Whitianga Wharf pontoon replacement

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The pontoon at Whitianga Wharf is being replaced to serve the local community for years to come.

The existing pontoon, due to its age and condition, has deteriorated to a point where it needs to be replaced.  

In May 2025, we engaged engineering consultants and carried out a geotechnical investigation and hydrographic survey to better understand specific design needs for replacement.

Plans, studies and concept designs have been shared with primary pontoon users, and we believe the design offers a more functional pontoon that will serve existing and future generations. 

Key features of the design:

  • Pontoon is 500mm longer to better accommodate users 
  • A long-term pontoon freeboard between 500 – 530mm to accommodate the ferry
  • Six poles rather than the current 14. These poles will be deeper to provide stability 
  • Gangway replaced with wider one 
  • Gangway to have recessed LED lighting and a continuous handrail on both sides 
  • Vertical fenders on the outside face will provide more cushioning than existing set up 
  • Final detail on the pontoon, fender design and temporary ferry berth 

View designs below.  

In December 2025, our Council received resource consent for the project. Our Council is currently seeking a contractor to carry out the work. 

Construction is expected to start in June 2026, pending contractor market availability. The new pontoon will be mostly built off-site, but the existing pontoon will temporarily close during construction.

Our staff are working with Whitianga Ferry to arrange a temporary ferry berth to maintain transport links during construction.

Existing pontoon:

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New pontoon:

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New pontoon details:

WWP-design1.png

 

New gangway:

WWP-gangway.jpg

 

New fender design:

WWP-fender.png

 

Location

The esplanade, Whitianga, Mercury Bay   View Map

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