Entering the port of Napier .

The Port of Napier, situated on the West side of Hawke Bay, adjacent to the city of Napier, comprises Breakwater Harbour, the commercial harbor and Napier Inner Harbour, which used to be the commercial harbor before the earthquake in 1931, but now is suitable only for small pleasure boats.

Breakwater Harbour can be approached from North or South of Pania Reef and it is entered through a dredged channel.

Breakwater Harbour is an artificial harbor contained between Bluff Hill to the South and an area of reclaimed land to the West, and to the East by a breakwater and a mole which extends N and W from Ahuriri Bluff. The main berths and port facilities are situated around the harbour.

The port entry is through a narrow opening and the vessel has to follow the route, along one side of the pier and then enter a larger basin, where it always comes starboard side alongside the pier from the right side.

The departure is considered a difficult maneuver as the available space for moving the vessel is very limited, especially when other vessels are alongside, inside the harbour. The departure requires running astern and swinging to starboard side until the vessel bow heads towards the exit. Then the vessel proceeded forward, through the exit and towards the sea.

 If you are interested, you can watch the Entering the Port of Napier Maneuver movie here:  Entering Napier