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Opening the bridge

You’ll know that you have arrived at Whangārei Marina when you see our stunning iconic bridge, named Te Matau ā Pohe. It is inspired by the design of Māori fish hooks crafted of bone.

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If your vessel is over 6.5m in height, you will need to request that the bridge is raised by radio or phone. This is a free service. A pontoon is provided to tie up to in the event you need to wait. 

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Vessels waiting can tie up to pontoons on either side of the bridge.

How to call "Bridge Control":

During business hours the bridge usually opens within five minutes of the request received. After hours it can occasionally take longer, usually within thirty minutes. It is requested to call ahead with your E.T.A. The bridge will not operate in gale force wind conditions.

When leaving the marina, give them a call to check before you release your lines.

Navigational information 

Bridge traffic is one-way only. Follow instructions given by Bridge Control. Wait for permission from Bridge Control before proceeding and watch for GO instruction on the signage.

  • Channel width between wooden marker piles 16.0m

  • Channel depth between wooden marker piles 1.0m below Chart Datum

  • Vertical clearance above MHWS level when the bridge is closed 7.5m to the underside of the bridge

  • There are pontoons on each side to tie up to if needed.

Seasonal operation hours

The bridge has a winter schedule and a summer schedule. The summer schedule runs when Daylight Savings is applied.  

  • Summer weekdays: 9 am to 4 pm and 5 pm to 7 pm    (not opening  7 to 9am and 4 to 6pm for peak road traffic periods)

  • Summer weekends: 7am to 7pm                          

  • Winter weekdays: 9am to 4pm

  • Winter weekends: 8am to 5pm

  • After hours: Outside of normal manned opening hours the service will be an on-call opening service. Skippers are encouraged to make a booking to avoid waiting.

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