Whakatane harbour entrance depths and navigation advice

Soundings carried out this morning have indicated there are good depths of water throughout the Whakatane river entrance channel and across the bar, but boaties are being warned to remain cautious after the weekend’s flooding.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council Eastern Bay Harbour Master Brian Spake said that the minimum reading gave a depth of 2.2 metres above chart datum, making it a good depth for use.

“A very large plug of sand and sediment has formed 100 metres north west of the entrance rock. This deposit does have good depths of water over it but as it extends westward it shallows rapidly.”

Mr Spake advised that all navigation should be undertaken using the leading marks.

“When departing there should be no course change until your vessel is at least 500 metres seaward of the entrance beacon.”

“On your return the leading marks should be aligned a similar distance from the entrance beacon.”

Night navigation remains difficult as the channel markers are not illuminated.

More information is available on our website www.envbop.govt.nz.

ENDS

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