Upgrade to Waipapa Landing boat ramp begins

Work began this week to improve car and trailer parking at Waipapa Landing Boat Ramp near Kerikeri and to better control stormwater flows into Kerikeri Inlet.

The first stage of the $495,000 project will see drainage at the existing gravel parking area upgraded by installing concrete kerbing and stormwater catchpits. This will help to prevent silt, debris and contaminants washing directly into Kerikeri Inlet. The parking area will then be prepared and sealed with asphalt.

The 10-week project, which is jointly funded by the council and the Government’s Tourism Infrastructure Fund, will be completed once line markings are added to the parking area. This will provide dedicated areas for vehicles and boat trailers, plus a disability park next to the public toilets. It is anticipated that parking capacity at the boat ramp will be improved once parking areas have been clearly defined.

Access to the boat ramp will not be affected during the initial drainage work. However, parking and access may be impacted immediately before and during asphalting work. Contractors will aim to maintain full access to the ramp and parking area during weekends. Final line markings for vehicle and trailer parking should be completed early in November.

The project is part of a wider upgrade to Bay of Islands boating facilities that has already seen access and parking significantly improved at Rangitoto (Windsor Landing) on the south side of Kerikeri Inlet.

Far North District Council and its commercial company, Far North Holdings Ltd, own and manage an extensive network of recreational and commercial wharves, boat ramps, jetties and pontoons across the Far North. Go to our Maritime Facilities page for details on where each boat ramp is located, its capacity, access, car parking and related facilities.