A $1.4 million wharf in Tairua is now open to public, after six months of development.

The facility, which includes a new wharf, boat ramp and floating pontoons at Mary's Beach, got its final engineering sign-off last week.

It is now open for public use as well as the resumption of the ferry service between Pauanui and Tairua.

Tairua-Pauanui community board chair, Bob Renton, says the project has been long awaited by the district.

"It's excellent to see this project finished within budget and on time," says Bob.

"An upgrade of this facility is something that our community have wanted to see for many years, and our Board is so pleased to see it happen during our tenure."

Since its original construction in the mid-1860s, the wharf has been rebuilt four times, with the last instance in 1963.

Since 1995 there have been a number of design plans to upgrade the wharf, along with two condition assessments in 2011 and 2014.

Following public consultation, the establishment of a working group in 2015 and the issuing of consents in 2016, construction began in March this year.

The existing boat ramp was widened and extended to improve launching at low tide and an additional two new 30m floating pontoons were installed.

One was built alongside the wharf to improve safety when launching, due to the tidal flows of the harbour, the second one on the seaward side of the ramp at an angle to provide for safer launching.

An official opening for the facility is being planned for Saturday, September 30, which will include a ribbon cutting by Thames-Coromandel Mayor Sandra Goudie, along with an official blessing.