Recreational and professional sail training in Auckland, New Zealand

The RYA Programme has been tailored by Mahurangi Technical Institute into a series of courses that take full advantage of our local conditions. Depending on seatime experience and competency levels and whether the professional certificates (compliant with STCW 95) are sought, the courses vary from a 5 day Competent Crew or Day Skipper practical course up to a 6 week professional course that includes “mileage builder” seatime on the yacht as well as practical radar training. This gives the holder truly global employment opportunities.

These exciting programmes are unusual as there are very few courses one can do in New Zealand to achieve an internationally recognised qualification. There are also few schools internationally with such focus on professional courses. This is the route for you if you want an exciting career at sea.

The RYA/MCA Certificates are held in high regard around the world, so our courses are understandably intensive and demanding. To be awarded the RYA certificates in competency, candidates must successfully complete a practical exam with an RYA examiner, which will be organised by Mahurangi Technical Institute (MTI).

The RYA programme provides for a pathway of levels in yachting competency, for both power and sail, whether for recreation or for professional operations. The programme consists of the following levels: RYA Competent Crew & Day Skipper, RYA/MCA Coastal Skipper, RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore and RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean. The professional yachts person nowadays needs to also hold certain international-recognised certificates in fire-fighting, first aid, sea survival and personal safety. These STCW 95 certificates are truly globally portable and are recognized and endorsed by our own Maritime Safety Authority. We provide all necessary training for you to either propel your future in yachting of pursue your hobby safely.

Our own unique programmes combine the RYA Yachtmaster with suitable modules to provide you with a comprehensive series of packages in maritime training depending on your requirements.

The institute is based in the popular lifestyle town of Warkworth, an easy one hour drive north of Auckland. This busy town offers the best in boutique shopping, cafes and bars, with Matakana, Sandspit and Kawau Bay, surf and sandy beaches only minutes away. When studying at MTI you don't need to worry about traffic or parking!

MTI specialises in Maritime and Aquaculture education, and also offers courses in companion animal services, automotive, and hospitality.

Our friendly, approachable tutors come from a mix of professional and industry experience, bringing you up-to-date knowledge from their various specialty subjects. Our courses are a mix of hands-on and theory with a strong practical emphasis giving you the best real-world experience.

We are proud to offer a unique hands on learning experience with small class sizes meaning you get individual attention to maximise your learning.

There are several accommodation options for students who are looking to stay in the area while studying with us.

> Self contained student accommodation
Fully self contained. Own room, share facilities. Four bedrooms sleeps up to 5 x (3 single and one shared room with ensuite). Seven minute walk from Tech and only 10 minutes to Warkworth twonship.

> The Oaks Accommodation and Backpackers
The Oaks is located a handy seven minute walk from Tech. Single and double rooms are available with full cooking facilities, a communal kitchen and lounge areas. Wireless internet available on site plus only a ten minute walk to the Warkworth town centre.

> Lifeway Trust student hostel
Set in the tranquil grounds of the Lifeway Trust’s Complex in Snells Beach, 15 minutes drive from Tech and Warkworth. Own transport is required.

> Warkworth Lodge
Situated within walking distance from MTI, Warkworth Lodge has several different accommodation options available.

> Sheepworld
Situated a four minute minute drive North of Warkworth and offers several options for accommodation.

The township of Warkworth is the gateway to some of the North Island's most popular holiday spots including the marine reserve of Goat Island, the Tawharanui Open Sanctuary, and the beautiful Omaha Beach with its 4 kilometres of white sandy beach.

The waters of Kawau Bay provide arguably some of the best cruising waters in the world. Within Warkworth and the immediate surrounding district is a raft of activities and attractions to keep you busy. Visit the Warkworth Information Centre in Warkworth township or visit www.warkworth-information.co.nz for more information about the sights and attractions around the Rodney district. Just an easy 45 minute drive from downtown Auckland.

The most convenient way to travel to Warkworth is with one of four coach services: Intercity Coach Lines, Northliner Express, Main Coach Lines and Nakedbus (Pavlovich Xpress). Intercity and Northliner Express provide several daily passenger services between Auckland and Northland, as far as Kaitaia. Nakedbus currently run a daily service between Auckland and Whangarei. Main Coach Lines offer a service between Auckland and Dargaville. Warkworth is on the route of all these services.

If you are travelling to or from Auckland airport, all the above coach services connect with the Airbus shuttle (www.airbus.co.nz) that runs between the airport and Auckland City. Main Coach Lines also offers a drop off and pick up service to and from the airport on certain days. Transport from and to the airport can also be arranged with our local private taxi companies (Warkworth Taxi and Matakabs).

The major backpacker tour operators, such as Magic Bus, Kiwi Express and Stray all stop in Warkworth on request.

Warkworth lies outside the Greater Auckland network of local bus services. However services 893 to 899 (Northern Buses / Hibiscus Coast) go as far as Orewa and Waiwera, situated about 20 km South of Warkworth. These buses travel to and from Auckland City every hour from around 7am to 9pm.