Kōpū Wharf
The Kōpū Marine Servicing and Business Precinct was officially opened in June 2024. This significant infrastructure has unlimited potential to benefit a range of commercial and recreational users.
For bookings
Contact: Vaughan Austin at Kōpū Engineering
07 868 7571
vaughan@kopu.co.nz
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 and a trailer parking area.
The Kōpū Marine Servicing and Business Precinct welcomes both commercial and recreational boats. Access is limited to pre-paid bookings only.
The area can be used for a range of purposes including:
- boat servicing
- utilisation of commercial area for parking and deliveries
- casual short-term berthage, charter boat use.
For the full schedule of fees and services click here. The commercial area is separate to the recreational boat ramp. For more information on the recreational only ramp take a look here.
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.
Need more information?
Contact us
- For general information about the wharf
Contact Briar Sturgeon, Council’s Harbour Facilities Officer, 07 868 0200
- For commercial Interest in wharf use and surrounding land
Contact Lisa Church, Council’s Economic Development Advisor, 027 268 9112
Project history
In August 2020, the government allocated $8.2 million to upgrade Kōpū's marine-servicing infrastructure, creating new economic opportunities. This funding came from the $3 billion 'shovel-ready' fund aimed at post-COVID-19 recovery.
The project was intended to 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.
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.