Motuoapa marina set for $5m revamp

Plans showing features of the upgraded marina.

The ageing Motuoapa marina on Lake Taupo is about to undergo a major transformation with the release of plans for a multimillion-dollar upgrade due to get under way next year.

The project, which has been on the drawing board for 15 years and in the planning stages for the past three years, is being fully funded by the Department of Internal Affairs at an estimated cost of $5 million.

It involves a complete revamp of the marina to create 162 new berths and major earthworks to remove sediment to accommodate larger vessels. Fill from the earthworks will be used to reclaim land at the northern end of the marina to create a picnic, recreation and parking area. There is also provision for an additional four-lane launching ramp and jetties at the northern end of the marina.

Existing Motuoapa facility at the southern end of Lake Taupo.

Taupo harbourmaster Philip King said the marina was constructed around 50 years ago for boats of around 5m and despite some ad hoc upgrades over the last few decades the infrastructure has reached the end of its useful life. Boaties face navigational safety hazards when lake levels are low due to weed infestation, stagnant water and the inability of the facility to cater for larger vessels. Security is limited and the ageing berths and jetties have also given rise to a number of health and safety issues.

"It is in a beautiful location that is north-facing and totally sheltered from the predominant south-westerly wind. The footprint is there which means we are able to redevelop and address all the problems.

"We envisage trout and smelt in this facility with beautiful clear water."

He said the plan had been developed by Opus in conjunction with the Tuwharetoa Trust Board, with input from local boating groups, and had been reworked a number of times to accommodate the needs of all lake users and enhance the lake environment.

Although the project is being funded by the Department of Internal Affairs, Mr King said it still had to pay its way.

"We have been allocated the dollars but the clear message from Treasury and the Auditor-General is that it still has to be user pays."

Annual berth fees are currently between $750 and $1150 and these are projected to increase to between $2240 and $3920 once the upgrade is completed.

Mr King said once resource consents were gained the project would be put out for tender. All going well the upgrade is due to get under way next July and is expected to take around eight months to complete.