Tasman’s Port Tarakohe upgrades complete
Published: 9 December, 2025
The $12.7 million upgrade of Port Tarakohe has been completed, marking a major step forward for economic development and emergency resilience in the Tasman District.
Tasman's Port Tarakohe. Photo credit: Tasman District Council.
Port Tarakohe is the only all-tide, all-weather, deep-water port in the Tasman District, making it vital for regional resilience and connectivity ensuring continuity of freight, fuel, medical supplies, and emergency response capabilities.
The upgrade enhances the port’s capacity, supports the area’s growing aquaculture industry and provides a vital back-up route during State Highway 60 closures on Tākaka Hill Road.
The previous single-wharf facility was at capacity, creating congestion for mussel farmers and other users. The upgraded infrastructure creates more space and will allow for the development of more mussel farming, which is expected to unlock close to one billion dollars of value over 25 years.
The upgrades include a new wharf to replace the old timber wharf, repairs and improvements to an existing concrete wharf, new commercial berths, breakwater extension and new service facilities.
The project received $6.6 million in government funding, including $6 million from the Regional Strategic Partnership Fund and $600,000 from the Provincial Growth Fund. Tasman District Council co-funded $6.7 million.