The doors to our Whitianga and Paeroa offices will be closed for the summer break from 4pm on Friday, 20 December, while our Taupō and Hamilton offices will close for the summer break at 1pm on Tuesday, 24 December. All offices will reopen on Monday, 6 January 2025. To report air or water pollution, unsafe water activities in or on a river, lake or harbour, or make a general enquiry or information request during this time, call us 24/7 on 0800 800 401.

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  2. Maritime services

We love getting out on the water in the Waikato!

With more and more people owning some description of boat, our waterways are busier than ever before. There are an estimated 160,000 recreational boaties residing in or travelling to the Waikato!

It's really important that all recreational boaties, including jet ski and paddle craft users, know and follow the rules. This helps keep our waterways safe for everyone to enjoy.

Image - harbourmasters Maritime Services team

Waikato Regional Council's Maritime Services team aims to enhance the safety of boaties (including kayakers and other vessel users) using the Waikato region's coastal and inland waterways.

We develop policy, such as the Navigation Safety Bylaw. We also provide operational and education services through our local Maritime Officers. 

Maritime Officers

Our Maritime Officers promote boating best practice and enforce the safe and navigable use of the Waikato region's waterways by:

  • regular waterway patrols
  • removal of navigation hazards, such as large logs and drifting vessels
  • maintenance of navigation aids and markers such as buoys, beacons and lights, within harbour limits
  • disposal of wrecks and derelict vessels
  • ensuring compliance with the Navigation Safety Bylaw through education and enforcement
  • maritime signage at boat ramps.

Rules and safety information

Navigation Safety Bylaw

Rules and safety information

Bar crossings and cameras

Get in touch

Jetski registration

If you operate a jet ski or personal watercraft (PWC) in the Waikato (including Lake Taupō), Bay of Plenty, Auckland, and Northland regions, it must be registered.

Events on waterways

Apply for permission to hold a race, speed trial, competition or other kind of activity on a waterway in the Waikato region.

Moorings

Swing and pole moorings in the Waikato region's coastal marine area and inland waterways need a resource consent.

Contact us

To contact your local harbourmaster or one of the Maritime Services team, please call Waikato Regional Council’s freephone on 0800 800 401.

Maritime services for Lake Taupō are provided by the Department of Internal Affairs. If you require a harbourmaster for Lake Taupō (Lake Taupō to Huka Falls), please contact the harbourmaster by phoning 07 378 7176.

Report a boating incident or complaint

If you would like to report an incident, or you are witness to unsafe behaviour on the water, we encourage you to report it to our Maritime Services team.

You can click here to fill out a webform, and a member of our team will be in touch with you. You can also report it to the Harbourmaster’s Office by phoning 0800 800 401 or notify Maritime NZ at services.maritimenz.govt.nz/incident

Let's socialise!

Follow us on Facebook for all the latest maritime safety updates and tips, and to stay up to date with important notices in your area.

Keep up to date with MarineMate!

MarineMate is a smartphone app that's a boatie's best friend!

The app has been made for New Zealand boaties. You can access information on tide times, boat ramp locations, VHF channels, and local boating rules for the whole country, all at the palm of your hand.

Visit the MarineMate website or check out the MarineMate facebook page for more.

Find out more at marinemate.co.nz