Tauranga

1. Tauranga boarding position Foxtrot Pilot boards37°33.5′S 176°12.6′E
2. Tauranga boarding position Zulu Pilot boards37°34.6′S 176°11.9′E
3. Tauranga reporting point — "A" Beacon Pilot37°36.1′S 176°10.7′E

Size limits

LOA 348m, beam 48.4m, draught 14.5m, 117,176DWT.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Summer.

Tides

Tidal rise and fall is between 1.3m and 2.0m.

Ebb (flood) tides flow at approx 3kts at neaps and 4kts at springs through the entrance channel.

During N'ly and E'ly gales, breaking seas may be experienced in this vicinity, particularly on an ebb tide.

Tsunamis may affect Tauranga Harbour.

Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.

Approach

The maximum recommended draught within the port is 14.5m (HW) and 13.2m (LW).

Approaching Tauranga: From the N: Keep at least 4nm to the W of Mayor Island and then to the Pilot Station.

From the E: Keep at least 5nm to the N of Volkner Rocks, then 3nm to the N of Astrolabe Reef and then to the Pilot Station.

Directions: From sea, the port is approached from the vicinity of "A" Light Beacon (37°36.1'S 176°10.7'E), through a channel dredged across Matakana Bank and is entered W of Mount Maunganui.

Small craft can approach the port through Katikati entrance, passing W of Matakana Island. The route is only navigable at HW and local knowledge is required.

The W channel is closed to shipping.

From the N keep at least 4nm to the E of Mayor Island and then to the Pilot Station. From the E keep at least 5nm to the N of Volkner Rocks, then 3nm to the N of Astrolabe Reef and then to the Pilot Station.

Approach Channel Depths: There are particularly strong tidal currents in the port entrance so vessels generally plan to arrive and depart between slack water and a maximum tidal rate of 1.5 knots.

Entry and exit is programmed around the strength of the tidal flow in the entrance and takes place day and night. Berthing normally takes place 30 minutes after negotiating the harbour entrance. Tankers will be berthed where practicable, starboard side alongside (bow out), to facilitate emergency departure. The entrance approaches are dredged to a depth of 15.8m. During N'ly and E'ly gales, breaking seas may be experienced in this vicinity, particularly on an ebb tide. Inner harbour navigable channels have been dredged to 14.5m (transition point at Buoy C2 in the Cutter Channel).

Voluntary Code: For vessels carrying oil or other harmful liquid substances in bulk: (Refer to "Country Information").

General: Ships are to keep at least 5nm off land, any charted danger, or any outlying island(s) until reaching the position where alteration is required to make port. A greater distance off may be necessary in adverse onshore weather, or if it is known that the ship has any mechanical deficiency that might impair either the motive power or manoeuvrability.

Port limits

The seaward limits are: The arc of a circle radius 1.6nm centred on the summit of Bowentown Heads (37°27.9'N 175°59.4'E).

Traffic schemes and VTS

A 24hr service is available via the Port's its Customer Services Centre. This Office monitor harbour traffic, communicates with vessels, plans shipping movements, and provides a number of port related services.

Before entering harbour, vessels are required to establish communication with the port radio in order to obtain berthing and other instructions. The rate of tidal flow at the entrance and swell conditions at "A" Light Beacon can also be obtained. Vessels outbound should contact the port radio on clearing harbour limits.

Anchorages

Up to nine Vessels awaiting a pilot may anchor in depths from 25.0m to 27.0m in anchor berths numbered 1 to 3, SE of the pilot boarding position (37°34.9'S 176°12.5'E). Vessels can also anchor closer to the shore, 1.5nm NE of North Rock (37°37.4'S 176°10.5'E), in depths from 20.0 to 22.0m, but an area, radius 0.5nm, centred on North Rock should be avoided during strong NE winds and swell owing to breaking seas.

Designated anchorages as follows:

Anchorage No 01: Position 37°36.49'S 176°13.71'E

Anchorage No 02: Position 37°37.49'S 176°15.21'E

Anchorage No 03: Position 37°38.29'S 176°16.91'E

Anchorage No 04: Position 37°33.39'S 176°10.00'E

Anchorage No 05: Position 37°32.70'S 176°09.00'E

Anchorage No 06: Position 37°30.60'S 176°08.20'E

Anchorage No 07: Position 37°29.80'S 176°07.30'E

Anchorage No 08: Position 37°29.00'S 176°06.50'E

Anchorage No 09: Position 37°28.10'S 176°05.90'E

Anchorage No 10: Position 37° 27.20'S 176°05.30'E

Quarantine anchorage: In a position bearing 075° distance 3.25nm from Mount Maunganui Light.

Prohibited anchorage: On or within 0.5nm of No 1 Reach Leads. The channels leading from the harbour entrance to Tauranga and off the berths are also prohibited anchorages, except with permission of the Harbour Master.

There is a prohibited anchorage in the Harbour Approach Area, which is the sector of a circle radius 2.5 miles, centred on No.1 Reach Rear Leading Light (37°38.1'S., 176°09.4'E.), contained between the bearings of 026 °and 037° from the light. This can best be seen on the chart.

Another prohibited anchorage is located within 50m of the commercial wharves. The channels leading from the harbour entrance to Tauranga and off the berths are restricted anchorages, except in an emergency.

Vessels are advised not to anchor in the channel W of Stony Point Light as the ground is foul.

Restrictions

Entry and exit is determined by the current flow in the harbour entrance. Vessels are graded by their size and ability to manoeuvre and enter and leave during windows either side of slack water, day and night.

Vertical clearances: Tauranga Bridge (37°40.5'S 176°10.5'E) has a vertical clearance of 9m. A railway bridge 0.8nm S has a vertical clearance of 4m.

Submarine cables: Submarine cables, where the landing positions are marked by white beacons and in the vicinities of which anchorage is prohibited.

Tugs

There are 3 tugs available ("Sir Robert", "Tai Pari" and "Tai Timu"). They usually join inward vessels in the vicinity of the harbour entrance. Tug's lines are normally used, for which there is no extra charge. Fire fighting tugs available.

Mooring

Berthing normally takes place 30 minutes after negotiating the harbour entrance.

Tankers will be berthed where practicable, starboard side alongside (bow out), to facilitate emergency departure but port side is also allowed.

Mooring areas are established:

Off the shore between Pilot Bay Jetty (37°38.1'S 176°10.4'E) and Salisbury Wharf, 0.475nm SE.

Within the area surrounded by Beacon Nos 1, 3, 5, 7, C4 and C2 to the N of Cutter Channel.

At the S end of Town Reach, S of position 37°40.7'S 176°10.5'E.

Tauranga Bridge Marina (37°40.3'S 176°10.7'E) dredged to 3.0m.

Charts and publications

NZ 54, 541, 5411, 5412. BA 4061, 4605, 4600. Admiralty Pilot NP51, NP286(4).

US 76054. US Sailing Directions No 127 (East Coast of Australia and New Zealand).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

All vessels inbound must give 24 hours notice by radio of their ETA off the port limits. If bound from Auckland or near ports, vessels should send their ETA immediately on departure from that port.

A second message, confirming or amending the first, is to be sent 4 hours before the given ETA. Should the vessel expect to arrive later than its 24 hour message, the 4 hour message shall be sent 4 hours before the ETA given in the original message.

Vessels should contact Tauranga Port Radio on VHF Ch 16 at least 4hrs prior to arrival or when within VHF range and should also contact Tauranga Port Radio when passing Beacon 'A' (37°36.07S 176°10.69'E) inbound and outward bound.

Agent Owner or Master of vessel should give Customs 48 hours notice of the vessel arriving at the Customs Port of Entry, with ETA, Crew List and voyage memo details.

Standard messages

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

Notice of readiness

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

Documents

Container Terminal: The Port operates PortConnnect System, New Zealand's first comprehensive cargo management system enabling data transmission and direct Desk Tel: +64 9 348 5120 (Monday-Friday, 8am – 5pm),

or Email: [email protected]

Health

Radio notification to be sent to "Port Health Tauranga", regarding state of health of crew and ETA between 12 and 24 hours prior to arrival requesting radio pratique.

Pratique is granted by Port Health Officer on arrival if radio pratique not requested or granted. Notification should be made by radio to Port Health in case of suspected disease or fever onboard.

Pratique is automatic if vessel has been previously cleared at another New Zealand port.

Vessels which are liable to quarantine and bound for the port must Motify the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Quarantine Service 12 hours in advance and give clear details of the vessel's name, port and estimated time of arrival.

Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate can be issued.

Customs and immigration

Customs allowances: Cigarettes 200 or 250 grams of tobacco or 50 cigars. A 1.25 litre bottle of spirits or 4.5 litres of wine and 1 case of beer. The Bonded Store will not be sealed, however Customs may make random checks to ensure goods have not been removed from the store. An issue of duty free stores will be made every 10 days on request to Customs while remaining on the coast.

Notices and regulations

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

In No 1 Reach, N of the latitude of North Rock Light (37°37.4'S), vessels may pass starboard to starboard, by prior agreement between the Masters and pilots, and provided radio communication is established.

Tankers must use side connections. Discharge of cargo and disconnection of hoses is permitted during darkness. Boiler and galley fires need not be extinguished.

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

All types of engine and deck repairs are possible. Minor underwater repairs for which a diver is available.

Gyro/radio repair facilities are available.

Dry docks

A slipway on the W side of Town Reach, can take vessels of 60m length and up to 610t displacement. There is also a small slipway (37°42.7'S 176°11.4'E) on the W side of Rangataua Bay, SE of a road bridge.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Is supplied by pipeline at 20tph. Prior arrangements must be made with the Operations Manager for quantities in excess of 1,000t.

Bunkering: Bunkering connections are placed at Berths No 1-11 and the cement/tanker berth. LMFO 40 and LMFO 180 is supplied through a 10in line to all bunker points at rates of up to 150tph. Marine gas oil is also available ex road tanker.

Stores: Available by truck. Customs will be present if loading bonded stores.

Medical

Tauranga Hospital is situated 12km from the port, Tel: +64 7 577 8000.

Crew change

There are no restrictions regarding crew leave.

Transport

Nearest airport: Tauranga, 1.6km.

Airport facilities: Domestic facilities with regular domestic flights to Auckland (221km), Wellington (544km) and all New Zealand main centres.

Nearest railway: The wharf rail network is connected to the East Coast Main Trunk Railway system.

Working hours

Throughout 24 hours.

Where it is

Tauranga is located in the Bay of Plenty on the North Island's E coast.

The port

Tauranga is the principal export port of New Zealand and is also the only natural deep water port between Auckland and Wellington providing safe berthage in all weathers.

The port handles general cargo, container, dry bulk, Ro-Ro, cruise and passengers.

Traffic

Approx 24,000,000t of cargo, 1,150,000TEU and 1,400 vessels handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Tauranga?

The pilot boards at Tauranga boarding position Foxtrot, 37°33.5′S 176°12.6′E. Tauranga has 3 pilot boarding places.

What time zone is Tauranga in?

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

What is the maximum draft at Tauranga?

The deepest berth listed is at Tauranga Container Terminal (Sulphur Point): 14.50 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Tauranga?

1025.

Which load line zone is Tauranga in?

Summer.

Who carries out Port State Control at Tauranga?

Port State Control at Tauranga: Tokyo MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Tauranga?

The UN/LOCODE of Tauranga is NZTRG.

What crews who called at Tauranga 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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