Commercial shipping exclusion zones and anchorages

Exclusion Zones for vessels over 500 gross tonnes 

Approaches to Tauranga Exclusion Zones and Foul Areas NZ 161(P)/16 NEW ZEALAND – North Island – East Coast – Approaches to Tauranga. Exclusion Zones and Foul Areas: 

In accordance with the Bay of Plenty Regional Navigation Safety Bylaw the following exclusion zones have been established.  

• Astrolabe Reef 2.0nm centred on position 37 32.446 S - 176 25.625 E  
• Brewis Shoal 1.5nm centred on position 37 34.136 S - 176 22.828 E  
• Okaparu Reef 1.5nm centred on position 37 34.914 S - 176 21.669 E  
• Penguin Shoal 1.0nm centred on position 37 26.752 S - 176 20.164 E  
• Volkner Rocks 2.0nm centred on position 37 28.624 S - 177 08.015 E 

Restricted anchorages 

The following are restricted anchorages:  

1. From the intersection of the three-mile radius from North Rock and the No 1 Reach leading Lights (Lat 37° 34.6’S Long 176° 11.9’E) one third of a mile in width centred on the line of the leads along No 1 Reach; and  
2. The width of the channel of No 2 Reach and Cutter Channel as marked on nautical chart NZ5412; and  
3. All areas of the Maunganui Roads and Stella Passage as marked on nautical chart NZ5412. 

Ship Masters must contact Tauranga Port Radio for advice on where to anchor.  

Weather guidelines

Winds over 25 knots from the northwest direction clockwise to the east and/or swells of 2m or higher should prompt the master to reconsider anchoring. As a rule, the engines should be on standby and the vessel in readiness to heave anchor and depart the anchorage in case of need to go out to sea.  

No engine immobilisations or lifeboat drills should be conducted under adverse weather conditions. 

Safety considerations

• Monitor the current and forecast weather conditions.  
• Safety of the crew, especially those who may need to go forward.  
• Condition of the windlass and the ship’s anchors.  
• Mechanical state of the vessel, including engines and windlass.  
• Reliability and speed of the vessel, and any known defects.  

Decision making  

Early decision: Proceed back to sea or pick up anchor before conditions deteriorate.  

Pilotage availability: The vessel will be advised in good time when pilotage will be available, so there is no need to stay close to the harbour entrance.  

Designated anchoring positions 

The following positions are designated as anchoring positions for commercial vessels awaiting entry to or clearance from the Port of Tauranga.  

Anchorages No.4 and No.5 will be utilised for emergency purposes or for short duration anchorages only (in the event of vessels awaiting parts delivery or to temporarily clear berths for example).