After nearly a decade in planning and development, Honomai, Marlborough’s new inland port, has been officially opened, marking a significant milestone for the region’s wine industry and broader primary sectors.
The state-of-the-art facility, located in Riverlands south of Blenheim, has been developed and will be operated by Port Nelson’s QuayConnect logistics division.
The inland port, spanning over 5,000 square metres, is designed to enhance logistics, transport, and storage services for New Zealand’s wine industry with around 80% of the country’s wine exports grown and produced in the region.
The name Honomai, gifted by local iwi Rangitāne, reflects the area’s historical role as a trading hub. The official opening was attended by a range of local dignitaries, including Kaikōura MP Stuart Smith, Nelson Mayor Nick Smith, and Marlborough Wine Aotearoa NZ general manager Marcus Pickens. They were joined by iwi representatives and key figures from the project.
With Marlborough’s wine exports continuing to grow, the inland port is set to improve supply chain efficiency, allowing faster and more sustainable movement of goods. The facility features dedicated container storage, tanker and ISO tank wash facilities, warehousing for stock transfer.
Strategically located adjacent to New Zealand’s largest wine bottler, WineWorks Marlborough, efforts are also being made to reduce the need for truck journeys between facilities by using zero-emission electric tug vehicles.
Additionally, the facility has been built to Green Star standards, incorporating features such as rainwater capture for onsite use and electric vehicle charging stations for staff.
QuayConnect general manager Jaron McLeod says new development will significantly benefit Marlborough importers and exporters.
“Having a facility on their doorstep offering container and product storage, as well as warehousing connected to an established logistics service, will better serve the region’s businesses,” he says.
WineWorks chief executive Peter Crowe says the location of the inland port will enable the efficient transfer of stock to and from the bottling plant.
“The strategic location of the Marlborough Inland Port, next to our WineWorks facility, will enable the use of electric tugs to take packaging to our facility and full wine bottles back for storage or trucking to port for export.
“These services support our commitment to reduce emissions for our customers across the supply chain,” Crowe says.
Central Express Limited (CEL), a transport partner for QuayConnect and the wider Marlborough wine industry, will be a tenant on the Inland Port facility.
CEL general manager Gordon Blacktopp highlighted the strategic benefits of the inland port for the region’s winemakers.
“Getting essential support services as close to wine-makers improves every aspect of the wine journey.
“This facility makes our industry more sustainable and resilient, helping our customers meet the challenges and opportunities that come with being the country’s fifth-largest export earner,” Blacktopp says.
The construction of Honomai was completed by Tuatara Structures. With additional room for expansion, the inland port is expected to grow further in the coming years.
