Water and Air Transport Subsidies

Continuation of Subsidies

Even though access has been restored along the Kenepuru Road the removal of the current restrictions are dependent on the assessment of a Road Safety Auditor after the programmed repairs and improvements at two critical sites; Torea Road intersection slip and an area commonly known as the ‘Water Tank’ just beyond Te Mahia Bay.

The works at Torea Road are programmed to be completed by the end of July 2024 and the ‘Water Tank Slip’ works in time for the Christmas/New Year Holiday period 2024.

As a result of the continued restrictions the subsidies will continue until these works are completed.

Barge Subsidies

Marlborough District Council, with funding support, will subsidise barge services for residents, workers and visitors to areas in the Marlborough Sounds that were previously accessible by road.

The subsidy will run in partnership with Johnson's Barge Service Limited in Havelock, Kenny Barging in Picton.

Go to more information on the Johnson’s Barge Service Ltd website

Go to more information on the Kenny Barge Picton website

People wanting to use this service and access the subsidy should book directly with the provider.

Community Barge

Service will now run on Mondays, Wednesday and Friday.
The charge for a ‘vehicle size’ load rate will increase from $100+gst to $150+gst.
Users who never had road access will continue to charge the usual rates.

Full Barge Loads

A discount of 30% will apply to commercial loads such as building materials – loads which are not able to travel on the roads due to weight/length restrictions.

On Farm Supplies

If using the community barge the $150 +GST per ‘vehicle size’ rate will be applied.
If using a full barge a 50% discount will be applied (no change).

Water and Air Taxi Subsidies

Marlborough District Council, with funding support, will subsidise water taxi services for residents, workers and visitors to areas in the Marlborough Sounds that were previously accessible by road.

Subsidy information:

$25 (gst inclusive) per person, per trip capped at $100 (gst inclusive).
Eligibility check based on property number; must be accessible from the Kenepuru Road.

How Do I Book?

Bookings can be made directly with water and air taxi service providers.

Water and Air Taxi Service Providers

Due to the cost of private water taxis being a fixed fare per trip, we encourage local communities to co-ordinate days and departure times to fully maximise each water taxi departure. This will reduce the cost per person