Akaroa

Size limits

LOA 350m, draught 10.3m.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Summer.

Tides

Range 2.0m (springs); 1.5m (neaps).

Approach

The harbour is approached from S and entered between Te Ruahine Point (43°53.4'S 172°58.1'E) and Timutimu Head (1nm WSW).

From a position SE of Timutimu Head (43°54.0'S 172°57.0'E), the alignment of leading lights leads into the harbour, passing (with positions from Timutimu Head):

ENE of rocks extending 0.3nm SE from Timutimu Head, and WSW of The Long Boat (1nm ENE), a black rock, 1.2m high, which from a distance has the appearance of a boat.

Then WSW of Te Ruahine Point (1nm NE), which is bold. Then WSW of Nine Fathom Point (2.5nm N). The track then leads N passing:

E of Cape Three Points (43°49.8'S 172°54.6'E), elevation 15m.

Then W of Green Point from which a light (43°48.9'S 172°56.7'E) is exhibited from the W end of a reef extending 0.13nm from the shore. A grey stone monument, 19m high, stands on the shore 0.2nm E of Green Point, and an old light tower stands 0.4nm ENE.

From the vicinity of Green Point the track leads NE through French Bay to Akaroa, 1nm ENE, or continues N to the head of the harbour.

Traffic schemes and VTS

None.

Anchorages

Anchorage can be obtained approx 2nm NNW of Nine Fathom Point, in depths which decrease gradually from 14 -11.0m, sand and mud.

French Bay (43°48.5'S 172°57.0'E) affords excellent anchorage in depths from 5.0-7.0m, mud, between 0.3 and 0.7nm W of the old light tower.

Good anchorage can be obtained in the N part of the harbour, in depths not less than 6.0m, for approx 2nm N of Green Point.

Tugs

None available

Charts and publications

NZ 63, 6324, 64. Admiralty Pilot NP51.

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Notify vessel's agent of ETA 10, 5, 3, 2 and 1 day prior to arrival. Message to include draught ford and aft and any requirements. Notify any changes to the final ETA. A copy of the Crew List should be sent 48 hours before arrival.

Communications

Perth Radio available throughout 24 hours on 2182kHz, 4125kHz, 6215kHz, 8291kHz, 12290kHz and 16420kHz. Immarsat communication is possible.

VHF: Ch 16.

Standard messages

Agent/port company will advise pilot boarding time and berth details, port situation.

Notice of readiness

As per Charter Party or at arrival at the pilot station.

Documents

Special forms: Port company wishes to see Hazardous Cargo and Cargo Plan, 48 hours prior to arrival.

Agents will provide a full set of forms for next voyage or will send on request.

Health

Pratique can be applied for between 24 and 12 hours prior to arrival.

Customs and immigration

Normal Customs/Immigration formalities apply. Visa, if required can be applied for on arrival.

Allowances for officers and crew: 200 cigarettes, 1 litre spirits, 750ml wine, there are cash fines and confiscation, for non compliance with these allowances.

Notices and regulations

A wildlife sanctuary is established at Dan Rogers Creek (1nm N off Te Ruahine Point).

Numerous places in New Zealand and the outlying islands are wildlife reserves. Unless otherwise stated, entry is permitted by the Secretary for Internal Affairs and is usually restricted to persons concerned with management or scientific tasks.

Some species of wildlife, particularly birds, are protected and, without authority, it is a punishable offence to take them, alive or dead, or their eggs and feathers.

Regional Council Bye Laws apply. Vessels must comply with ballast water discharge restrictions and be free from Asian Gypsy Moth.

Port State Control here: Tokyo MOU.

Running now: the Paris and Tokyo MOU concentrated inspection campaign on cargo securing, 1 September to 30 November 2026. Its questions are published: the questionnaire.

Inspection of ships in New Zealand

Maritime Safety Authority

PO Box 27006, 275-281 Upper Cuba Street, Wellington, New Zealand.

Tel: +64 4 382 8198.

Fax: +64 4 382 4934.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Maritime Safety Authority of New Zealand.

Contact person: Maritime Security Adviser.

Address: PO Box 27006, Level 8 Gen-I Tower, 109 Featherston Street, Wellington, 6005, New Zealand.

Tel: +64 4 471 5366.

Fax: +64 4 494 1270.

Website: http://www.maritimenz.govt.nz

For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org

Repairs

Facilities for minor repairs.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Marine Diesel oil available.

Medical

Hospital in Akaroa. Local Doctors and chemist available.

Transport

Nearest airport: Christchurch (Harewood).

Nearest railway: Christchurch (80km).

Working hours

Normally Mon-Fri, 0700-1230hrs and 1300-1730hrs.

Where it is

Akaroa is situated on the S side of Banks peninsula on New Zealand's South Island.

The port

Due to earthquake damage at Lyttelton cruise ships are using the Akaroa anchorage as a temporary change of port calling.

What are the pilot arrangements at Akaroa?

Available if required.

What time zone is Akaroa in?

Local time at Akaroa is UTC+13. Back to UTC+12 on 3 Apr 2027. Clocks go to UTC+13 on 25 Sep 2027.

What is the water density at Akaroa?

1025.

Which load line zone is Akaroa in?

Summer.

Who carries out Port State Control at Akaroa?

Port State Control at Akaroa: Tokyo MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Akaroa?

The UN/LOCODE of Akaroa is NZAKA.

What crews who called at Akaroa say: pilot boarding, the agent's papers, inspections, shore leave. Each tip is shown with the writer's rank and ship type, and an AI summary sits on top once there are three or more.

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