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Harbour Facilities

South Bay Marina

Situated on the southern side of the Kaikoura peninsula, the Marina has a seawall, slipway, fuel facility, public toilets, boat washdown area, and parking for buses, cars, trailers and boats.  The Marina is the launching point for most water-based tourist operators, such as Whale Watch Kaikoura and Dolphin Encounter.

North Wharf and Old Wharf

Both wharves are on the northern side of the peninsula, the North Wharf on Wakatu Quay, and the Old Wharf on Avoca Street. 

The North Wharf has recently been reconstructed and was officially opened on the 29th of January 2010.  The new wharf is now a concrete structure which can be extended in the future if required.  Cruise ships visiting Kaikoura are now able to provide for disembarking passengers to tender boats at this new wharf, where previously these ships were limited to using the South Bay facility.

The wharf deck is designed for highway normal loading as per the Transit bridge manual, and the fendering system is designed for a boat of a maximum loading of 100 tonnes displacement (a fishing vessel of up to 20m long).  The depth alongside is approximately 2.5m below chart datum and leading lights are in place for the approach to the wharf.

The North Wharf is exposed to north east conditions and there is no wave protection, however being on the north side of the Kaikoura peninsula means it is sheltered from the south.

The Old Wharf is one of Kaikoura's historic icons, having once been the main base for Kaikoura's fishing industry and, pre-1960, was also used for whaling operations.  Located at Fyffe Quay, the Old Wharf has also undergone repair during 2009.  This wharf is suitable for small recreational fishing boats.