2022 - Harbour-Wharf Masterplan - Ōpōtiki District Council

ODC is creating a masterplan for the harbour and wharf area

The Ōpōtiki Harbour Development is on track to open at the end of 2023. This is an exciting time, and we are well placed to plan out how the community wants the harbour and wharf space to look and function over the next five, 10, 20, 30 years.

ŌDC is creating a masterplan to maximise the benefits of the harbour development project, for both recreational and commercial users of the new harbour. The masterplan will identify how we can improve linkages to the CBD, enhance the recreational amenity offered along the river area at the existing wharf, and provide an additional boat ramp to further encourage local economic activity.

It will build on the Town Centre Masterplan and provide a vision to ensure we get the best space and facilities for the community. Development of these works are subject to consenting and construction matters, but they are a place to start and for the community to have input into the design at the earliest stages.

We look forward to creating a masterplan that reflects what the community wants to see in their township and at the harbour over the coming years.

Snells Road – Stage 1

Provides a high-quality boat launching and retrieving facility as the new Harbour opens, but located away from town to remove traffic congestion
Four-lane boat ramp with floating pontoons and rock groynes, toilets, boat wash down area and boat queuing, fenced compound with CCTV for security, amenity planting.
Walking and cycling linkage along Snells Road

Snells Road - Stage 2

Builds on Snells Road Stage 1
Provides an opportunity for a further enlarged boat launching and retrieving facility to meet the anticipated increased demand in boat trailer activity
Parking and circulation arranged to allow portions of the overall site to be used flexibly throughout the year

Wharf - Option 1

This site re-design would follow after the public boat ramp facility had been installed at Snells Road
Over time, Coastguard would have dedicated use of the existing boat ramp to avoid time delays during rescue missions
New wharf for Charter Boats to drop off and pick up, so visitors can park up and easily access town
Family BBQ and Picnic areas are provided on both the north and south sides of the Coastguard boat ramp
Concrete terraces are provided along the water edge for swimming and to launch waka ama and kayaks. These also double up as an area to sit
Opportunities are available to express cultural narratives
Relocatable café or Charter Boat unit
Additional walking and cycling linkages including with the Motu Trails
Existing children’s play area to be expanded, and fishing area to be built

Wharf - Option 2

Coastguard located in their existing position and with their own ramp to avoid time delays during rescue missions (i.e., no need to share the ramp with public boat trailers).
New wharf for Charter Boats to drop off and pick up, so these visitors can easily park up and access town
Family BBQ and picnic areas and concrete terraces in one area
Opportunities to express cultural narratives
Relocatable café or charter boat unit
Additional walking and cycling linkages through the site, including the Motu Trail
Existing children’s play area to be expanded. Installed fishing area to be built.

Strategy map

Harbour-Wharf Masterplan Feedback

Thank you to everyone in the community who wrote in with their thoughts, opinions and ideas about the harbour-wharf masterplan. The feedback form is closed and Council will be signing off the masterplan at a Council meeting in the near future. Stay tuned to see the final product! Nga mihi nui to everyone who wrote in or came to one of our wharf days.