Whangamata's harbour wharf and beaches were more popular than ever over the peak holiday period, with a new lifeguard service there adding to the allure.

"Hundreds more people flocked to the area each day than would usually do so," says Council's Whangamata Area Manager Garry Towler.

Instead of the usual 200-300 people using the wharf and the harbour beaches, up to 600 people were there."All because a team of lifeguards were there to look after them," says Mr Towler.

The new lifeguard service was put in place following the tragic death of a teenage girl paddleboarding in the harbour on 7 January.

He said the death had sharpened focus on what was happening at the harbour, especially the increased numbers of people using the area every mid-to-high tide.

"A rough onshore breeze typically blows on hot summer days, prompting parents with little kids to move to the gentler waters of the harbour beaches," says Council's Whangamata Community Field Representative Lou Mackwell.

"After talking to the Harbour Master and boaties it became obvious the wharf and harbour beaches were becoming increasingly popular and record numbers of people, especially young families, were visiting day after day," says Mr Towler.

The Whangamata Community Board quickly gave its full support and funding was provided for a professional lifeguard. Volunteers from the Whangamata Surf Life Saving Club came forward to help provide a full lifeguard service at the wharf until the end of the Anniversary weekend.

The new pontoon and the jump-off wharf have been particularly popular.

"This is a great outcome and great example of community empowerment working," says Mr Towler.

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Lifeguards at Whangamata wharf prove popular