The first Riviera 4300 Sports Express to reach New Zealand has arrived in Auckland, giving local boaties the chance to see Riviera's newest sports sedan up close for the first time.
R Marine Flagship, the country's exclusive Riviera dealer, spent November building anticipation around the boat's arrival, tracking its journey through each stage from the initial countdown, through unloading, and on to final commissioning. Viewings opened in late November, with the first example now unwrapped and ready for inspection.
The 4300 Sports Express sits between the 395 and 445 models in Riviera's sports sedan lineup, carrying the proportions that buyers familiar with those boats will recognise while bringing a fresh hull and updated engineering to the range. Much of the design thinking centres on single-level living, an approach that resonates with New Zealand owners who use their boats for day trips, harbour runs, and easy overnighters.
One of the model's defining layout choices is the shared flat plane between the cockpit and saloon, which means moving between the two spaces is completely unobstructed whether guests are aboard or you're out with the family. Wide side decks run the length of the boat, and an aft galley keeps the action where Kiwis tend to want it most, close to the cockpit and the water.
Down below, the twin-cabin arrangement makes more of the available space than you might expect from the outside. The forward island berth forms the main sleeping area, and the full-beam mid-cabin delivers a wide berth alongside enough headroom at the entry point for adults to move without stooping. Hull windows distribute natural light through both cabins, keeping the below-deck spaces feeling open rather than confined.
The saloon carries Riviera's wraparound glazing, sharpening sightlines from the helm and giving the interior a connected, open feel.
Power comes from Volvo Penta IPS, a system with a long track record in New Zealand for smooth operation, economical cruising speeds, and the kind of low-speed manoeuvrability that makes tight marina approaches far less stressful.
With commissioning wrapped up and summer on the way, R Marine Flagship has the first 4300 Sports Express on hand and ready for those wanting to step aboard.
