We are replacing the iconic Akaroa Wharf – originally built in 1887 – as it is nearing the end of its usable life.

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A condition assessment carried out on Akaroa Wharf in late 2018 identified the structure was reaching the end of its useful life and ongoing repair and maintenance was not economical.

We’ve been working in partnership with Ōnuku Rūnanga, and speaking to the Akaroa community about the wharf replacement project.

The wharf is an integral part of Akaroa’s heritage, holding high historical, social, cultural and contextual significance. The rich history and local connections to Akaroa Wharf have been captured in Stories from the Akaroa Wharf:

Project update

Wharf designs are being finalised with input from Ōnuku Rūnanga and we are working to be in a position to share this with you, by means of a community presentation in late 2024.  

Resource consent preparation is in full swing. This will be publicly notified, and we are planning toward a hearing in late 2025. Once the resource consent has been granted by Environment Canterbury and Christchurch City Council, the physical works will begin.

We are running a competitive tender process and once we have awarded the contract, we will work with the successful contractor to finalise the overall design and confirm construction methods. This collaborative approach will help us to get the best overall outcome with the funding available.

Construction of the new Akaroa Wharf will begin following resource consent approval from Council and ECan and is expected to be completed in 2027.

Drummonds Jetty and Daly’s Wharf were identified as suitable alternatives once upgrades were carried out for the community to use while Akaroa Wharf is rebuilt. A complete rebuild of Drummonds Jetty and upgrades to Daly’s Wharf were completed in December 2024 – bringing the rebuild of Akaroa Wharf one step closer.

Our approach for the new wharf

We will rebuild in the existing wharf’s location. 

The new wharf will not be a replica of the existing one but be its own structure – using the best materials available for the conditions, which complement the local environment and take into consideration the long-term maintenance costs.

Key features of our approved concept design include:

  • Increasing the height of the wharf deck by 600mm, which means changes will need to be made to how the wharf is attached to the land and buildings. The original abutment, or concrete structure, that currently attaches the wharf to the land is in very poor condition and will need to be removed.
  • Using a mixture of materials such as timber, concrete and steel piles, which are durable, sustainable and will require less maintenance.
  • Continuing to provide diesel for commercial operators.
  • Additional pontoon space.

Heritage

The existing wharf is more than timber, concrete and iron; it holds stories and memories for the people who use it.

We are keen to ensure the full history of the wharf is captured and recorded, as well as collecting the structure's intangible heritage including personal memories and stories from the community.

The history of the wharf has been captured in the Stories from the Akaroa Wharf video:

Salvage of materials

Elements from the wharf which have been identified as having high heritage significance will be salvaged wherever possible. We are exploring ways that some of these can be incorporated into the new structure, or utilised for interpretation.

There may also be an opportunity for the community to access and use some of these salvaged materials for other projects in Akaroa.

We will let the community know more about the salvage project as the project progresses.

Buildings

Two privately-owned buildings adjoin the current wharf and connect to the Council-owned structure.

We are working with the building owners on what the replacement project means for them.

Drummonds Jetty renewal

Drummonds Jetty has been rebuilt so the community can use it while Akaroa Wharf undergoes a rebuild.

Work began in early September 2024 and was completed just prior to Christmas 2024, with the 33-metre jetty re-opening on 18 December 2024. 

Drummonds Jetty will also be equipped with a floating pontoon and once installed, the entire configuration will extend 108m into Akaroa Harbour, giving sufficient depth for recreational and commercial operators to access the pontoon during low tide. However, the floating pontoon will not open until early February 2025 due to the delay of a crucial component, the timber walers.

The jetty will provide over 80m of mooring space and the pontoons will be equipped with lighting, power and water.​

​The pontoons and gangway will be removed and relocated to Akaroa Wharf in 2027 when the Akaroa Wharf rebuild is nearing completion.

Read more on Newsline(external link).

Daly's Wharf repairs

Daly’s Wharf was also identified as a suitable alternative while Akaroa Wharf undergoes a rebuild. Strengthening work began in early September 2024 and was completed by Christmas 2024, with the wharf re-opening on 20 December 2024. ​

​Daly’s Wharf was rebuilt in 1914 and needed strengthening work to ensure it remained an asset to the area. ​We have installed pile jackets to deteriorated piles and replaced some structural members. Additional bracing and strengthening work was carried out at the end of the jetty to allow continued use of the wharf going forward.

Closer to the time that Akaroa Wharf is closed for rebuild, we will install a diesel bowser and crane to the end and a temporary diesel tank in the slipway, near Custom House. ​

​The shelter at the end of the wharf has been relocated to the adjacent park and will remain accessible to the public. The shelter will be reinstated to the end of Daly’s Wharf when the new Akaroa Wharf opens in 2027. ​

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Community consultation 2021 - 2022

Akaroa Wharf replacement

Christchurch City Council consulted with the community regarding our Akaroa Wharf plan from Wednesday 1 December 2021 to Monday 31 January 2022.

During this time we heard from 47 businesses, organisations and individuals. Table of consultation feedback(external link) [PDF, 8.8 MB].

Read the Newsline(external link)(external link) article regarding the Council decision.