Jeff Bezos’ $500 Million Superyacht Koru Arrives in Auckland
- Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ US$500 million ($800m) superyacht Koru docked in Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour, bringing one of the world's largest sailing yachts to New Zealand waters.
- Dutch shipbuilder Oceanco constructed the massive vessel in the Netherlands before handing it over to Bezos in 2023.
- Koru does not travel alone, accompanied instead by a 76-meter shadow vessel named Abeona.
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ US$500 million ($800m) superyacht Koru docked in Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour, bringing one of the world’s largest sailing yachts to New Zealand waters. The 127-meter-long and 17-meter-wide three-masted yacht passed Rangitoto before securing a berth at Wynyard Quarter, according to 1News and the NZ Herald.
Superyacht Features and Design Specifications
Dutch shipbuilder Oceanco constructed the massive vessel in the Netherlands before handing it over to Bezos in 2023. The NZ Herald reports that Koru features an interior designed by London-based Mlinaric, Henry & Zervudachi, utilizing wood tones and neutral colors. While much of the interior remains private, reports indicate the luxury craft includes a glass-bottom pool and three spa pools. The vessel’s exterior features traditional portholes alongside smaller upper deck windows designed to block paparazzi cameras. A Page Six source cited by the NZ Herald also notes that the hull carries water cannons intended for anti-piracy protection. For sustainability testing, the yacht has explored an energy recovery system that turns wave motion into electrical energy, alongside a hybrid power system utilizing battery banks at night.
Support Vessels and Local Connections
Koru does not travel alone, accompanied instead by a 76-meter shadow vessel named Abeona. According to Robb Report details cited by the NZ Herald, the support ship includes a hangar capable of holding an Airbus ACH-135 helicopter and room for 45 crew and support staff. The main yacht accommodates up to 18 guests and requires a crew of approximately 40 people. The vessel shares a direct tie to New Zealand through its name. Koru is a Māori term for an unfurling fern frond that symbolises new life, growth, and continuity. When the name was made public in 2023, local cultural experts expressed support to the NZ Herald for its use. The NZ Herald also reports that Avondale-based boat manufacturer Southern Spars worked on a high-tech mast solution worth tens of millions of dollars for Bezos in 2019, though a company spokesperson was bound by a non-disclosure agreement at the time.
Arrival Uncertainty in Auckland
Local authorities and media have not confirmed whether Bezos was on board when the superyacht arrived in the Waitematā Harbour. It remains unclear how long Koru will stay berthed at Wynyard Quarter before departing New Zealand waters.