Port facilities & services
South Port’s operations are centred on the 40 hectare (100 acre) man-made Island Harbour at Bluff
In addition there is a dedicated wharf and causeway servicing Rio Tinto’s New Zealand aluminium smelters at Tiwai Point and a town wharf structure servicing the coastal petroleum industry and bunkering vessels.
South Port provides a full suite of marine services including pilotage, towage and berthage.
Its cargo handling capabilities cover bulk, break bulk, containerised, and project cargo, supported by modern equipment and efficient systems that minimise turnaround times. Dedicated warehousing solutions include both cold and dry storage, giving customers flexible options for staging, consolidation, and distribution.
South Port’s focus on reliability and responsiveness ensures continuity of operations 24 hours a day, 364 days a year, enabling industries such as forestry, agriculture, fuel distribution, and manufacturing to maintain smooth supply chains and consistent export flows.
:format(webp))
Infrastructure and land
:format(webp))
:format(webp))
:format(webp))
:format(webp))
:format(webp))
:format(webp))
Freight & storage
South Port provides Southland’s largest storage facility, servicing a range of industries and goods.
:format(webp))
Health and Safety
Health, safety, and security are our top priorities. We are committed to providing a safe and secure environment for everyone who enters the port — employees, contractors, and visitors alike.
Before You Arrive
All clients and visitors must familiarise themselves with South Port’s procedures and complete the required forms before arriving. This ensures a smooth entry process and helps protect the wellbeing of everyone on site.
Access Requirements
- Learn the essential steps for gaining access to the port, including:
- Mandatory Site Inductions – ensuring every person understands our safety expectations.
- Permit-to-Work System – managing higher-risk activities safely and efficiently.
- Safety Protocols & PPE – clear rules on protective equipment and safe behaviours while on site.
Our Commitment
South Port is dedicated to maintaining a secure environment through robust entry procedures and compliance measures. By following these requirements, stakeholders contribute to a culture of care, responsibility, and operational excellence.
:format(webp))
Plant and equipment
The following equipment is available for customer use at the port.
Mobile Hoppers - 4 at 40 tonnes.
Washdown Facility for Vehicle Imports - MPI Approved.
Weighbridges - 1 of 80 tonnes capacity 21m x 3m platform. Automatic computer weighing operation. Split Weighbridge.
Pneumatic Unloader - 1 unit, 600 tonnes per hour with load-out conveyor. (At Tiwai Wharf for Aluminium Smelter product).
Wood Chip Stockpile Loader - Storage capacity 150,000 tonnes. Loading 700 tonnes per hour.
Bulk Liquid Complex - Storage capacity 4,775 tonnes. Loading 400-500 tonnes per hour.
Forklifts, Wheel Loaders, Mobile Plant, etc - South Port has sufficient mechanical cargo handling plant to handle all cargoes with particular emphasis on containers, dairy product, meat, timber and general cargo. Craneage is available for hire.
Mobile Harbour Container Cranes - Two Liebherr mobile harbour cranes capable of handling up to 40’ containers with spreader and up to 100 tonnes on the hook. The cranes are also available for bulk and other general cargo.
Electrical - The Island Harbour is serviced by an extensive underground high tension distribution system. Lighting is available in all working areas. Capacity is included in the system to take up new demand as the need arises. All systems on the Island Harbour are owned, operated and maintained by South Port.
Fumigation Shed
Log Trailer Hoist
Weighbridge Login (New Platform)
Login to access the new weighbridge platform.
Please note: you will need a username and password to log in. To request your login details, contact sfaithfull@southport.co.nz.