An RNZAF Orion has been taken off the search for a New Zealander lost overboard in the Pacific Ocean as hopes of his survival fade.

Auckland's participation in a bumper sea-cruising season is off to a lucrative start after visits from three ships on successive days.

Banking giant HSBC will soon be able to sell Ivan Erceg's $6m Henderson boat yard after the High Court approved orders to remove chattels from the property today.

While the weather is predicted to be perfect for taking to the water this long weekend, people are being warned that the sea can be particularly dangerous at this time of year.

The owners of a stranded luxury launch have put it up for sale after failing to free it from sand.

Watch out for the sea lions when you're on the Auckland Islands, warns Jim Eagles.

A launch believed to be worth more than $400,000 was this morning lying wrecked on the Tauranga coast after hitting rocks.