Last updated November 2026
Moturiki Island, also called Leisure Island, sits at the end of Mount Maunganui’s Main Beach, joined to the shore by a man-made land bridge. A short, well-marked track leads out to rocky points on the open-coast side, where NZ Fishing World reports snapper and kingfish around high tide.
Currents can be strong and the council closes access when big swells meet a high tide. Moturiki is not part of Mauao, so the Mauao exclusion zone does not cover it, but the island is a registered wāhi tapu and its waters sit inside the Mt Maunganui mātaitai reserve.
At a Glance
- Location
- Marine Parade end of Mount Maunganui Main Beach, Tauranga
- Type
- Small rocky island on the open coast, joined to the beach by a land bridge
- Water
- Open coast of the Bay of Plenty (sea)
- Main species
- Snapper and kingfish
- Best time
- Around high tide in calm seas
- Access
- On foot from Main Beach; about 5 to 10 minutes to the northern tip
- Hazards
- Strong currents, rogue waves, slippery rocks; access closed in big swells
- Tide port
- Moturiki Island (LINZ)
- Rules
- MPI Auckland and Kermadec; Mt Maunganui mātaitai reserve
- Cost
- Free; no licence needed
- High 1:50 am 1.8 m
- Low 8:00 am 0.4 m
- High 2:24 pm 1.9 m
- Low 8:46 pm 0.4 m
Best times today: around 1:50 am, 8:00 am, 2:24 pm and 8:46 pm (2 hours either side of each tide change), and around 8:06 am and 8:31 pm (moon overhead and underfoot).
Moving water around the tide changes usually fishes best. Full 7-day Tauranga tides ›
Predictions only; actual tides vary with weather.
About Moturiki Island
Early Māori built a terraced pā on Moturiki, and the island is part of the Hopukiore, Moturiki, Motuotau and Te Toka o Marutuahu wāhi tapu area, registered by Heritage New Zealand for Ngāi Te Rangi and their hapū. From 1911 it was quarried for railway stone for about 12 years, and the Marineland aquarium later operated beside it.
The track to the northern tip is well marked on gentle slopes, with a rock scramble at the top. A blowhole on the island sends water up during high tides and large swells. Walkers, birdwatchers and rock climbers all use the island, so share the space.
Tauranga City Council closes access to Moturiki when large swells combine with a high incoming tide, as it did in January 2022 and during Cyclone Gabrielle in February 2023. Its Mauao update of 16 October 2026 lists no closure for Moturiki, but check its notifications before you go.
How to Fish Moturiki Island
Where and when
Anglers fish from the rocks on the seaward side, around high tide. NZ Fishing World notes that currents can be strong. The regional tourism body advises rock fishers to choose spots out of reach of rogue waves and high seas: pick a ledge well above the wash, and leave if the swell builds.
What to catch
- Snapper: off the rocks around high tide.
- Kingfish: taken from the rocks; they run hard for cover, so strong gear is needed.
- Rigs and bait: ask at Top Catch in Mount Maunganui for what is working off the rocks.
For Salisbury Wharf, Pilot Bay and what is open around the Mount, see our Mount Maunganui fishing spots guide.
Getting There and Facilities
- Access: walk from Main Beach at the Marine Parade end across the land bridge. Marine Parade is open.
- Parking: free but time-limited street parking in Mount Maunganui, 8am to 6pm daily.
- Bus: BayBus Route 5 stops on Maunganui Road near Mount Drury Reserve.
- Water: there is no drinking water on the island, so bring your own.
- Dogs: not allowed on the Moturiki reserve or on Main Beach between Moturiki and Mauao.
- More to do: for the walk, the blowhole and the reserve, see our Moturiki Island guide.
Rules and Safety
- Sea fishing follows MPI’s Auckland and Kermadec rules. No licence is needed.
- The sea around Moturiki is inside the Mt Maunganui and Part of Tauranga Harbour mātaitai reserve. Commercial fishing is banned and a reduced daily limit applies to mussels.
- Moturiki is a wāhi tapu. Stay on the track and leave the island as you found it.
- Rock fishing here can be dangerous: watch for strong currents, rogue waves and weed-slippery rocks. Wear grippy footwear and a lifejacket, and never fish alone in a swell.
- Access is closed when big swells combine with a high tide. Check Tauranga City Council’s notifications before you go.
- Mauao, beyond the end of Main Beach, is closed with a 30 metre no-entry zone around its base.
Tackle and Bait Nearby
- Top Catch Bait & Tackle Mount Maunganui, 147 Totara Street: bait, tackle and local reports.
- Top Catch Bait & Tackle Tauranga, 40 Mirrielees Road: bait and tackle on the city side.
Useful Links
Bay of Plenty NZ: Moturiki (Leisure Island): the track, the blowhole and rock safety.
MPI Auckland and Kermadec fishing rules: size limits, daily limits and the mātaitai rules.
NZ Fishing World: land-based spots near Tauranga: notes on Moturiki and nearby spots.
Common Questions
What can I catch at Moturiki Island?
Snapper and kingfish from the rocks, around high tide.
How do I get onto Moturiki?
Walk from the Marine Parade end of Main Beach across the land bridge. It takes 5 to 10 minutes to reach the northern tip.
Is Moturiki open?
No closure was listed in October 2026, but the council closes access in big swells with a high tide. Check before you go.
Is Moturiki inside the Mauao exclusion zone?
No. The 30 metre zone is measured from the base and shore of Mauao. Moturiki’s waters are inside the Mt Maunganui mātaitai reserve, though.
Is rock fishing at Moturiki dangerous?
It can be. Currents are strong and rogue waves can sweep the rocks. Choose a ledge well above the wash and leave if the swell builds.
Can I take my dog to Moturiki?
No. Dogs are banned on the Moturiki reserve.
Do I need a licence?
No. Sea fishing needs no licence, but MPI’s Auckland and Kermadec limits apply.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Sources and data notes 1
- Tides today: Tide predictions: LINZ (CC BY 3.0 NZ).