Thames Sailing Club
Facilities & Weather Forecast

Tairua Marina is focused solely on lifestyle and taking the very best care of you and your boat. Tairua Harbour is tidal, access out to open water is dependent on the bar depth. The access channel matches the bar and has a depth of 1.5 metres at low tide.

The beautiful village of Kinloch is located 20 kms northwest of Taupo on the shores of Whangamata Bay, Lake Taupo. There, as its centrepiece, is our modern 142 berth marina. The marina is owned by Kinloch Marina Limited, being made up of share and unit titleholders. A Manager runs the Marina on behalf of a Board of Directors. Although a private marina, it is OPEN TO THE PUBLIC who pay a fee to use the facility. All boaties are welcome, for our marina truly is ‘the gateway to the Western Bays’ – the home of some of the best trout fishing in the world, and breathtaking scenery. Marina Rules The authority to enforce these rules is vested in the Marina Manager Ramp passes are to be purchased before launching. Ramp passes are per not transferrable. Annual ramp passes are to be fixed to the port side screen. Power loading vessels onto trailers (propelling) is not permitted as this causes erosion at the end of the concrete ramps.

Modern but very small marina, with 240V power, water, boat ramp, permanent moorings

There is a small marina with limited facilities at Lake Taupō, which is managed by the Lake Taupō Harbourmaster and controlled by the Internal Affairs Department. To be added to the waiting list for a berth at Lake Taupō, you will need to fill out an application form and submit it to the Harbourmaster's Office. Berth fees at Taupō Boat Harbour and Nukuhau Marina have been increased over two years, while those at Tokaanu and Motuoapa berths have been increased over three years. This is due to the work that has already been completed in the northern areas, as well as the planned improvements for Tokaanu. Recent projects include jetty repairs. If you want to communicate with other crafts via VHF transmissions, use the standard calling frequency of repeater channel 61. Once you have made contact with another craft, you can use line-of-sight channels 6 or 8 for chatting. For long distance communication, switch to repeater channel 63. If you do not receive a response, switch back to channel 61. In case of an emergency, call 111 for assistance from the Police.

Commercial Marina, the left bank of the Waikato River, (larger marina on the right bank)

At the southern end of Opoutere Beach lies the winding entrance to the Wharekawa Harbour, which is protected by a spectacular sandspit. The spit is a breeding ground for several endangered species of native seabirds including the New Zealand Dotterel. There isn't a marina in this harbour. This was a lovely place to visit - We stayed at a nearby campground and spent many quality hours playing at the beach and the surrounding forests with our young children.