RIVERTON

• NZRIV
• Latitude: -46.3575
• Longitude: 168.017
• East Australia
• Port in New Zealand

Location: Riverton Southland New Zealand

Riverton, also known as Aparima, is a small coastal town situated on the south coast of New Zealand's South Island, within the Southland region. While it is not a major commercial marine port, its maritime facilities are primarily geared towards recreational, fishing, and local boating activities. Here is a description and specification of Riverton’s maritime facilities:

General Description:

• Location: Riverton is located at the mouth of the Aparima River, where it flows into Foveaux Strait. The town is approximately 30 kilometers west of Invercargill, the region's largest city.
• Coordinates: Latitude: 46° 22' S, Longitude: 168° 1' E.

Port Facilities:

• Marinas and Moorings: Riverton has mooring facilities that cater primarily to local fishing vessels, recreational boats, and yachts. The marina provides essential services for boaters.
• Boat Ramp: A public boat ramp is available for launching smaller boats. This is widely used by local fishers and recreational boaters.
• Fishing Infrastructure: Given the town’s strong connections to fishing, there are facilities to support local fishers, including storage and basic processing facilities.

Navigation and Access:

• Navigational Markers: Due to the positioning at the river mouth, there are navigational aids to assist with entry, most suited to smaller vessels.
• Depth: Channel and harbor depths are generally shallow, accommodating smaller boats and fishing vessels. Larger ships are not typically handled here.
• Tides and Currents: Tidal variations can be significant; local knowledge is beneficial for safe navigation.

Services:

• Fuel and Supplies: Limited to small-scale refueling facilities, suited for local needs rather than large-scale commercial requirements.
• Maintenance: Basic maintenance and repair services are available, catering to the local fleet.
• Safety and Emergency: Local Coastguard services are available for search and rescue operations as well as safety assistance.

Connections and Accessibility:

• Road Access: Well-connected by road to surrounding regions, particularly via State Highway 99 to Invercargill.
• Local Economy: While not a commercial port, Riverton contributes to the local economy through fishing, tourism, and recreation. The area is known for its scenic beauty and attracts visitors for its beaches and natural surroundings.

Environmental Considerations:

• Sustainability: Efforts are made to maintain the natural environment, with local initiatives in place to manage the ecological impact of boating and fishing activities.
• Wildlife: The coastal and riverine environments are important habitats for a variety of species, requiring careful management to balance human activities with conservation.

Conclusion:

Riverton's maritime facilities are modest but serve the local community well by supporting fishing, recreation, and tourism. While not a commercial port, it plays an important role in the local lifestyle and economy. Access mainly supports smaller vessels due to natural depth restrictions and the town’s infrastructure limits. Riverton is characterized by picturesque landscapes and a close-knit maritime community.