Far North Holdings is warning of significant disruption at the Opua boat launch ramp.
Construction work on the Bay of Islands Marina expansion project has restricted the amount of vehicle and trailer parking space available at the ramp and the company wants residents and visitors to bear this in mind when making launch plans.

An artist’s impression of what the completed marina will look like (high res version of image available on request).
Temporary vehicle and trailer parking has been created using limited additional space and Far North Holdings is publicising this on its website (fnhl.co.nz), through cinema advertising in Kerikeri and by direct mail in the Opua, Kawakawa and Moerewa areas.
“We’ve done what we can to ease the congestion but the pressure on the ramp and the limited parking available is going to be significant and we want people to consider launching elsewhere, possibly at Waitangi, if they possibly can,” said Far North Holdings general manager Chris Galbraith.
Construction is expected to be complete in mid-2017.
“It’s going to look fantastic when it’s finished and of course everyone will have improved launching facilities at their disposal when work is complete,” Mr Galbraith said. “We hope our community will bear with us while the work is underway and accept our apologies for the inevitable disruption.”
About Far North Holdings Ltd
Far North Holdings Limited (FNHL) is responsible for managing and operating the commercial activities of the Far North District Council. These include Port Opua, Bay of Islands Marina, Kaitaia and Bay of Islands Airports, Paihia Maritime Buildings and Paihia Wharf, Williams Road Car Park and the Kaitaia Education Campus.
Since 2005 all of FNHL’s trading surplus has either been distributed to the Far North District Council or reinvested in property and infrastructure within the Far North District. The Far North District Council estimates that without this financial contribution general rates would have been approximately four percent a year higher, each year, over this period.
FNHL’s mandate includes the support and development of economic activity in the Far North.
Temporary parking arrangements will be in place at the Opua launch ramp this summer. Click here for Temporary parking plans