We were just 20 metre...
Successful Night-Time Rescue by Coastguard Tutukaka
In the early hours of this morning, Coastguard Tutukaka volunteers once again demonstrated their dedication and swift respons...
Celebrating the Heroes of the Water: NZ Coastguard 2024 Volunteer Awards of Excellence
In a year marked by extraordinary challenges and heroic efforts, Coastguard New Zealand has once again shone a light on the v...
Fatal Water Incident On Manakau Bar
At 9:39am today (20 Oct 2024) the Coastguard Operations Centre was alerted to a vessel capsizing on the Manukau B...
Incident at Kawhia Bar – 7 souls Rescued
Seven men have been rescued after their boat overturned while crossing the Kawhia Bar in Waikato yesterday evening.
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