The Mount Maunganui ramp can close at short notice because of landslide risk, so plan a fallback before you launch.
Pilot Bay’s boat ramp is back in use after closures following January’s Mauao landslide. It sits within an active landslide risk area, though, and Tauranga City Council warns it may be restricted or closed at short notice. If that happens while you’re out, you may not be able to return to the ramp straight away.
The council has listed temporary berthage options around the harbour, along with beaching and anchoring possibilities. Space depends on conditions, vessel size and demand. Boaties should also keep clear of the 30-metre exclusion zone around the base of Mauao.
The council’s Pilot Bay boat ramp notice lists the alternatives, explains how to sign up for safety alerts and gives the number to call if you’re caught out by a closure.
