Kōpū Wharf
The Kōpū Marine Servicing and Business Precinct was officially opened on Friday 21 June 2024. This significant infrastructure has unlimited potential to benefit a range of commercial and recreational users.
What's on offer at Kōpū wharf?
The Kōpū wharf boasts an 80m long commercial wharf and floating pontoon which enables in-water marine servicing and vessel offloading/onloading. The precinct also includes an upgraded commercial slipway and an unsealed haul-out area, a recreational boat ramp and trailer a parking area. For more information on our recreational boat ramp, click here.
Bookings
You can book to use the commercial wharf, pontoon and slipway by contacting Kōpū Engineering:
Vaughan Austin
Phone: 07 868 7571
E-mail: vaughan@kopu.co.nz
Need more information on commercial use of the Wharf and surrounding land? Contact our Economic Development team:
Lisa Church
Phone: 0272689112
E-mail: Lisa.Church@tcdc.govt.nz
For general wharf information, contact our Harbour and Facilities officer:
Briar Sturgeon
Phone: 07 868 0200
E-mail: Briar.Sturgeon@tcdc.govt.nz
Why use Kōpū Wharf?
Kōpū is the gateway to the Coromandel, strategically located within New Zealand’s economic "golden triangle" between Auckland, Hamilton, and Tauranga. This area generates nearly 50% of the country’s GDP and is home to over half the population.
The new Kōpū Marine Servicing and Business Precinct strengthens the region’s supply chain, improving freight access and enhancing resilience for the Thames-Coromandel district.
As the district’s largest industrial zone, Kōpū serves as a key commercial hub for the wider Hauraki Plains. Positioned at the junction of four major travel routes with access to sea transport, it connects to New Zealand’s busiest ports—Auckland and Tauranga—as well as Auckland International Airport.
Learn more about the project history
In August 2020, the government allocated $8.2 million to upgrade Kōpū's marine-servicing infrastructure, creating new economic opportunities. This funding comes from the $3 billion 'shovel-ready' fund aimed at post-COVID-19 recovery.
The project will support local employment, creating up to 13 short-term jobs, 19 construction jobs, and potentially 108 long-term positions. It is expected to generate up to $58.5 million in economic returns over 30 years, benefiting boat maintenance, aquaculture, trade, and transport industries.
Thames-Coromandel District Mayor Sandra Goudie welcomed the investment, highlighting its role in regional economic growth, including opportunities for Ngāti Maru and links to the Te Ariki Wahi/Sugarloaf Wharf expansion.
The funding will go towards a new access road, upgraded boat ramp and car park, a floating pontoon, and a mud berth for in-water servicing. While supporting commercial growth, these improvements will also enhance recreational use.
Kōpū’s strong transport links and existing marine businesses make it an ideal location for this development. The project aligns with the Council’s "Productivity Plan," promoting job creation, sustainable asset management, and Māori economic development.
A 2018 government-funded business case confirmed Kōpū's potential as a marine hub, supporting servicing operations and water-based tourism. The detailed feasibility study ensured a well-planned, investment-ready project.
For general wharf information, contact our Harbour and Facilities officer:
Briar Sturgeon
Phone: 07 868 0200
E-mail: Briar.Sturgeon@tcdc.govt.nz