Last updated July 2026
Te Hāruhi / Shakespear Regional Park on the Whangaparāoa Peninsula offers one of Auckland’s most accessible beach fishing spots at Te Haruhi Bay, also known as Shakespeare Beach. The sheltered Hauraki Gulf beach serves as a popular family swimming destination by day and supports surfcasting and rock fishing in the evenings. The 500-hectare open sanctuary park provides parking, toilets and picnic areas alongside consistent fishing access from the beach and nearby headlands. Fishing is a permitted and popular activity throughout the park, with surfcasting possible at high tide from nearby Army Bay.
Practical Information
| Address | 1507 Whangaparāoa Road, Army Bay, Whangaparāoa |
| Distance from Auckland CBD | Approximately 50 km, about 40 minutes’ drive via SH1 |
| Park size | 500 hectares |
| Fishing access | Surfcasting from Te Haruhi Bay beach and rocks; surfcasting at high tide from Army Bay |
| Best conditions | High tide for surfcasting; dawn, dusk and evening for fewer swimmers |
| Licence | No recreational saltwater fishing licence required in New Zealand; bag and size limits apply |
| Entry cost | Free |
| Dogs | Prohibited at all times (open sanctuary) |
| Camping | Bookable campground and sites available |
About Te Hāruhi / Shakespear Regional Park
Te Hāruhi / Shakespear Regional Park lies at the eastern tip of the Whangaparāoa Peninsula and functions as New Zealand’s most visited open sanctuary. The park combines conservation, recreation and farming within a pest-free environment protected by a 1.7 km pest-proof fence. Te Haruhi Bay forms the largest and most popular beach, featuring wide grassed areas, pōhutukawa trees and safe swimming conditions.
The park supports a range of activities including walking on tracks such as the Tiritiri Track, picnicking, camping and water-based recreation. Recent restoration of the Māori name Te Hāruhi highlights the area’s historical significance as a sheltered landing place and food production site for Māori. Visitors must check vehicles and belongings for pests before entry to maintain the sanctuary status.
Fishing occurs alongside other recreational uses, with the council noting it as a popular activity. Set net bans apply seasonally from 20 December to 31 March each year in parts of the park area.
Fishing at Te Haruhi Bay
Te Haruhi Bay provides beach-based surfcasting opportunities, particularly effective at high tide. Anglers can also access rocky headlands at the bay’s edges for rock fishing. Nearby Army Bay offers additional surfcasting spots at high tide. Standard surfcasting setups suit the beach areas, while rock fishing may require heavier gear. Recreational fishers must follow MPI bag and size limits, which are available on the Fisheries New Zealand website.
Access and Facilities
The park entrance is at 1507 Whangaparāoa Road. Ample parking, toilets and picnic areas are available near Te Haruhi Bay. The campground at Te Haruhi Bay offers bookable sites suitable for tents and some motorhomes. All visitors should arrive with vehicles and gear free of pests due to the open sanctuary rules.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors describe Te Haruhi Bay as a safe, scenic swimming beach with soft sand and calm waters ideal for families. Many appreciate the combination of beach time during the day and quieter fishing conditions in the evening, along with the park’s native birdlife and easy access from Auckland.
Reviewers frequently note the campground’s convenient beachfront location and the park’s well-maintained facilities. Some mention successful catches of snapper and other species from the rocks or beach, while emphasising the need to follow sanctuary rules such as no dogs.
Where to Learn More
Auckland Council – Te Hāruhi / Shakespear Regional Park: Official park details, facilities, rules and booking information.
Auckland Council – Fishing in regional parks: Specific fishing rules and permitted activities at Shakespear.
Fisheries New Zealand (MPI): Current recreational fishing regulations, bag limits and size rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Shakespeare Beach?
Te Haruhi Bay at Te Hāruhi / Shakespear Regional Park, 1507 Whangaparāoa Road, Army Bay, on the Whangaparāoa Peninsula.
Is fishing allowed at Te Haruhi Bay?
Yes, fishing is a permitted and popular activity. Surfcasting works from the beach and rocks, with additional options at nearby Army Bay.
Are dogs allowed in the park?
No, dogs and all other pets are prohibited at all times because the park is an open sanctuary.
Is there camping available?
Yes, the Te Haruhi Bay campground offers bookable sites; check the Auckland Council website for availability and bookings.
Do I need a fishing licence?
No recreational saltwater fishing licence is required in New Zealand waters, but bag and size limits must be followed.
What is the best time to fish?
High tide is noted for surfcasting; dawn, dusk and evenings tend to be quieter with fewer swimmers present.
Is park entry free?
Yes, entry to Shakespear Regional Park is free.
Are there set net restrictions?
Yes, seasonal set net bans apply from 20 December to 31 March each year in parts of the area.
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