New Wharf Off-Limits to Public
Written by John Freer on July 15, 2024
No public access to the new $15 million Kopu Wharf, this has been confirmed by Thames Coromandel District Council.
Following a request from CFM, a council spokesman advised that the Kōpū Marine Facility was designed, consented and built for commercial purposes, not recreational.
This means casual boaties can not tie up at the new wharf, you cannot walk on it or fish off it.
The spokesman advised that its important to keep the users of the new recreational boat ramp, plus pedestrians and cyclists passing by on the Hauraki Rail Trail, separate from the commercial activities at the new wharf area so there are no conflicts of use and that both commercial and recreational users are kept safe.
“Casual boaties should not tie up at the commercial wharf.”
The council spokesman said if they would like to tie up locally, Shortland Wharf in Thames is available.
“Anyone who wants to walk on a structure over the water could potentially walk on the recreational boat ramp pontoon, but we want to discourage people from trying to enter the commercial wharf area, for their own safety.”
