South Cove and Schoolhouse Bay, Kawau Island - Wharf maintenance works

About the project

South Cove and Schoolhouse Bay wharves on Kawau Island connect the community to the mainland. Maintenance work began in April 2025 at South Cove. The start date for School House Bay Wharf will be communicated once a start date has been confirmed.

South Cove Wharf maintenance works

Upcoming renewal work at South Cove Wharf on Kawau Island began on Monday, April 28, 2025. This work is necessary to ensure that the wharf remains operational with continued safe access for locals and tourists.

South Cove Wharf

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

How will this impact you?

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.

Schoolhouse Bay Wharf maintenance works

The start date for the School House Bay Wharf construction has been delayed. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and will keep residents informed about the new start date as soon as it is confirmed.

School House Bay

Maintenance at School House Bay Wharf includes:

• Remove and replace the decking and shed
• Add an extended wharf head corner next to the shed
• Replace 6 wooden vertical support piles

Maintenance work on Schoolhouse Bay Wharf is scheduled to commence around mid-2025 and is expected to last approximately two to three months. More information around the alternative route will be provided.

Shed Removal: The shed at the wharf head will be removed during the works. Residents are encouraged to collect any items from the shed before early May. 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 only be used for drop-offs and pick-ups to ensure continued access for all. 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. We welcome resident suggestions to minimise the impact on private vessels during the construction period. Please email us at ATEngagement@at.govt.nz if you have any suggestions.

Benefits to your community

• Continued use of both wharves by residents and visitors.
• Maintaining our facilities gets you safely around Tāmaki Makaurau and home to your whānau.

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

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