How to buy, sell, transfer or rent a mooring

In most of Northland's harbours, the demand for moorings continues to be high. Some of the designated mooring areas are at full capacity. However, there are always a number of moorings within these areas that are not occupied by vessels most of the time. These vacant moorings can and should be rented out.

The council actively encourages owners to sell their moorings if they don’t have a genuine need for them, or the moorings are not being used.

Check the following places for moorings advertised for sale:

It is strongly recommended that you contact the council's maritime team to check the mooring’s permit conditions and service history before agreeing to purchase.

A transfer form must be completed, then processed by the regional council. Please note, it isn’t possible to download this form, as it’s specific to each mooring licence. Forms and fees are available on request from the maritime team.

Contact the maritime team on 0800 002 004 to discuss transferring your mooring.

Please note the following conditions:

  • The mooring will not be transferred unless it has a current mooring inspection certificate, or the purchaser states (in writing) that arrangements have been made for the mooring to be lifted and inspected by a council-approved mooring contractor.
  • The new owner must check what size vessel the mooring is permitted and approved for before purchasing. This is important as moorings have a defined vessel size associated with the consent, and larger vessels are not allowed on the mooring.
  • If the Mooring License and/or Coastal Permit are held by a number of parties, written approval from all parties who jointly hold the Mooring License and/or Coastal Permit is required.
  • A transfer of ownership is not complete until the transfer fee is paid and all registered mooring owners (if more than one person) have signed this transfer notice. Until a transfer is complete, the existing mooring owner(s) is fully responsible for all conditions and obligations of the Mooring License and Coastal Permit, including payment of all due charges.

The council offers a free online service where mooring owners can list moorings for sale or rent.

After you complete the form, the moorings team will confirm the details and make the listing available on the website at their earliest opportunity.

If you need help completing the listing form, please contact our moorings team on 0800 002 004 or email mooringsadmin@nrc.govt.nz

List a mooring for sale or rent

Once the mooring has been rented, you must advise us and give us details of the vessel that will be using the mooring. The person renting the mooring must also ensure the size and design of the mooring is sufficient to cope with the vessel they intend to place on it. Their vessel must not exceed the permitted length of vessel for that mooring.

If there is any uncertainty, please seek advice from the maritime department or a council-approved mooring contractor.

Formal rental agreements

Why mooring owners benefit from a formal rental agreement:

Without a clear, written agreement in place, misunderstandings can arise and those misunderstandings can quickly turn into costly or time-consuming problems. A formal mooring rental agreement gives mooring owners clarity, protection, and peace of mind.

  • Clear responsibilities for both parties

A written agreement sets out exactly what the mooring owner is responsible for and what the renter must take care of. This includes maintenance expectations, vessel suitability, payment terms, and any rules specific to the location. When everything is spelled out, there’s less room for confusion.

  • Legal protection if issues arise

If a dispute occurs, whether it’s unpaid fees, damage to the mooring, or improper use, a formal agreement provides a documented basis for resolving the issue. It helps protect the owner’s rights and ensures there’s a clear reference point for any discussions or legal processes.

A key part of this protection is having full and accurate contact details for the vessel owner. Because New Zealand does not have a formal vessel registration system, it can be extremely difficult to take any legal action if you cannot clearly identify or locate the person responsible. A written agreement ensures you have the renter’s verified name, address, and contact information from the outset, giving you a reliable way to follow up if problems arise.

  • Reliable payment terms

A formal agreement outlines how much rent is due, when it must be paid, and what happens if payments are late or missed. This helps mooring owners maintain predictable income and reduces the risk of awkward or difficult conversations later.

  • Ensures mooring is used safely and appropriately

Not all vessels are suitable for all mornings. A formal agreement can specify vessel length, type and depth of water available. This reduces the risk of damage and helps maintain compliance with the licence conditions / Navigation Safety Bylaw. One option in the written agreement that is strongly recommended is that the vessel owner supply a photo of how the vessel has been secured to the mooring. If the vessel breaks off the morning due to the headline chafing through, it's not just the vessel (and other vessels) that’s at risk, the mooring is now damaged and sunk.

  • Helps avoid misunderstandings

Even well-intentioned arrangements can go sideways when expectations aren’t aligned. A written agreement removes ambiguity - everyone knows what they’ve agreed to, which reduces the likelihood of disputes.

Example mooring rental agreement - template

Use this MS Word document below as a template for your mooring rental agreement. Once completed and signed, please email a copy to: mooringsadmin@nrc.govt.nz 

Mooring rental agreement template

If you have rented out your mooring, you must notify us either in writing or by email with the vessel owner(s) contact details and vessel details. 

If you are going to sell your mooring, you must notify us and we will either post or email a transfer of mooring ownership form to you. This form must be completed by both the owner and purchaser, then sent to us with the transfer fee. The transfer will not be processed and registered in the new owner(s) name until this has been completed.

Moorings available for sale or rent are listed in alphabetical order by their location. Please contact the owner directly with any queries.

View the list - moorings for sale or rent

If you're interested in a marina berth, you’ll need to contact a marina directly.

Get marina contact information

Our Northland regional maritime map provides information on moorings, marine management areas and marine pollution regulations.

Maritime maps - Northland Region⁠(opens in new tab)
Related information