Mangarākau Westhaven Wharf

Approach from the sea includes a crossing of the Westhaven Bar. This is a remote bar, with limited communications and rescue response capabilities. It is changeable and exposed to severe seas from the Tasman. It should not be attempted without appropriate equipment and experience.

Westhaven bar

• 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 before crossing.
• 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 pleasure craft, by law, when crossing the bar.