Restoration of the historical Motueka wharf
Keep Motueka historic wharf for future generations to enjoy
Motueka, Tasman
This project is to support the restoration of the heritage wharf in Motueka. The outer end of the wharf has collapsed and the whole structure is deteriorating. The wharf is listed as a Category 2 historic place on the Rārangi Kōrero/New Zealand Heritage List. Built in 1887, the wharf served as the local portal for goods, communication and passenger conveyance at a time when the rudimentary nature of land-based transport routes made coastal shipping facilities imperative. Thus it was the business heart of Motueka until the port moved to a new location in 1916.
Nowadays the wharf is a popular local attraction and tourist destination, especially in conjunction with the adjacent picnic area and walkway, and the nearby wreck of the Janie Seddon. It is a good viewpoint, looking out over the inlet and people like to fish off the end of the wharf, but that is risky with the disintegrating structure.
We have formed a Heritage Wharf Restoration Group, with representatives from Keep Motueka Beautiful, the Motueka & Districts Historical Association, Tasman District Council and the Motueka Community Board. The group is working hard, alongside Council staff, to do the research, consultation, planning and fundraising necessary in preparation for the actual restoration. We have the support of TDC, Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga and the local community.
For large donations (over $200) we suggest you contact us direct at
About us
Keep Motueka Beautiful’s aims:
• Beautification of Motueka town and immediate environs
• Enhancing and promoting access to our beauty spots/natural environment
• Conservation and restoration of our natural environment
Use of funds
Design, materials and reconstruction costs. The total cost of the project is estimated to be around $300,000.
Other page links
Latest update
Almost ready to start restoration work 24 July 2026
Motueka Community Board has just approved an allocation of $25,000 from its special project funds towards the wharf restoration. This with a $3,000 grant from NBS and around $7,000 from the Assaf family by donation and sales of Peter's autobiography, brings our fundraising total to $321,000. We estimate the total needed for the whole project to be around $400,000, but we are working in stages as funding is available. So far we have completed most of the planning and design work and we are ready to do stage 2, the removal of the trees from the wharf. We are almost ready to start stage 3, the reconstruction of the end of the wharf. As of today we are short of just $180 to cover the estimated cost of stage 3. So this is a good time to contribute to the project!
We have just signed an Agreement with TDC to specify how we will work together over the implementation of the restoration work.
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