The upgrade will improve access to the jetty and create a shelter area for charter boat and ferry passengers, which will give visitors a better tourism experience at the wharf.

The work follows a successful bid by Thames-Coromandel District Council to the government’s Tourism Infrastructure Fund. The council has matched the funding to ensure the work is finished by the end of June.

Mayor Sandra Goudie says the community is grateful for the grant, which provides a much-needed boost for marine-related infrastructure within Coromandel Harbour.

"It’s great to be getting stuck in on the project now and we look forward to enjoying the new area and experience for visitors arriving and departing from the wharf," she says.

The first stage of the project, which starts on Wednesday, involves relocating the concrete wharf pathway slightly inland to improve access to the wharf and help mitigate erosion. New solar-powered lighting, a retaining wall and provision for better stormwater management is also part of this phase of work.

In the first week of May, work will start to seal the turnaround area in the carpark to formalise access to the wharf and create space for busses and vehicles to turn safely. This could create minor disruption for ferry passengers and residents in the area, but is expected to be finished within a week.

A new visitor shelter is also on the way to provide a dry waiting area for the growing number of ferry passengers and charter boat operations that use the wharf.

Planting and landscaping work will follow when the path and carpark is complete.