A fully reinstated northern pontoon is now in place at the Tūtūkākā boat ramp, returning the ramp to the two-sided setup locals have been missing for several seasons.
The old northern pontoon had deteriorated to the point where it had to be removed, leaving only the southern side in use. With Tūtūkākā one of the main launch points for trips to the Poor Knights, the reduced capacity created queues and plenty of frustration during summer.
The newly completed structure brings the ramp back to full functionality. For regular users, it’s a straightforward improvement that will ease pressure during busy periods and make launching safer and faster.
Built by locals who know the coast
While the Whangārei District Council contributed funding, the bulk of the work came from local marine contractors and businesses familiar with the harbour and the coastline.
Infrastructure Committee chair Brad Flower said the result shows what can happen when the community gets behind a project.
“This is a real win for the community. The new pontoon will make a big difference for locals and visitors, thanks to the hard work of local contractors and community support.”
The project team brought together a wide range of Northland expertise:
• Johnson Bros Marine Construction handled the design work, managed the consents, and drove the piles from a Bay of Islands barge
• Heron Construction cast the six concrete pontoons at their Lower Port Road facility
• Steve Bowling Contractors and Robinson Asphalts supplied crews, machinery, and project oversight
• BDC Concrete built the abutment that anchors the floating structure
• Yendell Electrical and Ken Topp Builders took care of electrical work and finishing
• Atlas Cranes placed the six-tonne pontoons with the precision heavy lifting the job required
Many of these businesses also covered part of the costs themselves through donated materials, equipment, and financial support — a contribution Council described as “extraordinary”.
A practical win for a busy boating hub
For Tūtūkākā, the upgrade is much more than a visual improvement. It restores the ramp to the capacity it was designed for, reduces bottlenecks on peak days, and makes day-trips to the outer coast smoother for everyone.
Heading into summer, locals expect shorter queues, fewer frayed tempers, and a safer, more efficient launching area.
For one of Northland’s most popular boating gateways, it’s a simple improvement with a big impact.
