New Pile & Panel Wall
Date: 1 Sep 2026
Bellingham Marine
NZ (BMNZ) completed construction of a new pile and panel wall to the north of the existing floating breakwater in February 2025, significantly enhancing marina protection and the long-term resilience of the infrastructure.
The project included the installation of 57 steel piles driven deep into the seabed, followed by the placement of protective polyethylene sleeves and specialised grouting to provide added durability and corrosion protection. Reinforced concrete headstocks were then installed to secure the custom precast concrete panels in position.
Since completion, the new pile and panel wall has already demonstrated a significant improvement
in wave attenuation and overall marina protection.
As part of the wider marina development works, additional design and construction was also completed for a new fuel dock, including the re-alignment of the attenuator to create additional water space and accommodate new 20 metre berths.
Link: Watch the video here
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When Nearing New Zealand
Contact can be made by calling Maritime radio on SSB 4125 Khz or VHF ch 16. If there are any changes to your ETA, the radio operator will be able to notify NZ Customs Service and MPI official so they can prepare for your arrival.
Tauranga Harbour & Marina Approaches
Tauranga Harbour Entrance Pilotage
Vessels over 250 gross tons:
Must arrange a Pilot through Tauranga Port Radio VHF 12.
The Port of Tauranga provides a pilotage service for all vessels over 250GRT unless the master holds a current pilot exemption certificate. Entry and exit to the Port is provided through an arrival and departure window.
Contact Customer Services:
- Phone: +64 7 572 8888
- Email: [email protected]
- Web: www.port-tauranga.co.nz
Chart NZ 5412 - Covers the approaches to, and Tauranga harbour.
To check on commercial shipping entering or leaving the harbour: Call Tauranga Port Radio on VHF 12.
The entrance to Tauranga harbour is to the west of the 230 metre high Mount Maunganui, which is visible from many miles to seaward.
The harbour entrance should be approached from the North East to avoid coming too close to Matakana Bank, which breaks in heavy weather. The main marked channel to enter Tauranga harbour has at 10 metres of water at chart datum, but the tidal streams can be very strong, 4.5 to 5 knots (spring tides).
Inside The Harbour
Latitude: 37 40.25'S
Longitude: 176 10.5'E
Once inside the Tauranga Harbour - Tauranga Bridge Marina is located 2.2 nautical miles due South of Mauao (Mount Maunganui) on the Eastern side of town reach, North East of the Harbour Bridge.
Follow the line of green channel markers, leaving them to Starboard all the way down to yellow special mark.
Vessel Works Tauranga operates an approved Port of First Arrival (Customs Berth) for incoming / outgoing vessels.
Note: Permanent stayaboards are expressly forbidden unless permission is sought & granted by the Marina Manager for special circumstances.
Berthing In Tidal Marinas
Boat owners who are not experienced in manoeuvering within tidal marinas should make this clear to marina staff before arrival.
An experienced staff member will meet you in the work boat "GG" and pilot you to your allocated marina berth.
This service is available at no cost, between the hours of 0800 to 1800 7 days a week, or to plan their arrival for slack water which last approximately 20 minutes either side of high and low tides.
Navigation Lights, Marina Entrance
- Approaching Marina: Northern Panel Wall - Fixed white lights
- Marina Entrance: Western Breakwater - Two fixed red lights, vertically mounted
- Southern Breakwater: Flashing green light, visible 180' through 270'
Mooring Lines
Rental berths do not include mooring lines so we would advise you to have adequate mooring lines to secure your vessel.
Please note that we do not allow any hard shackles as they wear the galvanised coating off our mooring rings.
If you plan to leave your vessel unattended for a long period we advise you to double up on your mooring lines.
Customs Clearance Area & Transitional Facility
Vessel Works provide the berth facility for vessels to clear New Zealand waters only and does not provide Customs or MPI clearance, these are provided by each government entity at their wharf.
You are responsible for liaising with Customs and MPI regarding your arrival or departure.
- Vessel Works PoFA services/customs clearance will only be available when pre-booked at least 48 hours in advance
- Vessel Works PoFA services will only be available inside standard operating hours: Monday – Friday between 0800 – 1600 unless agreed prior
- Vessels must arrive and depart on slack tide
- Vessels may have to wait if a berth is not available or day-to-day operations impact a safe arrival/departure
- PoFA/customs clearance booking is only confirmed once a written booking confirmation has been provided by the Vessel Works office, and all required vessel documentation has been provided by the vessel (services agreement, insurance, estimate accepted)
- Customs Wharf Fee - $350 + GST per clearance
The Customs Berth is operated by Vessel Works, Tauranga, in conjunction with NZ Customs & MPI / Biosecurity NZ and the appropriate arrival notification described earlier must be given.
The Customs Berth is currently unlit during the hours of darkness.
