Whangateau Traditional Boat Yard

Whangateau Traditional Boat Yard is located on a sandspit in Tramcar Bay Whangateau. To the north of the building is Coxhead Creek and to the south Whangateau Harbour.

According to Leon Greenwood, Claude Greenwoods son, the boatshed was constructed in either 1949 or 1950. However boat building and repair was carried out on the site previous to the building of the boat shed.

Claude and his sons built several fishing boats and pleasure boats in the shed. The fishing boats were supplied to the locals for use in the local fishing industry. The boat yard and slipway was a busy place maintaining and servicing work boats and pleasure craft. Claude retired in 1967 and Howard went on to build several more pleasure craft.

Also on the spit is a smaller boat shed built on the creeks edge. This shed was constructed by Herbert Wilson to house, HOPE, a small launch. It is likely the shed is in excess of 100 years old and the launch being housed of historic relevance also.

After Howard left, the boat shed was leased by various individuals. Keith Flay spending several years enjoying and maintaining the slipway and providing continued services. Russell Ward housed his steam boat ROMANY in the boat shed and occasionally the yard is still graced by the small steamer at the boat yards regatta days.

Today custodians George Emtage and Pam Cundy operate there casual business Whangateau Traditional Boats from the boat yard. They are dedicated to the restoration and preservation of New Zealand's Heritage Craft and continuation of the Whangateau Boat Yard.

Visitors are welcome to the boat yard - to view the various project, wooden, boats on the hard stand and the on the water fleet of boats they have restored and interact with the two boat builders as they work on various projects in the boat shed.

An incorporated society was placed to encompass this important community facility into the future.

The boat shed is the last vestige or remnant of what was once an important industry in the area.

Whangateau Traditional Boat Yard is a place of education and encouragement. Conducting a growing resurgence of interest in New Zealand's grass roots small craft- boat building, design and on the water enjoyment of these craft.

Whangateau Traditional Boats is collating the history surrounding the boat yard. Please feel free to contact us or contribute to the site here.

Pam Cundy
Whangateau Traditional Boats