Buoys NZ: 12 Best Mooring, Marker, Fenders & Where to Buy
Hunting for the right buoy or fender can be more fiddly than it should be. Get it wrong and you risk chafe on the hull, a mooring that drags, pots that go missing, or gear that cracks under UV after one summer. You need kit that’s sized properly, visible, built to last in NZ conditions, and actually in stock — without spending hours bouncing between tabs trying to decode A‑series vs CC‑series, pick‑up buoys, marker floats and the maze of fender sizes.
This guide does the legwork for you. We’ve shortlisted 12 reliable places in New Zealand to buy mooring and marker buoys, plus the fenders to protect your topsides — from specialist chandlers to value options and second‑hand finds. For each retailer you’ll see what they carry, a few standout picks, who they suit (from weekend boaties to commercial fishers), and a quick note on price and availability. By the end, you’ll know exactly where to source the right buoyancy, eye strength and UV‑stable materials for your setup. Let’s get you tied up, marked up and protected, properly.
1. Action Outdoors – floats, buoys and marine protection
Auckland-based and NZ-owned, Action Outdoors stocks a focused selection of floats, buoys and marine protection gear with options suited to both commercial work and weekend boating. It’s a practical stop if you want reliable stock, quick advice, and gear chosen for Kiwi conditions.
What you’ll find
A curated range of buoys, marker floats and fenders, plus related marine protection accessories. The assortment covers everyday boat-owner needs through to tougher commercial-style floats for pots and set lines, making it easy to kit out one boat or an entire fleet.
Standout picks
Expect strong value across round marker buoys, utility floats for fishing setups, and fender solutions for protecting topsides and docks. The mix hits the sweet spot between durability and affordability, with products that are straightforward to rig and maintain.
Who it’s best for
Ideal for commercial fishers who need dependable floats in quantity, and recreational boat owners who want the right buoy or fender without the guesswork. Good fit for club berth holders, trailer-boaties and anyone refreshing pot markers.
Price and availability
Pricing spans entry through heavy-duty tiers, with NZ-wide shipping and an Auckland store for pick-up. Availability is shown online; check the Specials section for seasonal deals and contact the team if you need bulk quantities.
2. Burnsco – mooring buoys, fenders and lines
Burnsco is a dependable stop for kitting out your mooring and protecting your hull in one hit. Their marine range includes dedicated mooring buoys alongside fenders and the lines and accessories to rig them correctly, with the convenience of shopping online or visiting a store.
What you’ll find
A broad selection of boat fenders, buoys, bow, dock & fender lines, marina fenders, fender covers and mooring springs. It’s set up so you can pair the right buoy with matching lines and add-on protection, keeping gear consistent and ready for NZ conditions.
Standout picks
If you want simple, reliable options that just work, Burnsco’s core picks cover the essentials for most boats and berths.
- Mooring buoys: Practical, easy-to-spot round styles for permanent or casual moorings.
- Boat fenders: Everyday cylindrical fenders plus marina fenders for finger piers.
- Fender covers: Reduce scuffing and extend fender life.
- Lines & hardware: Bow, dock and fender lines with mooring springs to soften snatch loads.
Who it’s best for
Great for trailer-boat owners, club berth holders and cruisers setting up or refreshing moorings and dock gear. Also handy for skippers who prefer buying the buoy, fenders and matching lines from one retailer.
Price and availability
Expect options from entry to heavier-duty tiers. Stock is available in-store or online, with NZ-wide delivery. Check product pages for current availability before you head to the counter or place an order.
3. Smart Marine – durable buoys and marker floats
Smart Marine focuses on durable, no-fuss buoy gear. Their range of UV‑stabilised, high‑impact buoys and marker floats is built for NZ sun and salt, with straightforward online ordering and NZ‑wide delivery.
What you’ll find
A practical spread of mooring buoys and marker floats for boats, moorings and pot lines. Expect tough shells and high visibility for recreational and light commercial use, with simple selections that make sizing and replacement easy.
Standout picks
If you want kit that lasts more than a season, start here.
- UV‑stabilised mooring buoys: Resist fade and brittleness through long summers.
- High‑impact marker floats: Handle knocks from gear and retrieval cycles.
- Bright, easy‑spot finishes: Improve visibility around ramps and moorings.
Who it’s best for
Ideal for trailer‑boaties, berth holders and fishers wanting reliable, easy‑to‑rig buoys. Handy for topping up spares before trips or replacing sun‑damaged gear, and perfect when you need dependable buoys quickly and locally.
Price and availability
Options across common sizes and budgets, with live stock online and NZ‑wide shipping. Check product pages before click‑and‑collect or booking delivery, and bulk up easily when stock is available.
4. Marine-Deals – buoys and markers for safety and fishing
Marine-Deals keeps things simple with a focused Buoys & Markers range that suits safety duties and fishing setups. It’s a fast way to top up rope-and-float kits or add compact round buoys for gear identification, with clear stock notes to help you plan purchases.
What you’ll find
A practical mix of inflatable round buoys and marker solutions for lines, pots and general safety use. Highlights on the category page include a Rope and Round Float Pack (30m) and Inflatable Buoy Round 14cm, alongside visibility of status tags such as “In Stock” and “Special Order” when browsing.
Standout picks
If you want quick, ready-to-go options, start here.
- Rope and Round Float Pack 30m: A bundled line-and-float setup that’s shown with a “SAVE $5.74” promo.
- Inflatable Buoy Round 14cm: Compact round buoy for tagging gear; listed at $19.50 and marked “In Stock” on the page.
Who it’s best for
Great for recreational fishers re-rigging pots or longlines, and boaties needing simple, compact markers without overthinking specs. Also handy for clubs or groups wanting economical replacement floats with clear availability indicators.
Price and availability
Expect value-focused pricing with occasional promos (e.g., “SAVE $5.74” on the 30m pack). Product tiles show “In Stock” or “Special Order” so you can time purchases; the 14cm inflatable round buoy is shown at $19.50 on the category page.
5. BuoysFenders.co.nz – specialist inflatable buoys and fenders
If you’re after purpose-built inflatable buoys and fenders, this specialist NZ supplier keeps things focused and premium. It’s the place to match sizes and colours across your setup, whether you’re marking gear, setting a mooring, or protecting topsides.
What you’ll find
A premium range of inflatable buoys and fenders supplied in a wide variety of sizes and colours. The line-up covers everyday boating through to more demanding duties, making it straightforward to choose visibility, diameter and form factor to suit your boat, berth or fishing gear.
Standout picks
You’re shopping for quality inflatables here, so think robust, tidy solutions that are easy to standardise across a fleet or family of boats.
- Inflatable round buoys: Versatile for moorings and marker duties.
- Cylindrical boat fenders: Clean hull protection for marina and raft-up use.
- Colour options: Choose visibility or colour-code sets for gear identification.
Who it’s best for
Ideal for boaties who want clean, matching gear, and commercial users who need consistent sizing and colour across multiple buoys or fenders. Also handy for clubs aiming for a tidy, uniform look on the dock.
Price and availability
Positioned as a premium range with options spanning multiple sizes and colours. Check the site for current availability and colour choices, and confirm lead times if you’re coordinating multiple units or a full set.
6. HE Canterbury – heavy-duty buoys and utility fenders
When you need kit that can take a knock, HE Canterbury’s line-up is built for punishment and longevity. Their catalogue calls out heavy-duty options for bigger boats and tougher berths, plus utility pieces that are easy to rig on day-one.
What you’ll find
A clearly mapped range including heavy-duty fenders (F02, F1, F3, F4, F6), blow‑moulded utility fenders (G2, G3, G4, G5), and buoys (A0–A5). That means you can size fenders to hull height and freeboard, then match round buoys for moorings, pick‑ups or gear marking without mixing standards.
Standout picks
Built-tough choices that cover most NZ use-cases.
- F‑series heavy-duty fenders (F02–F6): Extra protection for larger boats and exposed berths.
- G‑series utility fenders (G2–G5): Blow‑moulded workhorses for everyday dock duty.
- A‑series round buoys (A0–A5): Classic, high‑visibility spheres for moorings and pick‑ups.
Who it’s best for
Perfect for serious recreational skippers and light commercial operators who want resilient fenders and reliable, high‑visibility buoys. Also a smart choice for clubs standardising sizes across multiple boats and berths.
Price and availability
A tiered spread of sizes implies options for most budgets and boat lengths. Check product pages for current size availability and lead times, and confirm quantities if you’re fitting out multiple boats or replacing an entire set.
7. Absolute Marine – mooring round buoys and accessories
If you just need a solid, easy-to-spot mooring buoy for a mid‑to‑larger boat, Absolute Marine has a clear, no‑nonsense option with specs spelled out, so you know exactly what you’re getting before you rig it.
What you’ll find
A Mooring Round Buoy – Large 440mm Dia, shown as a red round buoy with a single eyelet, described as suitable for “any use and any kind of boat from 20–70ft.” It’s a classic, high‑visibility sphere that’s simple to attach and easy to identify on a busy mooring field.
Standout picks
- Large 440mm round buoy: High‑vis red, single eye for straightforward attachment, sized to suit 20–70ft boats.
- Durable, multi‑use spec: Works for permanent moorings or as a pick‑up buoy on heavier setups.
Who it’s best for
Great for keelers and larger trailer boats wanting a proven, round mooring buoy with enough displacement and visibility, and skippers who prefer a single, correctly sized piece of gear without mixing components.
Price and availability
The 440mm round buoy is listed at $133.00 on the product page snippet. Pricing and stock can change, so check the listing for current availability before you plan a pickup or delivery.
8. Oborns Nautical – CC-series high-flier/Dhan marker buoys
Oborns Nautical carries the CC‑series marker buoy — the classic “Dhan‑Buoy” or “High‑Flier” trusted for clean, reliable marking. Built around a flexible tube for mounting, these buoys are designed for multi‑purpose marine marking tasks where a raised, easy‑to‑spot marker is essential.
What you’ll find
The CC‑series buoy in multiple sizes, described as a multi‑purpose marker with a flexible tube for mounting. It’s a tidy solution when you need a dedicated high‑flier style buoy to clearly mark locations and gear inshore or offshore.
Standout picks
- CC‑series Dhan/High‑Flier buoys: Purpose‑built for marine marking.
- Flexible mounting tube: Simplifies setup and keeps the marker upright.
- Multiple sizes available: Match the buoy to your vessel and application.
Who it’s best for
Ideal for commercial crews and serious recreational fishers who need dependable, high‑flier style buoys to mark positions and gear clearly, with straightforward rigging and consistent performance.
Price and availability
Listed as multiple sizes available on the product page. Check the Oborns Nautical listing for current stock and sizing, and confirm lead times if you’re ordering several units or standardising across a fleet.
9. Savebarn – budget plastic fishing floats and buoys
Savebarn is a go‑to for simple plastic floats at sharp prices. Expect basic, high‑visibility buoys to mark pots, nets and gear — handy, no‑frills spares that keep you fishing without fuss.
What you’ll find
Budget plastic fishing floats and buoys. A current listing shows a 7 inch yellow plastic buoy, 180mm diameter, 400g weight, sold as a single unit for straightforward everyday marking. The bright yellow colour aids visibility from the ramp to the mooring field.
Standout picks
- 7 inch plastic buoy: 180mm dia, yellow, 400g, sold individually.
Who it’s best for
Best for budget‑conscious fishers and small‑boat crews who need basic marker buoys. Ideal when low cost and quick replacement matter more than matching premium gear.
Price and availability
Value‑focused pricing; confirm “sold per buoy” and stock on the product page before adding to cart. Specs are clearly listed for quick checks.
10. Boating & Outdoors – nationwide stores with buoys and fenders
If you prefer to eyeball gear before you buy, Boating & Outdoors makes it easy to walk in, get advice and grab what you need the same day. With stores around New Zealand, it’s a handy option for topping up buoys, fenders and lines without waiting on freight or guessing sizes.
What you’ll find
A practical spread of mooring and marker buoys, cylindrical and round fenders, plus dock lines, fender lines and covers to finish the setup. It’s the kind of range that lets you standardise protection and visibility across your boat in one stop.
Standout picks
- Round mooring/marker buoys: High‑vis spheres for moorings, pick‑ups and gear marking.
- Cylindrical boat fenders: Everyday hull protection sized to your freeboard.
- Fender covers and lines: Reduce scuffing and keep deployment quick and tidy.
Who it’s best for
Great for trailer‑boaties and berth holders who want to match sizes in person, and for clubs coordinating multiple boats. Also useful when you need a last‑minute replacement before a trip.
Price and availability
Expect options from budget through heavier‑duty. Stock varies by store; call ahead for sizes/colours, or use click‑and‑collect where offered. Seasonal promos are common, so timing your purchase can save a few dollars.
11. All Marine – Auckland chandlery with mooring and fender gear
What you’ll find
An Auckland chandlery setup that makes choosing the right kit straightforward. Expect a practical spread of mooring and marker buoys, cylindrical and round fenders, plus the lines and fittings to rig them properly. Handy when you want to match sizes to your freeboard and leave ready to berth.
Standout picks
If you’re refreshing the full system, these categories cover most bases.
- Round mooring buoys: High‑visibility spheres for moorings and pick‑ups.
- Cylindrical boat fenders: Everyday hull protection sized to suit.
- Fender covers: Cut scuffing and extend fender life.
- Dock/fender lines: Pre‑spliced convenience for fast deployment.
- Rigging hardware: Shackles, swivels and thimbles for secure terminations.
Who it’s best for
Great for Auckland‑area skippers who prefer counter advice and sizing in person, and for berth holders wanting a tidy, matched set of buoys, fenders and lines. Also useful for clubs standardising gear across multiple boats.
Price and availability
Pricing varies by size and duty rating; choose based on boat length and berth exposure. Check in‑store or online for current stock and lead times, and confirm quantities if you’re fitting out multiple boats.
12. Trade Me – second-hand buoys and fenders
Buying used can stretch the budget, especially when you’re building a full set of fenders or replacing lost marker buoys before a trip. Trade Me’s rotating listings make it a handy place to pick up second‑hand or near‑new gear, provided you know what to look for and how to check condition.
What you’ll find
Expect a changing mix from private sellers and stores, with singles and job lots that suit everything from a quick replacement to a full re‑rig. Listings often include practical extras that make rigging faster.
- Round mooring/marker buoys: Classic spheres for moorings, pick‑ups and pot markers.
- Cylindrical boat fenders: Everyday hull protection across common sizes.
- Pick‑up and small round inflatables: Compact, easy‑to‑spot markers.
- Bundles and sets: Multiple fenders or floats sold together.
- Lines and covers: Pre‑spliced dock/fender lines and fabric covers.
Standout picks
Focus on condition and completeness so you get true value from second‑hand buys.
- Lightly used fender sets: Minimal flattening, tidy ends, even colour.
- Bright, UV‑sound buoys: No chalking, cracks or soft spots around the eye.
- Listings with extras: Lines, covers or hardware that save you rig‑up time.
Who it’s best for
Ideal for budget‑minded skippers, club boats and spare‑kit builders who want practical gear without paying new‑ticket prices. Also useful when you need a stop‑gap buoy or fender to get through a weekend.
Price and availability
Prices and stock vary by listing. Ask for close‑ups of eyes, seams and surfaces, confirm diameters, and check inflation/firmness before committing. Factor shipping or choose local pick‑up, and budget for fresh rope or shackles to finish the install.
Quick wrap-up
You’ve now got the best places in NZ to sort mooring buoys, marker floats and fenders — from premium inflatables to hard-wearing A‑series styles, value plastics, and even second‑hand scores. Pick for your boat length and berth exposure, prioritise UV‑stable materials, high‑vis colours, solid eyes, and match with the right lines, covers and hardware so the setup lasts.
If you want gear that’s chosen for Kiwi conditions and advice from people who actually use it, start with Action Outdoors. You can standardise sizes and colours, grab commercial‑grade floats for pots, or refresh your fender set without guesswork. Check stock online, pick up in Auckland, or ship NZ‑wide — and head out knowing your hull’s protected, your gear’s marked, and your mooring will hold.