Greater Wellington — Harbourmaster directions

The Regional Harbourmaster has provided these directions for vessels within the Wellington region under Part 3A of the Maritime Transport Act 1994.

The following Directions are in force:

Wellington Regional Council Harbourmaster's Direction 4/2024 Changes to entrance channel and approaches

In 2021, Greater Wellington and CentrePort engaged South Maritime Services to review vessel navigation in Wellington Harbour, assess risks, and provide recommendations. A risk review meeting in September 2024 further… Read more here

Published 17 Dec 2024

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Wellington Regional Council Harbourmaster’s Direction 12A/2023 Bunker tanker double banking on Aotea Quay

The bunker tanker Kokako is now operating within Wellington Harbour. Frequently this involves the vessel double banking with other vessels on Aotea Quay. If the Kokako is manoeuvring on or… Read more here

Published 06 Nov 2024

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Wellington Regional Council Harbourmaster’s Direction 1B/2023 Ferry distance off Wellington South Coast in certain conditions

This direction is pursuant to sections 33F(1)(c)(i) of the Maritime Transport Act 1994 (the MTA) enabling the Harbourmaster to ensure maritime safety.

All vessels operated by Interislander and Bluebridge transiting the… Read more here

Published 22 Jan 2025

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Wellington Regional Council Harbourmaster’s Direction 9/2022 Conditions for loading logs on deck

This direction is issued pursuant to section 33F of the Maritime Transport Act 1994 (the MTA) enabling the Harbourmaster to ensure maritime safety.

Large commercial shipping shares the use of Wellington… Read more here

Published 14 Nov 2022

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Harbourmaster’s Direction 6/2019 Fuel changeovers for vessel approaching Wellington

This direction is issued pursuant to section 33F of the Maritime Transport Act 1994, to mitigate potential risk of unexpected engine failure by vessel changing fuel prior to entering port. Read more here

Published 23 Dec 2019

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Greater Wellington Regional Council Harbourmaster’s Direction 3/2019 Vessels over 500 GRT not to enter Harbour limits

This direction is issued pursuant to section 33F of the Maritime Transport Act 1994. Vessels over 500 GRT are not to enter within Wellington Harbour/Pilotage limits unless under the direction… Read more here

Published 06 Aug 2019

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Navigation safety bylaws

Read a summary of the navigation safety bylaws or download the full document

Updated June 10, 2025 at 9:18 AM

Get in touch

Phone:: 048304160
Email:: harbours@gw.govt.nz