A GATEWAY TO THE MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS
Nestled at the northeastern tip of New Zealand’s South Island, the Marlborough Sounds stretch across 4,000 square kilometres of islands, peninsulas, and serene bays. This secluded paradise, with its steep wooded hills and tranquil waterways, is a sanctuary for dolphins, seals, and sailing enthusiasts. At its heart lies Picton, a picturesque harbourside town perched at the top of Queen Charlotte Sound. Dubbed the gateway to the Marlborough Sounds, Picton serves as a key transit point for Cook Strait passenger and freight services connecting the North and South Islands. It is also a popular port of call for cruise ships, offering visitors access to the stunning natural beauty and unique character of the region.
Supporting this vital maritime flow is a fleet of three harbour tugboats – Maungatea, Monowai and Kaiana – owned and operated by Port Marlborough. With the redevelopment of the Picton Ferry Precinct to accommodate larger, more modern ferries, the tugs, usually berthed at Waitohi Wharf, required a new pier at Westshore. Rising to the challenge, Port Marlborough partnered with SF Marina and local partner Heron Construction to design and build a floating dock. Installed in 2024, it is 80 metres in length, 7 metres wide and with a 1.5 metre freeboard. It is accessed by an aluminium gangway 20 metres long and 2.5 wide. The four pontoons, engineered for exceptional stability and durability, are designed to endure years of heavy use, leveraging their weight and low centre of gravity. Manufactured by Heron Construction in Port Whangarei, North Island, the pontoons were transported to Picton aboard a semi-submersible barge.
