Portobello boardwalk extension preparations underway

Downer Group has been awarded the contract to build the 220m-long boardwalk along Latham Bay, Portobello, between the Portobello Boat Club and Portobello Township.

Work includes construction of the 3m-wide shared pathway, ramps connecting to the existing harbourside path, and small areas of new stone harbour walls.

The boardwalk will help improve safety and accessibility in this section of Portobello Road as well as protecting original, unique stone harbour walls in this location.

DCC Acting Group Manager Transport Simon Smith says: “We are pleased to work with Downer Group on this important addition to the infrastructure on the peninsula side of Otago Harbour.

“Downer successfully completed the Blanket Bay boardwalk along SH88, part of Te Ara Moana (The Ocean Path) the Dunedin to Port Chalmers Road shared path, and their team, working together with DCC staff, have the capability and experience to plan and deliver this project efficiently and effectively.”

Work underway by late 2026

Site preparation and surveying is set to begin by late spring. By early January, crews are expected to start piling work from a pontoon in Latham Bay, followed by the installation of specialised decking, made from high-durability timber needed for the coastal environment.

Most of the decking will be built off-site with sections lifted into place during off-peak hours.

Construction methods and schedules are designed to maintain two-way traffic along the site for much of the construction period to minimise disruption --particularly acknowledging the popularity of the peninsula over the summer period.

Where smaller areas of work may affect the road, contractors will plan and manage these activities to reduce any impacts to traffic flow.

More details, including construction updates and traffic management plans, will be available in the coming months in advance of construction getting underway. Residents and businesses that may be affected will be contacted directly.

The Portobello boardwalk extension is a $3.5m project, co-funded by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi which subsidise 51% of the cost.

Work is expected to be completed by 30 June 2027.

Share Pathway

The Peninsula Connection is a long-term project to improve safety, resilience to climate change and amenities along Portobello Road.

This purpose-built shared pathway on the Peninsula side of Otago Harbour is also called the Te Awa Ōtākou (The Ocean River) and is part of the larger, the 30+km Te Aka Ōtākou (The Otago Vine) shared walking and cycling network.

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