The Port of Tauranga is situated in Tauranga, New Zealand. It is the largest port in the country both in terms of total cargo volume, and in terms of container throughput with container volumes exceeding 1.2 million TEUs (Twenty Foot Equivalent Units).[7] The port is operated by Port of Tauranga Ltd (nzx: POT). This article is about both the company and the port itself.
The port is located in a natural harbour protected by Mount Maunganui and Matakana Island, and is the only natural harbour between Auckland and Wellington offering good shelter in all weather.[8] As of June 2021, Port of Tauranga Ltd employs approximately 270 people.[9]
History
The first wharf was constructed in the 1860s, before which shipping operations took place from the beach. Passenger steamer services were operated from the 1870s, being discontinued in 1929 following the construction of a rail link to Hamilton in 1928.
In September 1873, the Port of Tauranga was officially established by order of the Governor-General of New Zealand, Sir James Fergusson