Swing moorings

There are approximately 700 swing moorings in Canterbury — mainly in and around Lyttelton Harbour/Whakaraupō and Akaroa Harbour. Others are dotted around Banks Peninsula, Moncks Bay, Kaikōura, Kaiapoi River and the Tekapo outlet.

Swing moorings are privately owned but the Harbourmaster’s Office manages their placement and safety under the Navigation Safety Bylaw. 

Our swing mooring booklet contains more detailed information.

About moorings

What is a swing mooring?
Swing moorings are generally concrete blocks positioned on the sea bed with a series of chains attached to a buoy which floats on the water.
The top chain or rope is attached to the vessel. Currents, wind and weather conditions affect the way vessels ‘swing’ around their mooring blocks.
Where are Canterbury’s moorings located?
There are about 670 swing moorings in Canterbury. In Lyttelton Harbour/ Whakaraupō, you’ll find the majority of them at Cass/Corsair Bays and Purau. In Akaroa Harbour, the moorings are mostly in Akaroa township, Takamatua, French Farm and Tikao Bays.
Other locations include the Eastern bays of Banks Peninsula, Moncks Bay, Kaikōura, Kaiapoi River and Tekapo outlet. The Regional Coastal Environment Plan sets out designated moorings areas in Canterbury's coastal areas. 
You can view authorised swing mooring locations on Canterbury Maps. Use this info sheet for instructions. 
What authorisation does a mooring need?
All moorings in designated areas require authorisation from the Harbourmaster. Moorings outside designated areas require permission of the Harbourmaster and unless the mooring was lawfully established before July 2009, they also require resource consent.
What does the Harbourmaster have to do with swing moorings?

Swing moorings are privately owned, but our office manages placement and safety of the moorings under the Navigation Safety Bylaw.

All moorings must be inspected annually to meet specifications. A mooring is only authorised for a vessel of up to a certain length.

New moorings

How do I apply to put in a new mooring?

New swing mooring within a designated mooring area

You can apply for a new mooring position within a designated mooring area by completing the online application form (HAR001).

Some designated mooring areas have a waiting list. Send us your application form so we can put you on a list. We will notify you when a position becomes available in the area of your choice.

Please include the fee and a photo of your intended vessel with your application form. Once you have received your mooring authorisation, the mooring may be constructed and installed. 

When the mooring is installed you must provide a mooring inspection report to the Harbourmaster’s Office to demonstrate the mooring meets the required specifications.

New swing mooring outside of a designated mooring area

Please note, a new swing mooring outside a designated mooring area will also require resource consent (PDF 93 kB). For more information on this, see the mooring resource consent information sheet.

Existing moorings

I want to buy an existing mooring

The mooring equipment (eg, block, chain, shackles, etc) is the property of the mooring owner and may be sold.

The position the mooring occupies is not something that may be sold or purchased. There are mooring waiting lists in place for the mooring management areas and any mooring space will be allocated to a person on the waiting list.

It is recommended that you ensure the mooring equipment is right for you and your vessel.

Information on existing moorings:

If you have checked that the mooring is right for you and your vessel, and are able to proceed, please complete the online application form (HAR001) and pay the application fee (information on "Fees, payment and invoicing" in dropdown below). 

Please contact the Harbourmster's Office if you have any further questions.

What inspection does my mooring need?

All moorings must be inspected at least every 12 months and meet specifications. Forward the inspection report to the Harbourmaster’s Office within 10 days of the inspection. An additional fee applies where a mooring report is submitted late. Please fill in the mooring inspection report form.

Individual person requesting authorisation to inspect a mooring system

If you wish to apply to the Harbourmaster's Office for authorisation to inspect your own mooring please read this information sheet and complete the online application form (HAR003).

Companies requesting authorisation to inspect a mooring system

If you wish to apply to the Harbourmaster's Office for authorisation to inspect a mooring please read this information sheet and complete the online application form (HAR003).

Details of mooring contractors are below.  Please fill in the swing mooring inspection report form (HAR002)

What are the specifications for moorings?
Mooring system specifications have changed over the years. A mooring that was authorised during a particular period may meet the specification relating to that period. When a component on the mooring system needs repair, the Harbourmaster requires the component is replaced to meet the current specification. Read the current Swing mooring specification for the Canterbury region.
What if I want to moor a larger vessel?

If you wish to moor a larger vessel than its mooring is authorised for, please follow the instructions on this information sheet and complete the online application form (HAR003).

To apply for a larger vessel to moor on an existing mooring outside a designated mooring you will require resource consent.

Updating personal contacts or vessel information

You must notify Environment Canterbury if you change your postal address or contact details. 

Also please contact the Harbourmasters' Office to let us know if you would like to change the vessel attached to your mooring. Please include the vessel name, type, length overall, beam, draught and displacement. 

If you are a mooring owner who has arranged to lease a mooring out please fill in this form.

If you are planning to moor your vessel on a mooring that is not owned by you please complete this form.

I wish to cancel my mooring
If you no longer wish to keep your mooring, you can surrender the authorisation by reading this information sheet and completing this online application form (HAR003). The mooring (block, chain, rope and buoy) may need to be removed from the sea floor.  
Waiting lists, register and leaving a mooring vacant

There are often waiting lists for new moorings in designated mooring areas. To apply to be added to the waiting list please complete this authorisation form.

If you wish to advertise or lease a mooring, visit our mooring lease page.

If you wish to leave your mooring vacant for more than 6 months, please read the information sheet and complete the online application form (HAR003).

Fees, payments and invoicing

The annual swing mooring fee is $230 (inc GST). It provides for effective management of moorings and available space helping to ensure a safe and secure location for vessels.

Management includes ensuring all moorings are of a suitable construction standard and are maintained to that standard; ensuring moorings are being used by vessels of a suitable size; and that unauthorised, uninspected and non-maintained moorings are removed.

Annual swing mooring fees and charges (inc gst)Fee
Processing an application for approval of a swing mooring, or change to an existing mooring authorisation. Note: New mooring authorisation and increase/decrease in vessel size.$287.50
Any other exemption, permission or authorisation of the Regional Harbourmaster. Note: Individual or Company applying to inspect a mooring or moorings.$213.33 per hour (deposit one hour)
Annual swing mooring fee. Note: invoiced after new authorisation is issued and/or every August.$230.00
Processing a mooring inspection report not provided to the Harbourmaster in accordance with clause 27(4). Note: Late inspection/submission of report fee.$115.00

You can find informaton on ways to pay on our contact page. Further information on fees can be found in the Navigation Safety Bylaw.

Who are the mooring contractors that work in the area?

Inspection of a mooring can be carried out by a hired contractor or a competent person. Mooring contractors’ contact details are listed below.

Please note these are contractors that work in the Canterbury region but the council does not provide any approval for them.

Banks Peninsula

Maritime Specialist Services Ltd
03 328 8400
admin@maritimespecialist.co.nz
or call Nigel Banks, Managing Director on
021 955 530
nigel.banks@maritimespecialist.co.nz

Marinetec
03 328 8322
info@marinetec.co.nz
or call Dwayne Pool on
027 439 8169

Akaroa
Akaroa Moorings
Otto Roessink
022 341 3622
akaroa.moorings@gmail.com

Purau
Purau Moorings Association
Daniel Petrache
027 201 2229

 Mooring Contractor checklist Marinetec Engineering Maritime Specialist Services Peninsula Moorings Sub Aqua Solutions
Vessel compliant with MNZ Law MOSS        
 Operating a commercial vessel that is certified under Maritime New Zealand Law, with a current Maritime Operator Safety System 
Certificates of Components        
Can supply test certificates showing safe work loads/breaking strains of chains, shackles, ropes
Carry out Construction, Installation, Inspection and Repairs to Environment Canterbury Standard
        
Inspections and repairs meet Environment Canterbury Standards
Can construct and install specialised new mooring systems        
Naval Architect/Marine Engineer available/employed to design mooring systems
Offers integrated moorings management to mooring owners        
Provide regular inspections, maintenance and explanation of moorings, submit inspection reports on behalf of the owner
Qualified Specialists Used        
Certified Commercial Divers, certified welders, certified lifting equipment and certified operators of lifting equipment
GPS Recording        
 Have the appropriate equipment and knowledge to correctly record the GPS position of a mooring position 
Public Liability Insurance        
Has a current certificate of insurance cover for public liability insurance
Length of time servicing moorings 2012 2009 2012 2014
This is the year that this contractor has been registered on Environment Canterbury's website
The Harbourmaster’s Office does not own or operate marine facilities.
Diamond Harbour Pile Moorings, please contact Christchurch City Council.
Naval Point Club, Magazine Bay, Lyttelton, 03 328 7029 or email: secretary@navalpoint.co.nz
Inner Harbour Moorings, Dampier Bay Marina, Lyttelton, 03 3287 992 or email: alan.mackley@lpc.co.nz
I am purchasing a slipway and/or associated boatshed
Environment Canterbury only oversees the transfer of slipways and their associated boatsheds (PDF 103 KB).
Slipways, and sometimes associated boatsheds, are not rateable. The owner is responsible and owns the slipway/boatshed but not the land it occupies.
As long as the slipway/boatshed remains, and is kept in a good state of repair, the slipway/boatshed is a permitted activity, which means the owner does not require resource consent for its use.
Please include transfer fee when submitting the application form.
For information on the rules about slipways and/or associated boatsheds please read the slipways and boatsheds information sheet (PDF 233 kB).