Waka Kai – Food Delivery Boat

Smuggler 10.5M Amphibious

Each summer, New World Whitianga run a daily food delivery service to beach settlements on the Eastern Coromandel Peninsula. Holiday makers all order their food and beverages online, then the Waka Kai brings their supplies to the beach the next day. It is a great way for keeping vehicles off the busy Coromandel roads, also allowing people to get on with their holiday instead of waiting in long summer queues at the checkout. This service brings communities together as they gather on the beach to receive their groceries.

“We have had the pleasure of operating the Waka Kai, an amphibious Smuggler 11.2 vessel, and can confidently attest to its exceptional performance, build quality, and adaptability across a wide range of marine operations.

Powered by a single Yamaha 450HP V8, Waka Kai delivers impressive speed and power, while remaining smooth and fuel-efficient. The engine, paired with Yamaha’s advanced digital controls, offers precise handling and excellent reliability—ideal for both high-speed transit and tight manoeuvres.

The Smuggler 11.2’s deep-V hull and premium Hypalon tubes provide a stable, dry, and confident ride, even in challenging sea states. The ergonomic layout of this purpose-built amphibious vessel ensures crew comfort and safety in all conditions, supporting long operational days without compromise.

A key feature that sets Waka Kai apart is the Anura amphibious system. It runs rings around the competition in both performance and practicality, enabling seamless beach and ramp access while maintaining speed, stability, and reliability. It’s a true game-changer for operations requiring rapid deployment and recovery on mixed terrain.

Equally impressive has been our experience with Smuggler Marine. From the initial consultation through to delivery and outstanding aftersales support, the Smuggler team has been professional, responsive, and a genuine pleasure to work with. Their attention to detail and commitment to quality is evident throughout.

The combination of a world-class vessel, high-performance systems, and a manufacturer that stands behind its product makes it easy for us to recommend both Waka Kai and Smuggler Marine. We would not hesitate to work with them again and highly recommend the Smuggler 11.2 to any operator seeking capability, reliability, and long-term value on the water.”

– Tony Masters