- Bluff Boat Ramp upgrades nearly completed for summer use by local boaties.
- Stage One includes pontoons ready for use with minor finishing work underway.
- New user fees will fund ramp maintenance and improvements.
The newly upgraded Bluff Boat Ramp is now partially open, just in time for summer water activities. The Invercargill City Council undertook this project as part of its 2021 Long-Term Plan, aiming to enhance facilities for the local community and visitors.
Stage One of the upgrade includes the installation of the Eastern and Western Pontoons. While some finishing touches remain, such as completing the Eastern Jetty’s bracing and addressing a low-tide hazard at the ramp base, both pontoons are open for public use. Council Manager for Parks and Recreation Caroline Rain explained, "The Eastern Jetty can be used for foot traffic, but vessels should berth on the pontoons or the Western structure instead."
Stage Two of the project will begin next year, focusing on developing car parking, toilets, and a fish processing area to further enhance the facility.
Once Stage One is fully complete, an official opening will be held, marking the start of new user fees for boat ramp access. Rain stated, "The money from these fees will go directly back into the operation of the boat ramp, covering annual maintenance, repairs, and other requirements."
To manage fees, licence plate recognition will be installed at the ramp. Users will have the option to pay via Tap n Go, the Pay My Park app, or through the Council’s service centres. Fees include an annual permit costing $140 for boats under 6 metres and $195 for those 6 metres or longer. Casual one-off use will be $25. An education period will precede active monitoring for compliance.
Rain emphasised that these fees, introduced after consultation with the Bluff Boat Ramp Stakeholder Group, are supported by the Bluff Community Board and Invercargill City Council. She added, "We know it is something the Bluff community and boaties have been asking for, and we’re proud to be able to deliver it."