WHAKATANE

• Latitude: -37.9515
• Longitude: 176.994
• East Australia
• Port in New Zealand

Address: Whakatane Bay of Plenty New Zealand

Whakatane Marine Port Overview

Whakatane is a vibrant coastal town located in the Bay of Plenty region on the North Island of New Zealand. Its marine port serves as a significant hub for both commercial and recreational activities, including fishing, tourism, and general boating.

Port Specifications

Location

• Latitude: 37.9588° S
• Longitude: 177.0030° E
• Position: Situated at the mouth of the Whakatane River, opening into the Bay of Plenty.

Facilities and Services

• Wharves and Berths: The port has several wharves and berthing facilities catering to different types of vessels, including commercial fishing boats and recreational yachts.
• Marina: Whakatane’s marina offers mooring facilities for pleasure boats and yachts.
• Boat Ramps: There are public boat ramps available for launching smaller craft.
• Customs and Biosecurity: Basic services for customs and biosecurity checks may be available, especially for international vessels.
• Fuel and Provisions: Fueling stations are present, along with options for purchasing marine supplies and provisions.
• Maintenance and Repair: Basic boat maintenance and repair services are available in the vicinity.

Navigation

• Access Channel: The entrance to the port is accessible via a dredged channel that navigates the dynamic and sometimes shallow river mouth conditions.
• Tidal Information: The port experiences significant tidal variations, which require careful navigation, particularly for larger vessels.
• Pilotage: Not compulsory, but local pilot services are recommended for larger commercial vessels or those unfamiliar with the port conditions.

Key Activities

• Commercial Fishing: The port is a primary base for local commercial fishing fleets.
• Tourism: Whakatane is the gateway to White Island (Whakaari), an active volcano, attracting many tourists. Whale watching and deep-sea fishing charters also operate from here.
• Recreational Boating: The marina and boat ramps make Whakatane a favored spot for private boat owners.

Safety and Regulations

• Harbor Master: The port is overseen by a harbor master who enforces local maritime regulations and ensures safety.
• Regulatory Authority: The Bay of Plenty Regional Council is responsible for overall maritime administration, including safety and environmental management.

Environmental Considerations

• Conservation Areas: The region around Whakatane is environmentally sensitive and includes several marine reserves and protected areas.
• Pollution Controls: Strict regulations are in place to manage waste disposal, bilge water discharge, and other potential pollutants.

Transportation and Connectivity

• Road Access: The port is well-connected by road to the rest of the North Island, particularly via State Highway 30.
• Nearest Airports: Whakatane Airport is located approximately 10 km west of the town, providing domestic flights.
• Public Transport: Limited public transport services are available, primarily in the form of regional buses.

Contact Information

• Whakatane Harbour Master Office: Provides information regarding navigation, safety, and services.
• Local Marina Office: Manages berthing and mooring facilities.

Summary

The Whakatane marine port is a versatile facility catering to both commercial and recreational maritime activities with essential services and amenities. Its beautiful and strategic location makes it an important node in New Zealand’s maritime network, while also supporting the local economy through fishing and tourism. However, visitors must carefully observe marine safety guidelines and environmental regulations to ensure sustainable use of this valuable resource.