Ports and Wharves In Tasman District 

This page details Tasman District Council-owned and managed ports and wharves in the District. It provides some navigation notes as well as contact information and details of fees.

Port Tarakohe 

Availability of berths for casual users varies. Note that anchoring restrictions apply outside of the harbour. Vessels wishing to berth in Tarakohe Harbour are required to contact the Harbour Manager prior to entry to the harbour. This does not include vessels using the trailer boat launching ramp or vessels that have an allotted berth.

Harbour Manager

Phone 03 525 8174 or 027 446 3891, VHF channels 28 or 60 

Port Tarakohe

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Port Motueka 

Regular users are encouraged to join a local club for ramp access. Casual users of the Motueka Power Boat Club marina ramp should contact the Talleys gatehouse for a temporary card. The ramp fee is $10 and a $20 card bond is payable (fees subject to change).

Speed Limits

  • 3 knot speed limit applies in the immediate area of the marina and launch ramp
  • 5 knot speed limit otherwise applies until 200 metres from shore

Sandbar

The approach to Port Motueka involves a sandbar that is subject to frequent change. It is recommended that recent local knowledge be sought before crossing the bar. Use a depth sounder in this area and travel at a safe speed at all times.

General tips

  • In general the bar should be attempted near the top of a rising tide if you are not familiar with the best route.
  • Observe the bar conditions for a reasonable period from offshore.
  • In general, the most dangerous conditions occur in the last four hours of a falling tide if the wind is onshore.
  • If it looks unsafe or beyond your skills and experience it is safer to wait offshore for conditions to improve or divert to another landing place.
  • Lifejackets must be worn by all persons on all vessels, by law, when crossing the bar.

Guidance

The Motueka Port Users Group has installed a black mussel float with a radar reflector, and several yellow buoys with black diagonal stripes. These should not be relied upon for navigation as their positions are subject to change, but they provide a useful guide to the outer channel. They should be held on your starboard (right hand) side when entering from the sea, and about a chain (approximately 20m) off your port (left hand) side when leaving the harbour.

The image below shows an informal plan based on a November 2011 survey of the channel. Note that depths and positions of shoals and buoys are subject to change at any time.

Port Motueka entrance

Report mishaps or groundings

You must report any unintentional grounding or other mishap as soon as practicable to Maritime New Zealand on VHF Channel 16 or by calling 0508 225522, and the Tasman District Council Harbourmaster on  03 543 8400.

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Mapua Wharf 

Mapua Wharf fees are collected on behalf of Council by the Mapua Boat Club. Contact Sue Pryde 03 540 2655.

Sandbar

The approach to Port Mapua involves a sandbar that is subject to frequent change. It is recommended that recent local knowledge be sought before crossing the bar. Use a depth sounder in this area and travel at a safe speed at all times.

The leading light beacons should not be relied upon for navigation. These are programmed for removal.

General tips

  • In general the bar should be attempted near the top of a rising tide if you are not familiar with the best route.
  • Observe the bar conditions for a reasonable period from offshore.
  • In general, the most dangerous conditions occur in the last four hours of a falling tide if the wind is onshore.
  • If it looks unsafe or beyond your skills and experience, it is safer to wait offshore for conditions to improve or divert to another landing place.
  • Lifejackets must be worn by all persons on all vessels, by law, when crossing the bar.

Report mishaps or groundings

You must report any unintentional grounding or other mishap as soon as practicable to Maritime New Zealand on VHF Channel 16 or by calling 0508 225522, and the Tasman District Council Harbourmaster on  03 543 8400.

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Riwaka Wharf 

No wharf fees are applicable at the Riwaka Wharf.

The approaches are winding and shallow over sand and mud flats, and are dry at some points at spring low tide. Local knowledge should be obtained in advance.
The leading light beacons should not be relied upon for navigation, and are programmed for removal.

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Map of Port and Wharf Locations