Maintenance work planned for Schoolhouse Bay wharf and South Cove wharf on Kawau Island.

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Two newly refurbished wharves are now operational on Kawau Island.

Late last year, Auckland Transport identified that South Cove Wharf and Schoolhouse Bay Wharf on Kawau Island required maintenance to remain functional and provide safe access for residents and visitors.

In January, the Auckland Transport project team visited the island and held separate drop-in sessions at each wharf to advise locals of the upcoming work. About half the island community attended these sessions to familiarise themselves with the project. Following this, preparation began. Crews mobilised at South Cove Wharf on 28 April 2025 and at Schoolhouse Bay Wharf on 25 September 2025.

STF, a dedicated marine specialist contractor, was awarded the contract, and since April, their crew has been working on the island. During the works, crews encountered several challenges.

Safe operations on the barge relied on calm wind and sea conditions. South Cove Wharf, in particular, was highly exposed to westerly winds, which were common in this area.

The project was planned to start during the colder months (autumn and winter) when the island was less busy and fewer visitors were present. However, this period also brought the most unpredictable weather.

As well as weather challenges, ensuring South Cove wharf was safe and accessible (outside of working hours) for locals and in case of emergencies added an extra layer of complexity.

“It is not often on bigger projects like this that we get to keep the wharf open and in a usable state. We brainstormed together and were able to come up with a methodology that was a safe and practical solution for ourselves and the locals,” STF said.

With the completion of maintenance work, safety has been enhanced for all wharf users. The wharves now serve as valuable and enduring assets for the community.

“The locals had to have been one of the highlights of this job. They were always so friendly and welcoming, with regular home baking deliveries or just a friendly conversation. It was nice to hear how appreciative the locals were of our work too. The bay itself, on a good day, is simply stunning; resident aquatic life was cool to see. We couldn't have asked for a much better work site,” STF said.

We extend our sincere appreciation to all local residents, key stakeholders, businesses, the owners of Wagstaff Wharf, and Kawau Water Taxis for their patience and support throughout this project. We hope everyone enjoys the new wharf for years to come.


Being a part of this project is something we were all proud to be a part of.

Auckland Transport & STF Group.




About the project

The South Cove and Schoolhouse Bay wharves on Kawau Island provide a connection between the community and the mainland. Maintenance work began at South Cove in April 2025 and at Schoolhouse Bay wharf on September 1, 2025. These wharf upgrades are important and will ensure the wharves remain functional and provide safe access for residents and visitors.

South Cove Wharf

The renewal of South Cove Wharf is complex and will take approximately four to six months to complete, subject to weather conditions. A temporary gangway will be installed over the sections under repair, allowing ferry and water taxi services to continue operating in the mornings and afternoons. When maintenance works take place, the wharf will be non-operational. We kindly ask residents to plan their trips to and from the island accordingly.

Where:

South Cove Wharf

Start date:

28 April 2025

Typical hours

Of work:

7:30 am to 4:30 pm daily (Monday to Friday)

Full access will be reinstated outside these hours when contractors are not on-site, including on weekends.

Duration:

4 – 6 months

Alternative route:

During work, Monday to Friday sailings from South Cove Wharf will depart at 7:30 AM and 4:30 PM. Please plan your travel accordingly.

Emergency information:

In emergencies, the crew will quickly reinstate access with a temporary gangway.

Food Deliveries:

Deliveries to South Cove should be scheduled for the morning or afternoon water taxi runs. Items typically delivered at 12.30 pm will be exposed to the elements, with pick up available at 4.30 pm once access is restored.


Maintenance at South Cove Wharf includes:

  • Removing and replacing 100m of wharf structure
  • Replacing all decking, the shed, handrail posts and various other wharf structures
  • Wrapping piles and replacing cross-bracing under the wharf head.


Schoolhouse Bay, Kawau Island, Wharf maintenance works

Renewal works for Schoolhouse Bay Wharf on Kawau Island began in early September 2025. Our crews began preparation of work on the last week of August, with physical construction starting in the first week of September. These improvements are essential to maintain the wharf’s operational status and ensure continued safe access for both residents and visitors.

Schoolhouse Bay Wharf

Where:

Schoolhouse Bay Wharf

Start date:

First week of September

Access:

Please note Schoolhouse Bay Wharf will be inaccessible during the duration of the work.

Duration:

2-3 months

Alternative route:

Residents can use Wagstaff Wharf for pick-up and drop-off of small goods, mail and groceries. Signage will be in place to inform residents and visitors of diversion routes. Wagstaff Wharf is only to be used for pick-up and drop-off, after which your boat must be tied up elsewhere at a mooring, along the public wharf, or on the beach. We kindly ask residents to plan their travel accordingly.

Emergency information:

Contractors will be available to help in the event of any emergencies on the island.

Maintenance at Schoolhouse Bay Wharf includes:

  • Replace 6 wooden vertical support piles and wharf structure under the shed.
  • Remove and replace the shed
  • Remove and replace all decking on the wharf
  • Add an extended wharf head corner next to the shed
  • Wrapping piles and replacing cross-bracing at the Helicopter pad

Shed Removal

The shed at the wharf head will be removed during the works. Residents are encouraged to collect any items from the shed by Friday 29 August 2025. Any remaining items will be kept in boxes for the duration of construction.

Docking Restrictions

Docking of vessels at the Schoolhouse Bay wharf head and pontoon is not permitted during construction. The public pontoon should not be used for drop-offs and pick-ups due to the major refurbishment of the wharf head and heavy equipment working nearby. We request that residents use the designated ropes along the wharf for tying up their vessels, utilise a mooring, or use the beach whenever possible.

Health and Safety

For health and safety reasons, boats must not be left at the pontoon under any circumstances. There will be barges and workboats at the end of the wharf that pose a hazard. While Auckland Transport is not responsible for providing all-day docking areas for the public, we acknowledge the concerns raised during the on-site drop-in session about users leaving their vessels tied to the pontoon daily.

What you need to know when we start the work

  • The team will work around tidal and weather conditions, which may cause delays.
  • There might be some noise, but we’ll try to minimise it.
  • In emergencies, the crew will quickly reinstate access with a temporary gangway.
  • We will provide weekly updates to residents on how work is progressing.

How to contact us:

If you have any queries or concerns about our plans, please email us at ATengagement@at.govt.nz

Two newly refurbished wharves are now operational on Kawau Island.

Late last year, Auckland Transport identified that South Cove Wharf and Schoolhouse Bay Wharf on Kawau Island required maintenance to remain functional and provide safe access for residents and visitors.

In January, the Auckland Transport project team visited the island and held separate drop-in sessions at each wharf to advise locals of the upcoming work. About half the island community attended these sessions to familiarise themselves with the project. Following this, preparation began. Crews mobilised at South Cove Wharf on 28 April 2025 and at Schoolhouse Bay Wharf on 25 September 2025.

STF, a dedicated marine specialist contractor, was awarded the contract, and since April, their crew has been working on the island. During the works, crews encountered several challenges.

Safe operations on the barge relied on calm wind and sea conditions. South Cove Wharf, in particular, was highly exposed to westerly winds, which were common in this area.

The project was planned to start during the colder months (autumn and winter) when the island was less busy and fewer visitors were present. However, this period also brought the most unpredictable weather.

As well as weather challenges, ensuring South Cove wharf was safe and accessible (outside of working hours) for locals and in case of emergencies added an extra layer of complexity.

“It is not often on bigger projects like this that we get to keep the wharf open and in a usable state. We brainstormed together and were able to come up with a methodology that was a safe and practical solution for ourselves and the locals,” STF said.

With the completion of maintenance work, safety has been enhanced for all wharf users. The wharves now serve as valuable and enduring assets for the community.

“The locals had to have been one of the highlights of this job. They were always so friendly and welcoming, with regular home baking deliveries or just a friendly conversation. It was nice to hear how appreciative the locals were of our work too. The bay itself, on a good day, is simply stunning; resident aquatic life was cool to see. We couldn't have asked for a much better work site,” STF said.

We extend our sincere appreciation to all local residents, key stakeholders, businesses, the owners of Wagstaff Wharf, and Kawau Water Taxis for their patience and support throughout this project. We hope everyone enjoys the new wharf for years to come.


Being a part of this project is something we were all proud to be a part of.

Auckland Transport & STF Group.




About the project

The South Cove and Schoolhouse Bay wharves on Kawau Island provide a connection between the community and the mainland. Maintenance work began at South Cove in April 2025 and at Schoolhouse Bay wharf on September 1, 2025. These wharf upgrades are important and will ensure the wharves remain functional and provide safe access for residents and visitors.

South Cove Wharf

The renewal of South Cove Wharf is complex and will take approximately four to six months to complete, subject to weather conditions. A temporary gangway will be installed over the sections under repair, allowing ferry and water taxi services to continue operating in the mornings and afternoons. When maintenance works take place, the wharf will be non-operational. We kindly ask residents to plan their trips to and from the island accordingly.

Where:

South Cove Wharf

Start date:

28 April 2025

Typical hours

Of work:

7:30 am to 4:30 pm daily (Monday to Friday)

Full access will be reinstated outside these hours when contractors are not on-site, including on weekends.

Duration:

4 – 6 months

Alternative route:

During work, Monday to Friday sailings from South Cove Wharf will depart at 7:30 AM and 4:30 PM. Please plan your travel accordingly.

Emergency information:

In emergencies, the crew will quickly reinstate access with a temporary gangway.

Food Deliveries:

Deliveries to South Cove should be scheduled for the morning or afternoon water taxi runs. Items typically delivered at 12.30 pm will be exposed to the elements, with pick up available at 4.30 pm once access is restored.


Maintenance at South Cove Wharf includes:

  • Removing and replacing 100m of wharf structure
  • Replacing all decking, the shed, handrail posts and various other wharf structures
  • Wrapping piles and replacing cross-bracing under the wharf head.


Schoolhouse Bay, Kawau Island, Wharf maintenance works

Renewal works for Schoolhouse Bay Wharf on Kawau Island began in early September 2025. Our crews began preparation of work on the last week of August, with physical construction starting in the first week of September. These improvements are essential to maintain the wharf’s operational status and ensure continued safe access for both residents and visitors.

Schoolhouse Bay Wharf

Where:

Schoolhouse Bay Wharf

Start date:

First week of September

Access:

Please note Schoolhouse Bay Wharf will be inaccessible during the duration of the work.

Duration:

2-3 months

Alternative route:

Residents can use Wagstaff Wharf for pick-up and drop-off of small goods, mail and groceries. Signage will be in place to inform residents and visitors of diversion routes. Wagstaff Wharf is only to be used for pick-up and drop-off, after which your boat must be tied up elsewhere at a mooring, along the public wharf, or on the beach. We kindly ask residents to plan their travel accordingly.

Emergency information:

Contractors will be available to help in the event of any emergencies on the island.

Maintenance at Schoolhouse Bay Wharf includes:

  • Replace 6 wooden vertical support piles and wharf structure under the shed.
  • Remove and replace the shed
  • Remove and replace all decking on the wharf
  • Add an extended wharf head corner next to the shed
  • Wrapping piles and replacing cross-bracing at the Helicopter pad

Shed Removal

The shed at the wharf head will be removed during the works. Residents are encouraged to collect any items from the shed by Friday 29 August 2025. Any remaining items will be kept in boxes for the duration of construction.

Docking Restrictions

Docking of vessels at the Schoolhouse Bay wharf head and pontoon is not permitted during construction. The public pontoon should not be used for drop-offs and pick-ups due to the major refurbishment of the wharf head and heavy equipment working nearby. We request that residents use the designated ropes along the wharf for tying up their vessels, utilise a mooring, or use the beach whenever possible.

Health and Safety

For health and safety reasons, boats must not be left at the pontoon under any circumstances. There will be barges and workboats at the end of the wharf that pose a hazard. While Auckland Transport is not responsible for providing all-day docking areas for the public, we acknowledge the concerns raised during the on-site drop-in session about users leaving their vessels tied to the pontoon daily.

What you need to know when we start the work

  • The team will work around tidal and weather conditions, which may cause delays.
  • There might be some noise, but we’ll try to minimise it.
  • In emergencies, the crew will quickly reinstate access with a temporary gangway.
  • We will provide weekly updates to residents on how work is progressing.

How to contact us:

If you have any queries or concerns about our plans, please email us at ATengagement@at.govt.nz

CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

If you have any questions about our plans, please share them here. 

Page last updated: 18 Dec 2025, 11:06 AM