Murrays Bay Wharf Fishing: North Shore, Auckland

Last updated October 2026

Murrays Bay Wharf runs out from the rocks at the northern end of Murrays Bay beach, on Auckland’s North Shore, with views across the Hauraki Gulf to Rangitoto. Auckland Council rebuilt it as a 69 metre wharf with four viewing and fishing bays, seats and filleting boards.

Family guides rate it as smaller and less crowded than the city wharves and a good place for beginners. On hot summer days, though, hundreds of people come to jump off it, so fish early or late.

At a Glance

Location

North end of Murrays Bay beach, off Beach Road, Murrays Bay, North Shore

Water

Hauraki Gulf coast of the North Shore (sea)

Main species

Kahawai and baitfish such as piper, sprats and jack mackerel; parore, John Dory and the occasional snapper or kingfish

Best time

Early morning and evening, around high tide; avoid summer middays when jumpers fill the wharf

Suits

Beginners and families

Getting there

Car park and street parking at the reserve, 513A Beach Road

Toilets

In the beach reserve, with a playground and drinking fountains

Tide port

Auckland, with LINZ Murrays Bay offsets

Rules

MPI Auckland and Kermadec (Auckland East); no licence needed for sea fishing

Cost

Free

The Background

When the first wharf was built here in 1916, it was one of only a handful on the North Shore. It has been rebuilt twice since. Boats no longer use it, and even the Murrays Bay Sailing Club does not use it, so the wharf now belongs to anglers, swimmers and jumpers.

The current wharf opened in 2016 after a rebuild pushed by the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board and local residents. Its piles are sunk six metres into the seabed, and the deck, seats and handrails are certified Brazilian Ash hardwood.

Old railway beams from earlier wharves were found on the sea floor during construction. As well as the four fishing bays there is a wide jumping platform and a ladder, and filleting boards were added to keep fish scraps off the walkway.

At high tide the deck sits about three metres above roughly three metres of water. Murrays Bay itself is a small sandy beach backed by a grassy reserve, with a boat ramp at the northern end.

The North Shore Coastal Walk, part of Te Araroa, runs along the beach and the cliffs, and the Gumdiggers Trail heads north-east along the shore from beside the wharf.

How to Fish Murrays Bay Wharf

Where and when

The landward end of the wharf crosses the rocks at the top of the beach, so walk out to the fishing bays further along, where there is more water beneath you. With only about three metres of water at high tide, the hours either side of high water give you the most depth to fish.

The catch is that summer jumpers come at the same time: on a fine day with a midday high tide the wharf is packed. Plan for an early morning or evening high tide instead, and use the fishing bays so walkers and jumpers can get past you.

What to catch and what to use

• Piper, sprats and jack mackerel: tiny hooks on a sabiki rig, with bread or a little berley over the side. The easiest catch for beginners.
• Kahawai: small lures or strip baits, cast from the outer bays.
• Parore and John Dory: both are found around the harbour and gulf wharves.
• Snapper and kingfish: now and then. A fresh bait on the bottom for snapper; heavier gear if you are chasing kingfish.

What to bring

Fresh bait, a filleting knife and a bag for scraps (use the filleting boards, not the deck), and a long-handled net or drop net, because the deck is high above the water at low tide.

Getting There and Facilities

• Parking: the reserve at 513A Beach Road has a car park, with designated street parking on its eastern side.
• Toilets: in the reserve, along with a playground, picnic tables, seating and drinking fountains.
• Boat ramp: in the reserve, at the northern end of the beach.
• Walks: the North Shore Coastal Walk and the Gumdiggers Trail both pass the wharf.
• Dogs: on a leash in the reserve.

Rules and Safety

• Murrays Bay is in the Auckland East part of MPI’s Auckland and Kermadec rules. No fishing licence is required in the sea.
• Wharf jumping is part of summer here. Never cast or leave a baited line where people are jumping, and keep hooks out of the walkway.
• Put young children in lifejackets: the deck is high and the water is not deep.
• After a heavy downpour, check Safeswim for the latest on North Shore water quality before swimming or gathering anything from the beach.
• The reserve is smokefree, open fires are illegal, and alcohol bans may apply.

Tackle and Bait Nearby

• Top Catch Takapuna, 50 Barrys Point Road: bait and tackle on the way up the North Shore, open from 6am on weekends.

Where to Learn More

Murrays Bay Wharf: Common Questions

Where is Murrays Bay Wharf?
At the northern end of Murrays Bay beach, off Beach Road on Auckland’s North Shore. The reserve address is 513A Beach Road.

What can you catch at Murrays Bay Wharf?
Kahawai and baitfish such as piper, sprats and jack mackerel, plus parore and John Dory, with the occasional snapper or kingfish.

When is the best time to fish?
Around high tide, when there is most water under the wharf, but early in the morning or in the evening. Summer middays are taken over by jumpers.

Is Murrays Bay Wharf good for beginners?
Yes. It is smaller and quieter than the city wharves, and the fishing bays give you room out of the walkway.

Do I need a fishing licence?
No licence is required for sea fishing. Follow MPI’s Auckland and Kermadec rules, Auckland East, for limits and closures.

Is there parking and toilets?
Yes. The reserve at 513A Beach Road has a car park, toilets, a playground and drinking fountains.

Can you jump off Murrays Bay Wharf?
Yes, it has a jumping platform and is one of Auckland’s best-known jumping spots, which is why anglers come early or late in summer.

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Sources and data notes 1

• Tides today: Tide predictions: LINZ (CC BY 3.0 NZ), adjusted from Auckland using LINZ secondary port offsets.