ORC Harbourmaster

ORC Harbourmaster The purpose of the ORC Harbourmaster team is to keep people safe on the water.

We want to encourage and support our community with recreational water safety resources and be available for any queries you might have. The ORC Harbourmaster team is responsible for managing all maritime-related activities that may affect the safe navigation of vessels on Otago’s many waterways — including coastal waters out to 12 nautical miles offshore. We make sure that ORC meets the statutory

obligations under the Maritime Transport Act (1994) to maintain safe and navigable waterways within our region. One of many functions of the Otago Regional Council (ORC), our maritime-related work covers the safe operations of both commercial and recreation vessels, from some of the biggest commercial vessels to a vast diversity of recreational water users, such as boaties and kayakers. The ORC Harbourmaster does not cover the Queenstown Lakes District, as its Council has delegated authority from the ORC to manage the waterways within their area. We are committed to ensuring positive relationships between the environment, people and place, now and for our future. We appreciate that in participating with this platform, you share these same values — like the environment, please ‘keep it clean.’

Do not post or share: threatening or defamatory comments towards ORC staff or ORC, or any individual or group; any images or video not owned by you that could breach copyright law; or any personal details. The ORC reserves the right to hide or remove abusive, offensive, defamatory, disrespectful or harmful material. If you believe a comment breaches these house rules, or you feel targeted or harassed, please send a direct message to us via our social media platform. Remember, it’s a criminal offence for anyone to threaten to kill or seriously injure a person or use communication showing malicious intent. All comments made on this page are original commenter’s responsibility and are not endorsed by ORC.

Heads up boaties and anyone planning to be out on the water over the next few days — it's looking like things are about ...
30/07/2026

Heads up boaties and anyone planning to be out on the water over the next few days — it's looking like things are about to get a bit breezy. 🌧️🌬️

Strong winds are on the way with a fresh southerly set to hit coastal Otago. If you're thinking about heading out, check the latest marine forecast, make sure your gear is ready, and don't be afraid to change your plans if conditions look questionable.

Stay safe out there! ⚓🌊

🍃 Severe weather update, its going to get a bit blustery 🌧️

🍃 Yellow Strong Wind Watches have been issued for Wellington, the Canterbury High Country, and coastal parts of Otago and Southland. Note the wind direction difference, with North to Northwesterlies the issue for Wellington and the Canterbury High Country, but southerlies for Otago and Southland.

🌧️ A Yellow Heavy Rain Watch has also been issued for the Tararua Ranges.

🌨️ With this next cold snap, snow will lower to fairly low levels, so keep an eye out for any Road Snow Warnings likely to be issued in the coming days.

Find all the details at https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home

Taieri Mouth Bar:Mid tide, 12/6/26.
13/06/2026

Taieri Mouth Bar:
Mid tide, 12/6/26.

Do you know what a distress beacon is?A distress beacon is one of the most reliable ways to call for help in an emergenc...
18/05/2026

Do you know what a distress beacon is?

A distress beacon is one of the most reliable ways to call for help in an emergency — especially in New Zealand’s rugged outdoors and unpredictable weather. 🌦️🏔️

When activated, your beacon sends a signal to satellites, helping search and rescue teams find you.

There are 2 main types:
🛥️ EPIRB — for boats and ships
🎒 PLB — for personal use in remote areas

If you’ve bought a beacon, even second-hand, make sure:
✔️ it’s registered to you
✔️ the battery hasn’t expired
✔️ it’s NZ coded

Registering your beacon is free, quick, and could save your life. It also makes the rescue process much faster!

To learn more about rescue beacons and how to register them, check out: https://beacons.org.nz/

Karitane bar 1/4/26, during low tide.
31/03/2026

Karitane bar 1/4/26, during low tide.

Taieri Mouth bar 31/03/26, during low tide.
31/03/2026

Taieri Mouth bar 31/03/26, during low tide.

Kia Orana, Ni Sa Bula Vinaka, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Mālō e lelei, Malo le soifua, Malo ni, Fakatalofa atu, Noaˈia ˈe mḁuri...
27/03/2026

Kia Orana, Ni Sa Bula Vinaka, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Mālō e lelei, Malo le soifua, Malo ni, Fakatalofa atu, Noaˈia ˈe mḁuri, Kam na mauri, Tēnā koutou, and warm greetings to you all!

Haere mai to the Moana Nui Festival at Forsyth Barr stadium, where there is beautiful kai and the cultural performances from our diverse Pasifika communities are exceptional!💃🌺

We’re here alongside our friends from Coastguard Dunedin, so feel free to stop by for a kōrero.

Whether you’re curious about volunteering with Coastguard or just want to learn more about what we, the Coastguard or the Harbourmaster team do, we’d love to meet you. 😊

Hope to see you here!

25/03/2026

Heads up boaties 👋

We’re expecting some large swells and high winds at the Heads from Thursday evening through to Saturday morning as a tropical cyclone approaches from the northwest, combined with high pressure to the east. This means conditions out there could get pretty rough 🌊

If you’re planning to head in or out of the harbour, please take extra care and make sure you’re well prepared.

And remember — if in doubt, don’t go out! 🚤

Have you lost a Kayak, or know someone who has?This kayak has been reported to us by NZ PoliceThe kayak was located on W...
23/03/2026

Have you lost a Kayak, or know someone who has?
This kayak has been reported to us by NZ Police
The kayak was located on Waikouaiti Beach.
Any info can be passed onto the Police.
Quote: P065845216

Got questions about the Otago Regional Council Navigation Safety Bylaws, or keen to chat all things boating safety? 🛥️Co...
12/03/2026

Got questions about the Otago Regional Council Navigation Safety Bylaws, or keen to chat all things boating safety? 🛥️

Come and see us at Site R54 at the Wānaka A&P Show - we're here Friday and Saturday!

We're always happy to have a kōrero about:

🧭 Staying safe while navigating on the water
🛟 Lifejackets and keeping your gear in good condition
📱 Communication options to think about before heading out

…or anything else boating-related that’s on your mind! 😄

You’ll also find our wider Otago Regional Council team at Site J3.

Swing by and say hello — we’d love to see you there! ☺️

Taieri Mouth:27/02/26, 3 hours before high tide.
26/02/2026

Taieri Mouth:
27/02/26, 3 hours before high tide.

Address

144 Rattray Street
Dunedin
9016

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

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