People keen on the outdoors and recreational water sports can look forward to better facilities along Dive Crescent in Tauranga city centre, with the old Beacon Wharf currently undergoing a major transformation.

Work on the site is expected to be finished by Spring next year and will feature a new gangway, pontoon and improved landscaping with a viewing platform, along with a refurbished seawall which will include five living seawall pods.

The new pontoon will provide easier access to the inner harbour for recreational boats, kayaks, paddleboards and a place to enjoy fishing.

The project is part of Tauranga City Council’s wider waterfront transformation plans to help breathe life back into the area and revitalise the city centre.

The old wharf, situated below the old Taumata Kawhawai pa site, served as a hub for railway and coastal trading during the mid-1900s, says city development and partnerships general manager Gareth Wallis.

“With the growth of Port of Tauranga, the wharf’s purpose changed more towards boat maintenance.

“Eventually the structure deteriorated, resulting in its closure for an extended period and eventual demolition in July this year,” says Gareth.

“Once the Beacon Wharf upgrade is complete next year, people will once again be able to enjoy better access to one of our city’s greatest assets - Te Awanui Tauranga Harbour.”

Gareth says he expects the new wharf to be a drawcard for recreational boaties in particular, adding to the many other exciting projects happening along the city centre waterfront to make it an even greater place to visit and for our community to feel proud of.

Papamoa fisherman Andrew Hill says he is “really excited” about the prospect of taking his daughter to the new Beacon Wharf when it’s finished.

“It's a good fishing spot that's going to be more accessible,” he says.

“I’ve been hearing about the waterfront upgrades so it’s very encouraging to think we’ll be using the new wharf by this time next year. 

“It’s a nice excuse for us to cross the bridge over to the city centre.”

Further south along the waterfront, Council is already working on a ‘living seawall’ that includes 100 water pods specially designed to attract marine plants and animals to the water’s edge along The Strand.

Work is also underway to create a new boardwalk along the southern end of The Strand.

Guided by the Tauranga Moana Waterfront Plan, these projects join several others that will deliver a better waterfront experience from the start of Dive Crescent right along to The Strand extension.

For more information about city centre projects, visit www.tauranga.govt.nz/ourfuturecitycentre 

Photograph of Dive Crescent c.1930 showing the original Beacon Wharf (credit: Tauranga City Libraries photo 10-022).