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A new tool for boaties is now operational on Manukau Heads and Port Waikato.
Outdoor Access recently installed cameras at these sites to show real-time conditions of the dangerous Manukau Bar and Port Waikato bar. The systems are predominantly self-sufficient solar installations, operating during extended daylight hours (currently 5.30am to 9pm).
Coastguard Waiuku vice-president Garry Box said the Waikato District Council used to have a camera on the Port Waikato Bar, but it hadn’t been working for about three years.
“We looked into whether this was going to be replaced and came across Outdoor Access, who were on board after a short phone call.
“From a safety aspect, it means that users of the bar can view the conditions in real time, before committing to a trip. Anything we can do to reduce further deaths or incidents can only be a good thing.”
Coastguard Waiuku was formed in 1973 after two drownings on the Waikato River. The unit’s area of operation includes the Waikato River up as far as Huntly, the Waikato River Bar, the West Coast up to 12 nautical miles out, and the Manukau Harbour and Manukau Bar.
Brandon Crowley, of Outdoor Access North Island, said they launched in December 2024 with eight cameras located at Hicks Bay, Lottin Point, Waihau Bay, Whanarua Bay, Ōpōtiki Harbour Entrance, Maketū Bar, Lake Rotoiti, and Lake Rotomā.
“Eleven months later, the network has expanded to include additional sites at Thornton Bar, Waikawau (Firth of Thames), Kawakawa Bay, Port Waikato Bar, and most recently, Manukau Heads.”
Crowley stated that, with the support and permission of PF Olsen, Crown Forestry, NZ Steel, and Lighthouse Station, they were able to bring these new sites at Manukau Heads and Port Waikato to reality.
“Our live feeds help outdoor enthusiasts such as recreational fishers, boaters, and others make better-informed decisions about water safety and bar crossings, while enhancing their overall outdoor experience.”
Outdoor Access began in late 2019 in the South Island, founded by two passionate outdoorsmen, Brett Colgan and Nigel Cromie. The North Island arm of the business was expanded by Crowley and George Ward.
Outdoor Access covers its costs via subscriptions, offering users a free 30-day trial, followed by the option to subscribe for $12 per month or $120 per year.
“We’re often asked why our live streams aren’t free to view—the answer lies in quality and reliability. Many public bar-cams rely on external sponsorships or volunteers, which often results in poor-quality footage and frequent downtime.
“We provide complimentary access to selected Coastguard units so they can monitor live conditions, coordinate rescues more effectively, and observe bar crossings in real time. Current participating units include Maketū, Ōpōtiki, Waiuku, and Papakura.”
He said that every camera is funded, manufactured, installed, maintained, and operated entirely by Outdoor Access in order to ensure a reliable, high-quality service that very rarely experiences outages.
They now operate 36 live streams across New Zealand, 23 in the South Island and 13 in the North Island and continue to expand regularly.
