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
• Moturoa/Rabbit Island (S) – access from Boat Ramp Road
• Māpua – 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,*)
• Otūwhero Estuary (S,*)
• Mārahau (S,*) – The public boat ramp is on Sandy Bay-Mārahau Road. This recreation map shows the location. Please note: Mārahau Beach, to the north of the public boat ramp, is private property and no boats, jet skis, powered craft or kayaks are permitted to launch or land there.
• Awaroa Inlet (at end of road) (*)
• Tōtaranui – at beach (S) and estuary (S,*)
• Tata Beach (S)
• Tarakohe (#, S)
• Port Waitapu (*)
• Rangihaeata (*)
• Paton Rock
• Onekaka (*)
• Milnthorpe
• Collingwood (#, S)
• Pākawau – at the motor camp
• Pūponga (*)
• Westhaven Inlet (*) – Dry Road (just west of Kaihoka Lakes Road) and at Mangarākau 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.

Port Tarakohe

• Port Tarakohe has cameras located around the Port to monitor activity, health & safety and security risks. The footage from these cameras will be used to support enforcement of charges for the use of facilities at the port. 
• Cargo transferred between vessels within the Port is liable to standard wharfage charges.
• All charges for berths, moorings, storage and leased areas are payable in advance. For any overdue payments a penalty interest charge of 1% per month will be payable. All other payments are due on the 20^th of the month following on standard commercial trade terms.
• All berth, mooring, storage and leased area users are required to sign a current port user agreements when requested by the Port Manager. Any users that refuse to sign a current port user agreement, will vacate their berth, mooring, storage or leased area within 48 hours.
• No storage is permitted on wharf structures unless specifically authorised by the Port Manager in writing. Storage rates apply after 24 hours of cargo/material arriving (allowance to be made for extenuating circumstances such as bad weather). Storage to be in the assigned areas only. Bulk cargo in transit may have extended demurrage with approval of the Port Manager. Failure to comply may result in a “penalty storage charge” of $500 (including GST) being issued and non-removal within 48 hours may incur removal charges and a further fee of $500 (including GST).
• A fixed marine fuelling site, or any mobile fuelling where oils are transferred by way of a hose or similar between shore-and-ship, or ship-to-ship, is required to have a Tier-1 Fuel Transfer Site Oil Spill Contingency Plan approved in advance by the Council’s Regional On-Scene Commander. This does not apply to the transfer of self-contained fuel containers (tote tanks, sealed drums or similar) from shore-to-ship or ship-to-ship. The Council as Port Operator has full control over any activities conducted within the Port and therefore approval in writing is required before any fuel transfer is permitted – any approvals will also be subject to per litre charges. Failure to seek approval and comply with Council’s requirements will incur a fine of $2,000 plus the costs of the activity that would normally apply and any costs of clean up/damage repair.
• The charges may be varied (including discounts for long term bulk contracts and wharf berthage) during the year by the Chief Executive Officer where special circumstances exist. 
• Discounts for long-term bulk contracts and long-term wharf berthage can be approved by the Property & Enterprises Manager.

  Wharfage	Charges	Proposed charges from 1 July 2024 incl. GST
  Fish and shellfish  Includes all marine animals	$29.00/tonne	$32.00/tonne
  Fuel and oil  Other than fixed facility, and fuel transfer only – no storage	$0.10/litre	$0.12/litre
  General cargo	$12.00/tonne	$15.00/tonne
  Passengers   Where no vessel berthed	$10.00/person	$11.00/person
  Vehicles (includes vehicle passengers)
  Cars and motorbikes up to 6m	$30.00/vehicle
  Light vehicles incl. cars with trailers up to 12.6m	$60.00/vehicle
  Heavy vehicles and any vehicles over 12.6m	$90.00/vehicle
  Over-dimension, overweight and HMPV vehicles	$14.00/tonne
  Boat movements (Includes refloating etc.)	$35.00/tonne	$40.00/tonne
  Weighbridge   All truck movements > 1.5 tonne	$8.00/entry/exit	$9.00/entry/exit

• Information on moorings
• Boaties Guide for Port Tarakohe