The Whangamata Marina is located inside the Whangamata harbour, chart NZ 534. Entry to the Whangamata harbour requires attention to the key navigational issues:

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1. Draft of vessel. At MWLS (low water) the depth of the channel and the entrance to the harbour is approximately  1.4m, this changes so seek Harbour Master or call Coastguard VHF CH4 for advice on latest depths. Therefore, yachts or other vessels with a deep draft should enter close to high tide. For example, a yacht drawing 1.8m is advised to enter the harbour within 2.5hrs of high tide.

2. Surf Bar. A surf bar is located south of the harbour entrance. Breaking surf waves may not always be visible.

3. Surfers. The entrance has a surf break of national significance and there are often paddlers, surfers and other water craft. 

 

 

Vessels approaching Whangamata harbour from either the north or the south should first identify the navigational aids -Lead Markers (photo below) located on the beach at 37o12’.184S,175o52’670E) When the two white triangles are aligned one above the other (at night they are leading lights, ( 2 F.R.neons - Red) the bearing of your course will be 288o17’true  which will take you clear of the headland and  approximately 50 to 60 meters off the outer starboard beacon. Proceed on this course until between the outer starboard beacon and the second starboard beacon at the entrance to the harbour when you will see a similar navigational aid on the wharf. Change course to a bearing that will take you to within 5 to 10 meters of the inner starboard marker (just off the rocks - see third image). Midway between the outer and inner starboard beacons, you will notice the water depth decreasing to around 1.2 m at low tide.

Once past the inner starboard beacon (5 to 10 meters off), change course towards the starboard marker buoy indicating the beginning of the channel through boats on pole moorings; The area around the starboard marker has sanded up so head between the wharf and the starboard marker. Towards the end of the channel containing the pole moorings, you will notice a line of marker poles at a right angle to port of the line of pole moorings. These poles mark the channel to the Marina, the beginning of which is a port marker pole. Do not cut the corner on low tide. There is Follow the channel indicated by the starboard and port marker poles to the marina entrance. CAUTION. Opposite the boat launching ramp before the marina entrance, the channel dog legs to starboard. The channel all the way into the marina is wide enough for two vessels to pass head on.

 

The above navigational guide is drawn from local experience and existing navigational aids. Please understand that the Whangamata Bar is a dynamic phenomenon and huge quantities of sand can change position in a very short timeframe. Entry is best avoided in strong East and South East conditions. Skippers should take this into account.

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