A busy fortnight for chart updates
The New Zealand Notices to Mariners (Edition 24, 28 November 2025) brings several meaningful changes for recreational and commercial crews. While some updates are routine, others will influence summer passages, especially around the Hauraki Gulf, Great Barrier Island, Whanganui, Akaroa, and the Otago Harbour approaches.
This edition covers Notices NZ 69 to 71, and the adjustments range from new protection zones to harbour works and amendments to navigation lights. Below is a straight-talking summary to help you stay ahead of the changes.
New marine protections across the Hauraki Gulf
A major update this fortnight is the confirmation of new marine protected areas (MPAs) across the Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana / Te Moananui ā Toi. The map on page 6 of the Notices shows the spread clearly.
The new protections fall into three groups:
- Marine reserves,
- High Protection Areas, and
- Seafloor Protection Areas.
These zones sit around key islands and channels from Mokohinau and Little Barrier, down past Waiheke, through to Aldermen/Whakahau and the Mercury Islands. All are now active, even though the boundaries will be added to charts later.
Boaties heading into or through the Gulf should check the full extents and rules on the DOC website before their next trip. Some areas restrict taking fish, but others also limit anchoring to protect fragile seafloor habitats.
Controlled Areas for exotic caulerpa
The spread of exotic caulerpa continues to shape movement around parts of the North Island.
Notice NZ 70(T)/25 confirms that Controlled Areas remain in force at:
- Aotea (Great Barrier)
- Ahuahu (Great Mercury)
- Little Barrier
- Waiheke Island
- Te Rawhiti Inlet (Bay of Islands)
Here the rules are strict. Anchoring, fishing, and gear deployment are restricted in various ways depending on the zone. MPI’s dedicated page remains the best source for exact boundaries.
These restrictions temporarily affect several charts across the Hauraki Gulf, eastern Northland, and the outer Gulf islands. Anyone cruising these waters should study the rules closely and plan their anchorages with care.
Whanganui Port: dredging, spoil grounds, and unlit leads
Whanganui features strongly in this edition.
The Notices confirm dredging along Wharf No. 1 and No. 2, with two active spoil grounds nearby. These are marked by 40m and 60m radiuses. A temporary pile has been installed at one of the spoil grounds to help mark the activity.
More importantly, the North Head Bar leading lights are unlit until 12 December.
For a bar that already demands respect, the lack of leads puts more pressure on daylight crossings and local knowledge. Crews should treat the area with real caution until the lights are restored.
New sector light at Dunedin’s Victoria Wharf
A new sector light is now in place at U Shed, Victoria Wharf, giving clearer guidance for vessels entering Otago Harbour.
The light displays red, white, and green sectors across narrow bearings centred on 252 degrees. Its range is two miles, mounted at 11 metres, and is already operational. Charting will follow.
For commercial and local traffic, this adds another useful reference point along a busy stretch of harbour infrastructure.
New marine farm in Akaroa Harbour
Notice NZ 69/25 confirms the addition of a marine farm in Akaroa Harbour, chart NZ 6324, positioned at:
43°50’.00S 172°56’.52E.
Akaroa already hosts several farm structures, so transiting skippers should keep a healthy berth and avoid cutting corners, especially in poor visibility.
New chart edition coming
A new edition of chart NZ 5571 – Tūranganui-a-Kiwa / Poverty Bay and Approaches to Gisborne will be released shortly.
This chart is widely used by coastal cruisers, fishers, and commercial operators who work the approaches to the East Coast ports.
Charts affected this fortnight
This edition affects the following charts:
-
Temporary Notice 70(T):
NZ 512, 522, 5125, 5221, 5222, 5223, 5224, 5312, 5314, 5318, 5324
-
Permanent Notice 69:
NZ 6324
-
Preliminary Notice 71(P):
NZ 6612
If you use charts across the Hauraki Gulf, eastern Northland, Whanganui, Akaroa, Dunedin, or the Mercury Bay region, this edition is worth reviewing in detail.
What boaties should do now
- Update all affected paper charts with the latest corrections.
- Check new protection areas before cruising the Hauraki Gulf.
- Review MPI’s caulerpa rules before anchoring or fishing near the affected islands.
- Treat Whanganui Bar with added caution until the leads come back on.
- Note the new Dunedin sector light if you use the harbour approaches.
- Avoid the new marine farm boundaries in Akaroa.
These changes are part of good seamanship, especially heading into the high-traffic summer period.
