Artist's impression of the upgrade
Wellington City Council is upgrading the Owhiro Bay entrance to the South Coast and Te Kopahou Reserve.
The area was once used as a quarry and the Council has been restoring it as a reserve since 2000.
During the upgrade work, the area will remain open for public access with the exception of the work sites.
Concept Plan
The Owhiro Bay Concept Plan aims to beautify the gateway to the nearby seal colony and other natural attractions.
The design is consistent with the rugged natural environment. There will be no sumps or kerbs, and the carparks will be rough chip sealed.
The area will be fully landscaped with rocks, exposed aggregates, timber and native coastal plants.
Owhiro Bay Concept Plan (618Kb PDF)
Design Features
The upgrade includes the following:
- Carpark - providing a more pedestrian friendly environment, limiting where vehicles can go and identifying safe crossing points. There will be space for about 40 to 45 cars.
- Shelter - including seating, toilets, water and information panels. The shelter, with room for up to 30 people, will be placed close to the hillside to minimise visual impact. There will be picnic areas and sheltered sitting and viewing areas nearby.
- Signs - supplying information on botanical, geological and environmental features, as well as Maori and European history in the area. There will also be entry signage and a map board.
- Roading - a sealed asphalt road through the centre of the site will facilitate vehicle access to the coastal track, bus turning area and access to carparks. Pedestrian and cycle paths will be separated from vehicle access.
- Hape stream upgrade - officers are considering all the options in relation to the dam and aiming to restore natural aspects of the stream.
 (169Kb PDF)
Project Timeline
| Date |
Activity |
| August - September 2007 |
Tenders process |
| December 2007 |
Construction starts |
| May 2008 |
Construction due for completion |
Wellington City Councillors voted to sell two Owhiro Bay sections and start the process to rezone the land to residential so the proceeds can go towards repaying, borrowing or helping to fund new projects.
Public Consultation
Public consultation on the Owhiro Bay Concept Plan was held in mid-2006.
The consultation process included:
- a brochure and covering letter sent to 196 individuals and organisations
- a public information evening
- discussions with the Wellington Tenths Trust and Te Runanga o Toa Rangitira.
More Information
Peter Hemsley
Coastal Project Manager
Related Links
Department Details:
Recreation and Events
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