10 | Thames-Coromandel District Council: New Ferry Project T T Karen Phelps Ferry’s return a boost for local economy A shuttle bus will take passengers to and from Coromandel Town and Hannaford’s Wharf where the ferry will arrive and depart, ensuring seamless connections that encourage visitors to explore the town’s retail and hospitality offerings, “It’s more than just a transport connection — it’s a gateway that welcomes visitors, families, and new opportunities to our town. Local businesses will thrive as ferry passengers choose to dine, shop, and stay here. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Local businesses are preparing for a significant boost with the recent launch of the long-awaited return of the Auckland to Coromandel ferry service with Coromandel-Colville Business Association and Thames-Coromandel District Council playing a pivotal role in bringing visitors back to the region. The project is a finalist in the 2025 Economic Development New Zealand awards. “The success of the return of the ferry service owes much to this joint effort in pulling together the information, feedback and support needed to get the trial service across the line,” says Mitchell King, economic development lead at Thames-Coromandel District Council. “Our collaboration with the Coromandel-Colville Business Association, who really led the community advocacy for the return of this service, helped the proposal gain momentum. “This partnership demonstrates how local government and business communities can work together effectively, in this case restoring a vital economic and social connection.” Explore Group as the operator have committed to bringing the service back on a trial basis until April 2026. For local businesses, the implications are significant, says Mitchell. “It’s more than just a transport connection — it’s a gateway that welcomes visitors, families, and new opportunities to our town. Local businesses will thrive as ferry passengers choose to dine, shop, and stay here. “From accommodation providers to retailers and hospitality venues, everyone stands to benefit from the steady stream of visitors arriving right into the heart of Coromandel.” The return follows a difficult period for the region. “It’s been a hard few years since the ferry service stopped after Fullers 360 suspended the ferry in 2022,” says Mitchell. “Like other parts of New Zealand, as soon as we came out of the effects of Covid we experienced Cyclone Gabrielle. “We had over four metres of rain in the first six weeks of that year and it led to some long-standing road closures and really knocked the tourism market for the next 18 months. “So the ferry service is a happy return of an important connection between Auckland and Coromandel.” A shuttle bus will take passengers to and from Coromandel Town and Hannaford’s Wharf where the ferry will arrive and depart, Crispy, fresh, and cooked to perfection — grab a burger, fish pack, or something from our specials board and enjoy it seaside. We have fresh fish daily, 25 different burgers, 10 types of toasties, and everything is cooked in canola oil! We also have fresh oysters, kina and gluten free burgers and sausages! Locals love us, visitors come back for more! FISH & CHIPS COROMANDEL’S FAVOURITE SPOT FOR CLASSIC KIWI 07 866 8438 rockyc@slingshot.co.nz Tina Davies Open for lunch & dinner Great value, great taste Historic Hardware Store in the heart of the Coromandel TEAM ASHMAN LTD TRADING AS (2022) ROB 027 592 7180 | JENI 021 636 119 OFFICE 07 866 8805 EMAIL | info@jamesandturner.co.nz teamashman201@xtra.co.nz ROB & JENI ASHMAN OWNERS / OPERATORS COROMANDEL FISH - DIVE - HUNT Rob & Jeni Ashman Owners / Operators Rob - 027 592 7180 | Jeni - 021 636 119 Shop - 07 866 8797 teamashman201@xtra.co.nz 95 Kapanga Road Coromandel ensuring seamless connections that encourage visitors to explore the town’s retail and hospitality offerings, says Mitchell. He says it will mean better social and economic links with New Zealand’s biggest city. “Over the long term it will change the way people think about getting to the Coromandel. “It’s a long road journey so this is a way to be able to have a relaxing trip, and it should attract more local and foreign tourists to the area.” The service will initially operate an express Friday evening service, as well as Saturday and Sunday departures.
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