Our primary objective is to promote safety on Lake Taupo. Around Lake Taupo the two coastguard units plus radio & boating enthusiasts, voluntarily provide radio services, creating a safety net for boat users equipped with VHF.

Channel 61 is the only channel monitored on the Lake.

Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays):

This is done from Whakatane Coastguard Radio with the use of Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) technology from 0630 - 1830 hrs during week days.

Weekends and Public Holidays:

This monitoring service is managed by the Lake Taupo Mariners Radio Association for and on behalf of Coastguards Lake Taupo & Turangi.

Winter Time: 0900 - 1630hrs.

Summer Time: 0900 - 2030hrs.

There are two VHF marine repeater channels operating for boat users, 61 and 63. Boat users who wish to communicate with each other should make the first contact call on channel 61 then switch to channel 63 or if in line of site use channel 6 or 8.

Emergency

In cases of emergency call 111 and ask for Police if you have a mobile phone.

Otherwise use VHF "Mayday" or other appropriate callout.

 Boat users who require assistance or information on Lake Taupo should call "Coastguard Radio" on channel 61.

Weather

Monday to Friday from 0630 - 1830hrs, Whakatane Coastguard Radio provide the listening watch, via VOIP, and broadcast the current weather forecast and other relevant information at 0745, 1130, 1530 and 1800hrs winter time plus 2015hrs summer time. They will also broadcast any navigation warnings at 1215hrs. After 1830hrs the radio will revert to a listening watch. NB: Address all calls to "Coastguard Radio".

Please Note: Channel 16 is not monitored on Lake Taupo by Coastguard Radio.

Coastguard's Radio Safety Advice.

• Get a VHF Radio.
• Learn how to operate it.
• Use it.
• There's a whole bunch of reasons why every boat should have a VHF radio in operation at all times.