Boating facilities

Marinas

Evans Bay
Custodian: Tessa Sievers T 021 864 196

Clyde Quay Boat Harbour
Custodian: Tessa Sievers T 021 864 196

Chaffers Marina
Manager: Saiful Ismail T 04 382 9300

Seaview
Manager: Tim Lidgard  T 04 568 3736

Mana Marina Trust
Manager: Glynne Cook T 04 233 0091, 027 332 0306

Pole moorings

Porirua/Onepoto
John McKenzie T 027 753 4532

Letter from 15 October 2026

As you will be aware, swing mooring inspections have been thin on the ground due to recently having only one single supplier and having a historic back log.

We are thrilled to welcome Capital chains and Marine services Ltd to assist with meeting your obligations as a swing mooring owner. We at Harbours acknowledge and thank  Neptune Diving’s ongoing efforts with our swing moorings. I am sure working alongside each other, we can all get our swing moorings secured and inspected.

1.    As a reminder, it is a requirement within our swing mooring licence conditions to bring the top rope, top chain, and secondary chain to the surface for inspection.
2. This can be achieved by bringing the whole block and tackle to the surface for inspection or disconnecting the secondary chain from the ground chain and swapping it over for a duplicate set.
3. In a bid to streamline the process with Neptune diving, it has been decided that making up the swing mooring tackle need to be outsourced, simplifying the process for Neptune to fit in inspections and replacements around their other work. 
4. Neptune will only be swapping out the duplicate tackle (Supplied by the swing mooring owner or Capital chains). They will also inspect the ground chain and block attachment points underwater, providing pictures and an inspection report. The inspection is  charged separately.  
5. Capital Chains are offering a service to make up suitable duplicate moorings, including the welding of the shackles, approximate price are below.
   
   NOTE: Capital Chains sent us a sample quotation for a system suitable for a 12-14 metre vessel totals $1,495.72 including GST and for vessels 10 - 12 metres $1039.58 including GST. The quotation includes the secondary chain, top chain, swivel, shackles, rope and thimble, as well as labour to assemble the mooring chains, hand-splice the rope, weld the shackles and deliver the completed system to Neptune. Neptune will charge separately to install only and inspect $690 including GST (Please note: Capital chains are having trouble sourcing three-piece shackle for both sizes, simple dee shackles included in the price for connection between secondary and ground chain. They can potentially use a bolt, so that a lock nut and a mousing pin can be utilised)
   
   Please note: This price is provided as an example only. The quotation is dated 20 September 2026 and states that it was valid for seven days and subject to stock availability. Mooring owners should therefore contact the supplier directly for current pricing and availability.
   
   There is no requirement to use Capital Chains. Owners may use another suitable supplier or arrange their own replacement system, provided it meets the appropriate specifications and is acceptable to the approved mooring inspector.
   
   PLEASE NOTE: Fitting and inspection charges are charged separately by either Neptune or Marine services Ltd as they are approved providers
6. DIY: You are still able to make up the complete mooring yourself, however this must be still approved by an approved swing mooring inspector and must meet minimum guidelines
7. Quite a few Swing mooring owners have contacted Marine Services NZ directly and you have encouraged them to come over from Picton to undertake inspections later this year and it sounds like they are interested in coming over every two years. Which is great news for all, and likely to reduce delays by spreading the load. please ensure you have identified the total approximate cost you will be up for prior to engagement.
8. Marine Services NZ “where possible or appropriate” will physically pick up the mooring block, giving them the ability to inspect the attachment points, they will replace the necessary worn parts and will weld shackles where appropriate. In their inspection report will supply sizes and lengths of the tackle, so that if you decide to have another set of tackle for deployment next time or contract Marine services NZ to lift again and repair what’s there.

Swing mooring inspection and replacement system options

As part of Greater Wellington Regional Council's ongoing commitment to safe and reliable moorings, we are encouraging mooring owners to consider preparing a replacement upper mooring system before their next scheduled 24-month mooring inspection.

This approach allows for a more efficient inspection process, reduces time spent undertaking repairs in the water, and enables a more thorough assessment of removed components on shore.

Prior to your next inspection, you may choose one of the following options:

Option 1 - Owner-Supplied Mooring System

You may arrange for the manufacture of your own replacement upper mooring system, provided it is suitable for your vessel and complies with the Harbourmaster's Mooring Specifications.

The replacement system should be designed for connection to the existing ground chain using an appropriately sized three-piece shackle.

Option 2 - Commercially Manufactured Mooring System

You may purchase a replacement upper mooring system from a reputable commercial mooring supplier or manufacturer.

The replacement system must be appropriate for your vessel, the location of your mooring, and meet the Greater Wellington Regional Council’s Mooring Specifications.

Inspection requirements

Regardless of which option you choose, details of the replacement mooring system should be provided to the approved mooring inspector before the inspection is undertaken.

Where practicable, the replacement system can be installed during the inspection and connected to the existing ground chain. The existing upper mooring system will then be removed and either placed on your boat or placed on shore for you to pick up.

You may choose to:

• Retain the removed system for assessment or spare parts
• Dispose of it
• Recycle it
• Destroy it if no longer suitable for use

Shackles

Shackle failure is the most common cause for failure / breakaway of the swing mooring. For safety and reliability reasons, it is strongly recommended that shackles used within the mooring system are welded prior to installation to minimise the risk of pins loosening over time. Three piece shackles are recommended for the connection between the secondary chain and the heavy ground chain. Alternative securing methods may be accepted where they provide an equivalent level of security.

Further information

If you would like guidance regarding suitable mooring specifications, approved inspection contractors, or replacement mooring systems, please contact the Harbourmaster's Office.

Thank you for helping maintain a safe and reliable mooring system within the Wellington region.

As of 1 July 2019, GWRC introduced a swing mooring licence system to replace the previous Resource Consent process.

The licences are valid for ten years and there is a “once off application fee” for new moorings of $250.00 and an annual admin fee of $180, which are both payable in advance. 

Existing mooring holders will not be required to pay the application fee. 

Current Resource Consents will be honoured until their expiry date. 

This new initiative is being implemented to create efficiencies.

• No upfront resource consent fee of $724.50 as well as the current annual licence fee of $80
• Instead one annual fee of $180
• Easier to understand/less paper work
• Only pay for the duration of stay (less than 10 years)

Please free to email us at harbours@gw.govt.nz if you have any other queries.

Subject to conditions which are found in the  application form (PDF 421 KB) .

If you wish to purchase an existing mooring, view the listings in the boating section of Trade Me.

You may also find moorings advertised on the local boating clubs noticeboards.

Swing mooring licence transfer process

If you intend to transfer the ownership of an existing swing mooring licence or resource consent, the owner needs to complete an  application for a swing mooring licence (PDF 421 KB)  and the old owner needs to complete a surrender form (PDF 108 KB) , once the application is completed, submitted and approved by the Harbourmaster for the vessel type and intended use, the new owner will be sent their new swing mooring licence and the surrender form from the original owner be processed.

There is no cost to transfer existing swing mooring licencess. There are no guidelines on the sale of swing moorings, the price is something agreed upon by both the seller and buyer. No transfer of money should take place until the new swing mooring licence and holder has been approved by the Harbourmaster.

If you wish to place a new mooring, you will need to go through the Swing Mooring Licence process. To apply for a licence, please complete the application form (PDF 421 KB)  and contact GW Harbours on 04 830 4160 during office hours.

Change to swing mooring inspection process

The Greater Wellington Harbours team are overseeing the swing mooring administration process for our only Wellington supplier, Neptune Diving Ltd.

To organise a swing mooring inspection, please contact harbours@gw.govt.nz or call James on 027 445 2978 at the Harbourmaster's office and we will issue you with an agreement for service, plus a reference number and bank account details for Neptune Diving. You will be required to a fee of $644 (incl GST) in advance. Once the fee is paid, Neptune Diving will contact you to arrange a time to have your swing mooring inspected.

After two years you will receive an invoice for another inspection from Neptune Diving (by then the system should be automated). After your payment using the same reference number is processed, Neptune Diving will contact you to arrange an inspection.

Swing moorings are required to be inspected and repaired every two years to an operational standard. If the swing mooring is not used for 6-12 months your consent or licence may be cancelled.

What to expect: See swing mooring inspection schedule agreement (PDF 202 KB) . 

Swing mooring construction

Read our recommendations for mooring construction (PDF 928 KB) , or contact us for more information. You either need to lay this equipment yourself or contract someone to do it for you.

To apply for a licence, please complete the Swing Mooring application forms and deposit the appropriate fees found on the application form.

Swing mooring inspections

The swing mooring’s resource consent requires that the swing mooring equipment (mooring chain, buoy and joining shackles etc) is to be maintained in a safe and efficient condition and be inspected at least every two years. Most swing moorings that fail have not been maintained adequately.

Since 1 July 2006, mooring inspections need to be carried out by a Council approved mooring inspector.

Since 21 July 2021 all moorings must have their top rope, top chain and secondary chain brought to the surface for inspection, unless approved by the Harbourmaster in writing.

Council approved mooring inspector list

To assist with this we have created an  inspection sheet (PDF 67 KB)  for moorings. This will ensure all our contact details are up to date as well as a record that all parts of the mooring have been inspected.

Swing moorings may only be sub-leased subject to Greater Wellington Regional Council approval. Please contact GW Harbours first to confirm that the new boat intended to go on the swing mooring is not too big for the site or the existing swing mooring equipment.

If you have a boat on your swing mooring that is not the vessel shown on your swing mooring account, please advise the new details so that we can update our records.

Also, your mooring needs to clearly show the allocated mooring buoy, which is numbered.

If your contact details change, please contact GW Harbours on 04 830 4160 during office hours or email us.

Sometimes we need to contact swing mooring owners urgently, particularly when a boat breaks free and has gone ashore. Valuable time and money (often yours) can be lost if we do not have your correct contact details.

If you no longer want your mooring there are two options. Find someone who would like the mooring either by advertising or contact us as we may have someone interested or surrender the mooring. To surrender the mooring you need to remove the mooring from the water and complete the surrender of permit form (PDF 108 KB) .

Paraparaumu Beach

Paraparaumu Beach is a sandy-beach launching area. Difficult at any state of the tide and exposed to the prevailing winds. There is some parking available. The Kapiti Boating club operates a tractor for launching and retrieving, contact the Club T 04 298 5622 for more information.

Waikanae Beach

Waikanae Beach is a sandy-beach launching area. Difficult at any state of the tide and in northerly winds. There is some parking available. The Waikanae Boating club operates a tractor for launching and retrieving, contact the Club T 04 293 6885 for more information .

Plimmerton Boating Club

Plimmerton Boating Club ramp is a concrete ramp. There are two ramps, one for northerlies and one for southerlies. There is some parking is available.

These ramps are provided by the Plimmerton Boating Club for their members' use. You can contact the manager on 04 233 1592.

Mana Cruising Club

Mana Cruising club ramp is a concrete ramp. Suitable in all tides and winds, with some parking available.

You can contact the Cruising Club Office on 04 233 1578. Office opening hours are 9am – 3pm.

Paremata Bridge

Paremata Bridge is a sandy-beach launching area. Difficult at low tide, with limited parking available.

This is a public facility maintained by the Porirua City Council.

Grays Road water ski lane

This is a beach launching area. Difficult at low tide and in southerly winds with limited parking available.

Browns Bay

Browns Bay is a sandy-beach launching area. Difficult at low tide and in northerly winds with very little parking available.

Onepoto Ramp

Onepoto Ramp is a concrete ramp. Difficult at low tide but unaffected by wind and with some parking available.

Onepoto Beach

Onepoto Beach is a beach launching area adjacent to the Wellington Powerboat Club. Difficult at low tide but unaffected by wind and with limited parking available.

Titahi Bay (north and south)

Titahi Bay is a sandy-beach launching area. Difficult at low tide but unaffected by wind and with some parking available. Be careful of getting your wheels stuck with an incoming tide.

Avoid the central part of the beach as it is illegal to drive or park on the fossil forest buried under the sand.

Pukerua Bay

Pukerua Bay is a small steep concrete ramp best suited for smaller boats. Affected by northerly winds and with limited parking.

Castlepoint

Castlepoint is a sandy-spit sheltered in most conditions. Difficult at any state of the tide. There is some parking available. Be aware of the state of the tide and of getting your vehicle stuck in the sand.

Riversdale

Riversdale Beach is a sandy-beach launching area. Difficult at any state of the tide and in northerly winds. There is some parking available.

Ngawi

Ngawai is a stone beach launching into a small exposed bay, best suited to 4wd or tractor. There is some parking available.

Owhiro Bay

Owihiro Bay ramp is a concrete ramp. Difficult in northerly winds and at low tide. Beware of shallow areas near the ramp. Some parking is available. This is a Wellington City Council facility.

Tarakena Bay

Tarakena Bay ramp is a concrete ramp. Difficult in southerly winds and at low tide. Some parking is available and it is important to park clear of the ramp because it is used by the Wellington Airport Crash Boat in emergencies and for training.

Dorrie Leslie Park 

Dorrie Leslie ramp, in Lyall Bay opposite Hungerford Road in Lyall Bay is a small conrete ramp.  There is limited parking and it has exposed in strong southerliy conditions.

Evans Bay

Evans Bay ramp is a concrete ramp. Difficult at low tide, but generally unaffected by wind and with ample parking available. A Wellington City Council facility.

Seatoun Beach

Next to a small carpark and concrete ramp better suited to smaller boats, reasonably sheltered in most conditions.

Seaview Marina

Seaview Marina ramp is a wide concrete ramp. Suitable in all tides and winds and has ample parking available. There is a charge to use this ramp. Contact Seaview Marina for details.

Lowry Bay

Lowry Bay ramp is a narrow and steep concrete ramp. Better suited to small boats. Difficult in northerly winds, but suitable in all tides with ample parking available.

Sladden Park

 Sladden Park ramp is a sheltered concrete ramp.  The park is accessed of Braken Street in Petone.  Once in the water you have to travel sdown the Hutt river to get to the harbour, so keep your speed under 5 knots and be aware of debris in the river.  Not suitable for trailer sailers as you have to get under the Waione Street bridge.

Makara Beach

A concrete ramp at the north end of the beach that launches into the river, ramp is sometimes covered with gravel. Ramp is sheltered but river mouth may not be, best for smaller craft.