Lake Dunstan, Central Otago
The Otago Regional Council regulates ports, harbours, waters, and maritime-related activities in Otago under the Maritime Transport Act (1994). We cover the Otago region, apart from the Queenstown Lakes District which has its own Harbourmaster under the district council. Head to Queenstown Lakes District Council to the contact the Queenstown Harbourmaster: qldc.govt.nz.
Our key functions are to:
If you encounter any incidents, report them promptly using the Otago Regional Council's incident reporting tool. For immediate help, know the right contacts: Harbourmaster for local issues, Coastguard for emergencies, and DOC for marine wildlife concerns.
Book and secure a visitor mooring at one of two spots at Otago Harbour for a maximum of 48 hours within a 30-day period for your vessel.
Complete this form if you want to hold an event on the water in Otago.
Before crossing the Taieri Mouth Bar a bar, it's crucial to understand its current conditions. Bars can shift and evolve, so local knowledge is essential to avoid potential dangers. View the current conditions from the Taieri mouth bar camera.
Our Harbourmaster ensures maritime safety along Otago’s coast and harbours, overseeing commercial vessels like cargo ships, cruise liners, and fishing boats.
Whether you're a seasoned sailor or new to boating, this page offers all the essential information for a smooth and secure berthing experience in Otago Harbour (Dunedin) and Oamaru.
Whether you're paddling, powering, or anything in between, safety is paramount. Check out our advice on recreational boating basics to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Otago’s waterways are safer thanks to the plans and bylaws we follow. Speed limits, life jacket mandates, navigation aids, and exclusion zones ensure responsible boating practice.
If you observe any type of pollution in Otago, please contact our Pollution Hotline at 0800 800 033 or fill in the form on our Report Pollution page. Your information is crucial in helping us maintain a cleaner environment for everyone in Otago.
Know your hornwort from your lagarosiphon? ORC’s Biosecurity team actively combats freshwater pests to safeguard our waterways, including initiatives such as the Check, Clean, Dry program. Let’s keep our aquatic ecosystems thriving.
ORC’s Biosecurity team work hard to prevent freshwater pests from entering and spreading throughout our waterways.
Ensure smooth sailing with the right contacts! When to reach out to the Harbourmaster, how to contact the Coastguard, or where to find more information about berthage and moorings throughout Otago is all right here.
Enjoy the refreshing waters of Otago’s stunning lakes and rivers - make the most of our summer and have fun. But remember, safety comes first. We've put together some essential safety tips and things to avoid, helping you have a safe and memorable summer.
