The refurbishment of the old stone wharf at Ferry Landing in Whitianga is almost complete, says the Thames-Coromandel District Council.

Classified as a Grade One structure by Heritage New Zealand, the wharf was central to the kauri logging trade back during the 1800s and part of the original 1837 stone wharf still remains.

The new look of the old stone wharf at Ferry landing in Whitianga. Photo: TCDC

But the wharf was in need of restoration. Over the past 18 months council has rebuilt the walls and old stone steps leading up from the wharf to the landing by using some of the wharf's original stones which were recovered from the sea floor below.

Professional stonemasons were also brought on site to ensure the repaving of the landing platform was in keeping with the historical heritage of the site, while the old concrete petrol pump bases have been removed and new wooden marine bollards and seating installed.

Mercury Bay area manager Allan Tiplady says thanks to some very talented local community members a new derrick has also been crafted and rebuilt.

'Historically the wooden derrick was used to winch heavy cargo off boats and onto the Wharf,” he explains.

'What's fantastic to see the community getting involved in this project with this hands-on approach of reconstructing this new derrick.”

Council has carried out the project in partnership with Heritage NZ, local iwi, the Institute of Engineers and the Mercury Bay community.

The restoration works has been made possible thanks to an $187,845 Lotteries Heritage Fund grant, with the council also contributing $250,000.

A further $80,000 is now being sought through external funding grants for the final touches to the restoration, which includes installing interpretative/historical signage, lighting, a ferry signal and a timber baulk.

'Thanks to good project management the work has been delivered $200,000 below the original estimate,” says Allan.

For more information about the project and the history of the Wharf visit the Thames-Coromandel District Council's website at: www.tcdc.govt.nz/oldferrylanding