Ports of Auckland may have to go back to the drawing board with its plans for Bledisloe Wharf.

The council-owned port company is seeking legal advice after the High Court overturned its consents to extend the wharf and has blocked wharf extension due to a lack of public consultation. 

Len Brown reports the council and the port will discuss the ruling, however, he says that the council cannot tell the port what to do.

"I'm receiving advice that we'll be sharing with my colleagues and we will reflect on that advice and give the port our further suggestions."

Auckland councillor Chris Darby believes the council-owned port company shouldn't waste its money appealing the right for public notification, as a decision would be hard to challenge.

"I would be very perturbed if the legal counsel for the port company was angling to appeal this decision," Darby said.

"Justice Venning has given a decision which I think is one that would be very difficult to challenge."

The port is talking to its lawyers ahead of a board meeting on Thursday.