Tauranga City Council's Access to Water project is a little closer to completion, with most of the tidal stairs in place this week.

Drone footage provided for SunLive gives a bird's eye view of the scope and progression of the construction.

HEB Construction project manager Dean Taylor says they're currently on track for an April 11 opening.

'So far the stairs have just fallen into place. It's been really good.”

Since most of the stairs will be under water when the project is finished, installing them has required walling off the sea so the team can work in dry conditions.

A wall of sheet piles has been employed to keep the water at bay. Each pile, standing four metres above ground, are driven eight metres down into the seabed by a vibrating hammer.

'They lock together to form a cofferdam,” says Dean. 'They're quite commonly used when digging holes and you need a retaining wall.”

Seawater being pumped out of the construction site. Photo: Ryan Wood.

He notes it does leak a bit, though, which is why they have a pump going to remove any water that seeps through – even from the landward side, which is of course reclaimed land and thus not 100 per cent watertight.

Deputy Mayor Kelvin Clout says the project will allow people to make the most of our 'beautiful' harbour.

'It's going to be great for downtown Tauranga's vibrancy.”

Access to Water project leader Morgan Jones agrees, and says he's seen a lot positive interest in the CBD from businesses at the moment, thanks in part to the waterfront revamp.

The tidal stairs, along with the new pier and pontoon, are expected to be big draws in the summer for schoolkids, who both Morgan and Dean have seen doing plenty of bombs off Matapihi Bridge.

The next stage of the project will see artist Elliot Collins working on the lettering and art to go with the steps.

The entire area should be open to the public by Easter.

Water coming from under the reclaimed land.