Superyacht linked to two Chinese billionaires spotted in Auckland Harbour

Another luxury superyacht has glided into Auckland Harbour, this time a $340 million vessel linked to two Chinese billionaires.

The 88.38m Zen was spotted yesterday afternoon, its sleek hull and towering decks dwarfing smaller yachts moored at Silo Marina in the central city.

Valued at an estimated US$200 million ($340m), its ownership has been the subject of conflicting reports.

Some publications linked Zen to medical equipment tycoon Wu Guangming, while others described it as belonging to Alibaba co-founder Jack Ma.

Built by Dutch shipyard Feadship and delivered in 2021, the vessel boasts a swimming pool, helipad and several expansive decks.

It can accommodate up to 16 guests in eight cabins, with accommodation for a crew of 25.

Its interiors were designed by Italian firms Nauta Design and FM Architettura, with subtle Asian influences, floor-to-ceiling windows and a glass elevator among its luxury features.

The 88.38-metre superyacht Zen, valued at an estimated $340 million, moored at Silo Marina on Auckland’s waterfront. Photo / Sylvie Whinray

Powered by two 16-cylinder diesel engines producing more than 6000 horsepower combined, Zen can reach speeds of up to 17 knots (31km/h).

Vessel-tracking records show Zen travelled to Auckland from Port Vila, Vanuatu, earlier this month.

Its appearance follows the recent visit of Koru, the 127m sailing superyacht owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

The three-masted yacht, which sailed into Auckland on September 29, is reportedly worth US$500 million ($800m).

Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos’ 127-metre sailing superyacht Koru, reportedly worth $800 million, moored on Auckland’s waterfront. Photo / Dean Purcell

Both Zen and Koru fly the red ensign of the Cayman Islands, a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean and a popular registration jurisdiction for luxury superyachts.

Oprah Winfrey, Gayle King, Leonardo DiCaprio and Katy Perry are among the high-profile guests previously reported or photographed aboard Koru.

Bezos gave the yacht its Māori name in 2023, drawing inspiration from the koru, an unfurling silver fern frond symbolising new beginnings and renewal.

Māori cultural experts welcomed the choice, with Dame Naida Glavish telling the Herald the koru represented continuity, with “no beginning and no end”.

Jeff Bezos' yacht Koru, visiting Auckland. Photo / Trevor Coppock