Akaroa 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 longer-term maintenance costs.

Key features of our approved concept design include:

• Raising the new wharf deck height by a minimum of 500 millimetres. This is to allow for sea-level rise and storm surges and to ensure the longevity and all-weather use of the structure.
• Increasing the height of the wharf deck, which means changes will need to be made to how the wharf is attached to the land. 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.
• Increasing the pontoon number from two to three. We are working with wharf users on the best positioning of the pontoons.
• Continuing to provide diesel for commercial operators while exploring the possibility of also providing access to petrol for them.

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

Capturing the wharf's history

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

Akaroa Area School’s history teacher, Garry Brittenden, is helping capture this history and wants to hear from anybody who has a story related to the wharf. Email gbrittenden@akaroa.school.nz to share your memories of the wharf.

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.

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 has been identified as the most suitable option for recreational and commercial marine users to use while the Akaroa Wharf replacement project is underway.

The jetty is due for renewal and work will begin on the replacement in 2024, as part of the Marine Structures Renewal Programme.

The 33m jetty is situated off Beach Road, Akaroa, near the main Akaroa Wharf. The new jetty will be rebuilt in its current location, and feature several improvements including:

• increasing the width from 2.4m to 3m
• making the jetty one level, rather than stepped like the current jetty
• raising the entire jetty so it sits level with the shoreline.

To provide additional capacity during the Akaroa Wharf rebuild, two floating pontoons will temporarily be added to the end of the rebuilt jetty, connected to the wharf via a gangway. These pontoons will be removed and relocated for use on Akaroa Wharf once construction is nearing completion.

Read more on Newsline(external link).

Newsletters

• 29 March 2023 - Drummonds Jetty to be renewed and used during the Akaroa Wharf replacement work(external link)
• 23 December 2022 - Project update(external link)
• 17 October 2022 - Repairs beginning(external link)
• 27 June 2022 - Council investigates alternative working options during wharf rebuild(external link)
• 17 June 2022 - Meeting to discuss alternative working options during Akaroa Wharf rebuild(external link)
• 12 May 2022 - Akaroa Wharf concept design approved(external link)

Meeting minutes

• 20 June 2022 - Temporary Access Discussion for Commercial Operators from the wharf [PDF, 139 KB]