From Quarry to Coast
For the first time in a decade, Wellington City Council has replenished the golden sands of Oriental Bay, a project aimed at maintaining the beach’s appeal and safety for both locals and visitors. The three-week operation marked a significant step in preserving one of the city’s most recognizable coastal landmarks.
Icon Logistics partnered with KiwiRail to transport approximately 2,400 tonnes of sand from Dunedin to Wellington. The sand was sourced from Mt Allan Quarry and prepared at Blackhead Quarries’ Fairfield site, then moved north by rail in 121 containers before being delivered by truck to the waterfront, where it was spread and shaped along the beach.
Natural forces such as wind and waves gradually erode the shoreline over time. This replenishment not only helps preserve the original design of Oriental Bay but also ensures it remains a vibrant part of Wellington’s community and coastline for years to come.