Hokianga car ferry out of action for 12 days for survey and hull repaint

The Hokianga Harbour car ferry Kohu Ra Tuarua will be out of action for 12 days starting later this month. Photo / File

Hokianga Harbour's car ferry will be replaced by a passenger boat for about 12 days from the end this month.

The Rawene-Kohukohu ferry will be suspended from August 28 to September 8 while Kohu Ra Tuarua is in dry dock for a Maritime New Zealand survey and to have its hull repainted.

The 145-tonne vessel was last pulled out of the water for a survey four years ago.

The replacement passenger-only ferry will run to the normal timetable but it will operate between Rawene and the wharf in Kohukohu town, not the landing at the Narrows used by the car ferry.

Far North District Council acting infrastructure and asset manager Jim Brooks said maintenance was timed to fall outside the peak tourist season and to cause as little disruption to businesses as possible.

"The ferry cuts a 90-minute road journey to Kohukohu down to just 15 minutes, so we're very much aware of how important this service is for the Hokianga community, especially hospital staff at Hauora Hokianga in Rawene."

He said the council regretted any inconvenience caused by the haul-out but it was necessary to ensure the vessel was maintained to maritime safety standards.

Hospital staff at Hauora Hokianga in Rawene and other regular vehicle ferry users were advised to make alternative arrangements where necessary. The maintenance dates are weather-dependent and may change.