A French yacht at the centre of a search and rescue drama north of New Zealand this week is now berthed in Tauranga.

The Saint Amour was sailing from Whangarei to Fiji when it was caught in a storm about halfway and lost its steering on May 14.

Saint Amour berthed at Tauranga Bridge Marina today.

The solo French sailor activated the yacht's Epirb emergency locator, says Maritime NZ spokesperson Steve Rendle.

'A yacht called the Shard made contact and assisted with repairs,” says Steve.

'At that point the Epirb was turned off. The Shard has now reached Tonga, and the solo French sailor on board has elected to come to Tauranga.”

Saint Amour arrived at the Tauranga Bridge Marina customs berth about 7pm last night. It is expected to move to the Sulphur Point Marina today.