Boat Ramps, Marinas and Moorings

Boat Ramps

The Tasman coast is subject to NZ’s largest tidal range. Check for hazards including logs and sandbanks before heading out for serious watersports. Many channels and bars should only be attempted with local knowledge or on a rising tide on a calm day.

Boat ramps and beach launching lanes are situated at:

  • Best Island (*)
  • Rough Island (*) – at Hunter Brown Reserve
  • Rabbit Island (S) – access from Boat Ramp Road
  • Mapua – at the wharf (#, S ) and at Grossi Point (*)
  • Kina (*) – at Baigent’s Reserve
  • Motueka – at Motueka Power Boat Club marina (#, S). Casual users pay at Talley’s gatehouse.
  • Riwaka (S,*) – end of Green Tree Road
  • Tapu Bay reserve (*)
  • Stephens Bay
  • Kaiteriteri (#, S,*)
  • Otuwhero Estuary (S,*)
  • Marahau Beach (S,*)
  • Awaroa Inlet (at end of road) (*)
  • Totaranui – at beach (S) and estuary (S,*)
  • Tata Beach (S)
  • Tarakohe (#, S)
  • Port Waitapu (*)
  • Rangihaeata (*)
  • Paton Rock
  • Onekaka (*)
  • Milnthorpe
  • Collingwood (#, S)
  • Pakawau – at the motor camp
  • Puponga (*)
  • Westhaven Inlet (*) – Dry Road (just west of Kaihoka Lakes Road) and at Mangarakau Wharf (S)
  • Lake Rotoiti (S) – three ramps in Kerr Bay, one ramp at West Bay
  • Lake Rotoroa (S)
  • Buller River at Murchison (S) – access through Riverview Holiday Park

(*) Indicates areas that are subject to significant tidal effects and may be usable only on a high tide with local knowledge.

(#) Indicates that a small usage fee is payable for maintenance

(S) Indicates that the ramp is sealed with concrete or asphalt

Note: Take care to avoid scouring holes when using unsealed ramps. Please fill any holes you create and notify the harbour master if a hazard exists. Use your winch rather than powering onto your trailer.

Marinas and Moorings

Marinas are located at Port Tarakohe and at Motueka (operated by Motueka Power Boat Club and Motueka Peninsula Marine Society). The Mapua Boat Club administers most of the moorings at Mapua. Anchoring (where the anchor is taken with you when you depart) is permitted anywhere except for the prohibited area off Port Tarakohe, or in access lanes, reserved areas or where it may obstruct a wharf, ramp or channel, or otherwise create a hazard. All moorings require a resource consent or other approval under the Coastal Plan from Tasman District Council.