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A fresh chapter in Akaroa’s history was celebrated by the sea-faring community this morning.

Community members joined elected members, contractors, and council staff at Drummonds Jetty to mark the structure’s re-opening after a recent rebuild. The rebuild work included the installation of a floating pontoon, which was officially opened to the public today.

Marine infrastructure upgrades are now finished on both Drummonds Jetty and Daly’s Wharf. 

Both structures required work to be used as replacement sites when the nearby Akaroa Wharf is rebuilt in 2026.  

Tyrone Fields, Councillor for Te Pātaka o Rakaihautū Banks Peninsula, noted the historical, social, and cultural significance of the wharf and jetty to the Akaroa community.

“If you go back and read the submissions, and remember the deputations, this is a community that really gave a damn about the future of its wharf,” he said.

“This project marks perhaps a new chapter for arguably the finest waterfront in the city, ensuring that it continues to serve our community and visitors for generations to come.”

Councillor Fields said the new state-of-the-art floating pontoon offered the depth needed for recreational and commercial boats, without disturbing marine life.

Rupert Bool, Head of Parks, says the Drummonds Jetty and Daly’s Wharf upgrades were essential to ensure the community had facilities available during the Akaroa Wharf rebuild.

“It was great to see the public enjoying the new pontoon today. We know the community will be happy to see the project progress, as we get closer to being able to start work on Akaroa Wharf.”

The wharf rebuild is expected to start early in 2026 and be completed by mid-2027.  Geotechnical drilling work will now begin on the wharf, and is expected to take between two to six weeks. 

A community information session will be held in March to update the community on design, timeframes and impacts of the Akaroa Wharf rebuild. 

For more information, see the Akaroa Wharf Project page and to stay updated on Akaroa Wharf progress, subscribe to our newsletter by following this link.