We are replacing the iconic Akaroa Wharf – originally built in 1887 – as it is nearing the end of its usable life.

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We’ve been working in partnership with Ōnuku Rūnanga, and speaking to the Akaroa community about the $24.8 million wharf replacement project.

A condition assessment carried out on Akaroa Wharf in late 2018 identified the structure was reaching the end of its useful life and ongoing repair and maintenance was not economical.

We understand this project is of high interest to the Akaroa community as the wharf is an integral part of Akaroa’s heritage, holding high historical, social, cultural and contextual significance.

Construction of the new Akaroa Wharf is expected to begin in late 2025, following resource consent approval from Council and ECan, and be completed in 2027.

The resource consent will be publicly notified, with a public hearing held in mid to late 2025. Different construction methodologies are being explored with cost and time implications being considered.

Drummonds Jetty and Daly’s Wharf have been identified as suitable alternatives for the community to use while Akaroa Wharf is rebuilt. Upgrade work on these two facilities will begin in September 2024 and is expected to be complete in December 2024. 

Read more about the latest project update on Newsline(external link) and sign up for our Akaroa Wharf newsletter(external link) for updates as the project progresses.

Our approach for the new wharf

We will rebuild in the existing wharf’s location. 

The new wharf will not be a replica of the existing one but be its own structure – using the best materials available for the conditions, which complement the local environment and take into consideration the long-term maintenance costs.

Key features of our approved concept design include:

  • Increasing the height of the wharf deck by 600mm, which means changes will need to be made to how the wharf is attached to the land and buildings. The original abutment, or concrete structure, that currently attaches the wharf to the land is in very poor condition and will need to be removed.
  • Using a mixture of materials such as timber, concrete and steel piles, which are durable, sustainable and will require less maintenance.
  • Continuing to provide diesel for commercial operators.
  • Additional pontoon space.

Heritage

The existing wharf is more than timber, concrete and iron; it holds stories and memories for the people who use it.

We are keen to ensure the full history of the wharf is captured and recorded, as well as collecting the structure's intangible heritage including personal memories and stories from the community.

Akaroa Area School’s history teacher Garry Brittenden is helping capture this history and is creating a video that will be made available for public viewing on completion.

Salvage of materials

Elements from the wharf which have been identified as having high heritage significance will be salvaged wherever possible. We are exploring ways that some of these can be incorporated into the new structure, or utilised for interpretation.

There may also be an opportunity for the community to access and use some of these salvaged materials for other projects in Akaroa.

We will let the community know more about the salvage project as the project progresses.

Buildings

Two privately-owned buildings adjoin the current wharf and connect to the Council-owned structure.

We are working with the building owners on what the replacement project means for them.

Drummonds Jetty renewal

Drummonds Jetty will be rebuilt so the community can use it while Akaroa Wharf undergoes a rebuild.

Work will begin in early September with the goal to be open by Christmas.

The new Drummonds Jetty will be 33m long and will have a temporary gangway and two floating pontoons attached to it. In total, it will extend 108m into the harbour and provide over 80m of mooring space. The pontoons will be equipped with lighting, power and water.​

​The pontoons and gangway will be removed and relocated to Akaroa Wharf in 2027 when the Akaroa Wharf rebuild is nearing completion.

Read more on Newsline(external link).

Daly's Wharf repairs

Daly’s Wharf has also been identified as a suitable alternative while Akaroa Wharf undergoes a rebuild. Strengthening work will begin in early September 2024, with the goal to have this re-opened by Christmas. ​

​Daly’s Wharf was rebuilt in 1914 and needs strengthening work to ensure it remains an asset to the area. Closer to the time that Akaroa Wharf is closed for rebuild, we will install a diesel bowser and crane to the end and a temporary diesel tank in the slipway, near Custom House. ​

​The shelter at the end of the wharf will be relocated to the adjacent park and other than a brief closure for repair and foundation works, it will remain accessible to the public. This shelter will be reinstated to the end of Daly’s Wharf when the new Akaroa Wharf opens in 2027. ​

​We are installing pile jackets to deteriorated piles and replacing some structural members. Additional bracing and strengthening work will occur at the end of the jetty to allow continued use of the wharf going forward.

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Community consultation 2021 - 2022

Akaroa Wharf replacement

Christchurch City Council consulted with the community regarding our Akaroa Wharf plan from Wednesday 1 December 2021 to Monday 31 January 2022.

During this time we heard from 47 businesses, organisations and individuals.   The table of consultation feedback is available here(external link) [PDF, 8.8 MB] and here is the Council decision(external link)(external link).

You can also read the Newsline(external link)(external link) article regarding the Council decision.

The archived consultation page can be found here.(external link)