Tauranga Harbour

Tauranga Harbour Guide 2007 (6.5MB, pdf)

NB If this file is too large to download, please contact us on 0800 ENV BOP (36 267) or email info@envbop.govt.nz to request a copy.

Geographical position: Latitude 37º 39’S Longitude 176º 11’E

Tauranga harbour is a natural tidal harbour protected from the Pacific Ocean by Matakana Island, which spans some 24-km between the Katikati entrance at Bowentown and the larger Tauranga entrance at Mount Maunganui.

The harbour is a large tidal estuary with an area of some 200-sq. km. and has a tidal range of up to 1.98m. Approximately 290,000,000 tonnes of water flow through the entrances at each tidal change. This tidal flow can generate currents of up to 7 knots within the entrance channels; small boat operators must respect this entrance current.

The Tauranga harbour entrance is the shipping channel to the Port of Tauranga, New Zealand’s largest export port. Shipping movements can take place at any time, day or night through the main channels; therefore any recreational craft must take care when navigating in these areas.

This area of the Bay of Plenty is a popular holiday destination for a wide range of the population. The sheltered waters of the region’s harbours are a major attraction to many people especially to people who enjoy the more passive pursuits.

In recent years there has been a great increase in use of powered craft, especially personal watercraft, more commonly known by the trade name, Jet Ski. To ensure that all people on the water have a safe and enjoyable time certain areas have been reserved for certain activities, water ski lanes are one example. For more information regarding these lanes and boat ramps in the area, Environment Bay of Plenty publish an annual Tauranga Harbour Guide detailing all the recreational resources available.

Copies of this guide can be obtained from Environment Bay of Plenty or at any local tourist information office. Alternatively the harbourmaster can be contacted during working hours.