Fishing In Auckland

Catch a break'

Fishing In Auckland | Welcome to Auckland’s Top 18 Land-Based Fishing Spots!

Auckland’s coastline is a true paradise for anglers, offering an impressive variety of easily accessible fishing spots for all skill levels. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly wharf, a scenic park, or a rugged rock ledge, this guide covers the best fishing locations across Auckland.

Each spot provides detailed information on access points, target species, best times to fish, and tips for success. From the productive waters of Cornwallis Wharf to the tranquil shores of Mahurangi Regional Park, these fishing spots are perfect for catching snapper, kingfish, kahawai, and more. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, you’ll find options to suit every need.

 

What to Expect in Each Location

  • Location: Where the spot is located within Auckland.
  • Access: How to reach it and parking availability.
  • Target Species: Popular fish species available at each spot.
  • Fishing Tips: Suggested rigs, bait, and strategies for best results.
  • Best Times: Recommended fishing times to maximize your catch.
  • Best For: Suggested skill levels or group types, like families or experienced anglers.
 

Ready to Dive into Auckland’s Best Fishing Spots?

Each entry below gives you all the details needed to plan a perfect fishing day. Whether you’re hoping to hook a big snapper or enjoy a quiet family day by the water, Auckland’s fishing spots are waiting for you. Scroll down to find the spot that’s right for you, and get ready for an unforgettable fishing adventure in New Zealand’s largest city!

1. Cornwallis Wharf

  • Description: A long wharf in Manukau Harbour, perfect for catching kingfish and snapper, especially in summer.
  • Location: Cornwallis, West Auckland
  • Access: Easily accessed by car; parking nearby.
  • Target Species: Kingfish, snapper, kahawai
  • Tip: Fish with live bait at dawn or dusk for best results.
  • Regulations: Follow MPI guidelines for size and bag limits.
  • Best Times: Summer months, dawn, and dusk.
  • Best For: Intermediate to advanced anglers.

2. Shelly Beach Wharf

  • Description: Long wharf ideal for John dory and gurnard fishing.
  • Location: Shelly Beach, Kaipara Harbour
  • Access: By car, with parking close to the wharf.
  • Target Species: John dory, gurnard, kahawai, snapper
  • Tip: Use a ledger rig to avoid stingrays.
  • Regulations: Standard Auckland fishing regulations apply.
  • Best Times: Two hours around high tide.
  • Best For: Experienced anglers.

3. Orakei Wharf

  • Description: Family-friendly wharf with ample fishing space.
  • Location: Orakei, Auckland Harbour
  • Access: Off Tamaki Drive, close to amenities.
  • Target Species: Snapper, trevally
  • Tip: Use light tackle and pilchard or squid for best results.
  • Regulations: Check for size and seasonal restrictions.
  • Best Times: Early morning and late afternoon.
  • Best For: Families and beginners.

4. Murrays Bay Wharf

  • Description: Scenic wharf in the Hauraki Gulf, good for squid fishing at night.
  • Location: Murrays Bay, North Shore
  • Access: Accessible with nearby parking.
  • Target Species: Snapper, squid
  • Tip: Dusk and nighttime are best for squid.
  • Regulations: Follow MPI guidelines for size and bag limits.
  • Best Times: Dusk for squid; dawn for snapper.
  • Best For: Squid anglers and beginners.

5. Mangere Bridge

  • Description: A bustling year-round spot popular for kahawai fishing.
  • Location: South Auckland
  • Access: Easily accessible with nearby parking.
  • Target Species: Kahawai, rays
  • Tip: Use pilchards on a strayline during the incoming tide.
  • Regulations: Standard Auckland fishing regulations apply.
  • Best Times: Mid-incoming tide.
  • Best For: Novices and families.

6. Birkenhead Wharf

  • Description: Great location with city views, popular for snapper fishing.
  • Location: Birkenhead, North Shore
  • Access: Ample parking and easy access.
  • Target Species: Snapper, parore
  • Tip: Berley works well to attract fish here.
  • Regulations: Observe size and catch limits.
  • Best Times: Dawn and dusk.
  • Best For: Families and casual anglers.

7. Waiheke Island

  • Description: Ideal for shore-based fishing with scenic views of the Hauraki Gulf.
  • Location: Various locations around Waiheke Island
  • Access: Accessible by ferry, various fishing spots around the island.
  • Target Species: Snapper, kahawai, kingfish
  • Tip: Try multiple locations and bring surfcasting gear.
  • Regulations: Check local regulations on size and bag limits.
  • Best Times: Summer.
  • Best For: Intermediate to advanced anglers.

8. Takapuna Victoria Wharf

  • Description: Family-friendly wharf with access to deeper water.
  • Location: Takapuna, North Shore
  • Access: Parking available within walking distance.
  • Target Species: Snapper, kahawai
  • Tip: Cast far for deeper water access.
  • Regulations: Follow standard fishing limits.
  • Best Times: Early morning and evening.
  • Best For: Families and beginners.

9. Panmure Wharf Reserve

  • Description: A peaceful fishing location along the Tamaki Estuary.
  • Location: Panmure, East Auckland
  • Access: Accessible by car with nearby parking.
  • Target Species: Snapper, kahawai
  • Tip: Fish close to structures for better chances.
  • Regulations: Local fishing guidelines apply.
  • Best Times: Mid-tide.
  • Best For: Quiet fishing experiences.

10. North Head

  • Description: Offers dawn and dusk fishing with views of Rangitoto.
  • Location: Devonport, North Shore
  • Access: Parking nearby with scenic paths.
  • Target Species: Snapper, kahawai, kingfish
  • Tip: Incoming tide is best.
  • Regulations: Observe MPI regulations on size and catch limits.
  • Best Times: Dawn and dusk.
  • Best For: Scenic fishing experiences.

11. Hatfield’s Beach

  • Description: Great for rock fishing, with nearby facilities for a family outing.
  • Location: Hibiscus Coast, north of Orewa
  • Access: Car parking with toilet and picnic areas.
  • Target Species: Snapper, kingfish, kahawai
  • Tip: Fish at high tide.
  • Regulations: Follow local size and catch limits.
  • Best Times: High tide.
  • Best For: Families and rock fishers.

12. Greenhithe Wharf

  • Description: Quiet wharf known for snapper catches, suitable for all ages.
  • Location: Greenhithe, North Shore
  • Access: Easily accessible by car.
  • Target Species: Snapper
  • Tip: Fish with floating baits near the weed line.
  • Regulations: Standard fishing guidelines apply.
  • Best Times: Early morning.
  • Best For: Families and beginner anglers.

13. Shakespeare Regional Park

  • Description: Scenic rock fishing spot on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula.
  • Location: Whangaparaoa Peninsula
  • Access: Easy access from park’s main area.
  • Target Species: Snapper, kahawai
  • Tip: Fish around rocky outcrops at incoming tide.
  • Regulations: Follow local limits.
  • Best Times: High tide.
  • Best For: Scenic and quiet fishing.

14. Arkles Bay

  • Description: Rock shelf around Wade River mouth.
  • Location: Whangaparaoa Peninsula
  • Access: Requires permission to access private areas.
  • Target Species: Snapper, kahawai
  • Tip: Fish the outgoing tide.
  • Regulations: Private access may be restricted.
  • Best Times: Outgoing tide.
  • Best For: Experienced anglers.

15. Fisherman’s Cove

  • Description: Offers rock shelves and gutters for diverse fishing.
  • Location: Near Army Bay, Whangaparaoa Peninsula
  • Access: Accessible by foot.
  • Target Species: Snapper, kahawai
  • Tip: Try casting from points for better results.
  • Regulations: Standard fishing rules.
  • Best Times: High tide.
  • Best For: Intermediate anglers.

16. Black Rocks

  • Description: Known for snapper, kahawai, and John dory.
  • Location: East Coast Bays
  • Access: Access requires walking; rugged terrain.
  • Target Species: Snapper, kahawai, John dory
  • Tip: Floating baits at dusk yield good results.
  • Regulations: Follow all Auckland fishing guidelines.
  • Best Times: Early morning and dusk.
  • Best For: Experienced anglers.

17. Mahurangi Regional Park

  • Description: Rock fishing spot with access to deep waters.
  • Location: Near Puhoi River
  • Access: By car, ample parking nearby.
  • Target Species: Snapper, kingfish, eels
  • Tip: Piper works well as bait here.
  • Regulations: Follow size and bag limits for fishing.
  • Best Times: High tide.
  • Best For: Experienced rock fishers.

18. Ponsonby Wharf

  • Description: Located in central Auckland, known for diverse fish and great sunset views.
  • Location: Ponsonby, Auckland
  • Access: Easily accessible with nearby parking.
  • Target Species: Piper, kingfish, eels
  • Tip: Fish at high tide for best catches.
  • Regulations: Standard fishing regulations.
  • Best Times: High tide.
  • Best For: Social and family fishing with a scenic city view.

Tides In Auckland

Find below all the information you need about tide times in Auckland. There is a nice graph along with the times of the high and low tides throughout the Auckland region.

Tides In Auckland

Tide times throughout the local region.