Fishing In Tauranga
Catch a break'
🎣 Discover the Best Fishing in Tauranga: Shore, Surf, River & Offshore Adventures
Table of Contents
Tauranga is a dream destination for anglers of all skill levels. Whether you’re into surfcasting from golden beaches, casting a line off a wharf, exploring tidal estuaries, or heading offshore in search of bigger fish, Tauranga offers it all — with stunning views to match. Located in the heart of the Bay of Plenty, this coastal gem lives up to its name, providing a bounty of fishing opportunities across rivers, harbours, and open ocean.
From kayak missions at dawn to laid-back sessions at the riverbank, there’s something for every type of fisho. Prefer to stay onshore? Grab your gear and hit one of Tauranga’s many popular wharves or rock ledges. Feeling adventurous? Book a charter or launch your own boat and head for the deep reefs teeming with snapper, kahawai, john dory, and gurnard.
Summer is prime time, especially at places like Papamoa Beach — a local favourite for surfcasting thanks to its long, sandy coastline and easy access. For those seeking solitude, Tauranga’s harbour and quiet estuaries offer calm, scenic spots perfect for a relaxed session or some light-tackle action.
Whether you’re after a family-friendly fishing day or a serious offshore chase, Tauranga delivers. Just remember to check the weather, time your tides, and respect local regulations. Tight lines!
🛶 Tauranga Wharf & Jetty Fishing Spots
The Best Land-Based Fishing Access Points Around Tauranga Harbour
If you’re looking for easy-access, land-based fishing in Tauranga, the city’s network of wharves and jetties offers some of the most accessible and productive spots in the Bay of Plenty. Whether you’re chasing snapper, kahawai, trevally, or even eels, these locations offer a mix of deep-water drop-offs, calm conditions, and strong local fishing reputations. Below are some of the best jetty and wharf fishing spots every angler should know.
🎣 Plummers Point Wharf
Peaceful Wharf Fishing in the Upper Harbour
Located in the scenic suburb of Whakamārama, Plummers Point Wharf is perfect for relaxed, easy fishing. It’s known for calm waters and a higher likelihood of catching eels, especially during dusk or dawn. The wharf is surrounded by native bush and offers a peaceful vibe—ideal for beginners or those wanting to enjoy a quiet afternoon.
Tips:
- Fish at sunset or after rain when eel activity increases
- Use smelly bait like pilchards or chicken liver for best results
- Great for kids or casual anglers
🎣 Omokoroa Wharf
Deep Water Fishing with Snapper and Trevally Potential
Omokoroa Wharf extends well into Tauranga Harbour, giving you access to deeper water than most land-based spots. That means a good chance at larger species like trevally and snapper. Fish around high tide for the best success, and bring berley to get the fish biting.
What You’ll Catch:
- Snapper (especially after dark)
- Trevally
- John dory on occasion
Angler’s Note: This is a popular spot, so try going early in the morning or midweek for more space.
🎣 Kauri Point Jetty
Jetty Fishing for Kahawai and the Occasional Kingfish
Stretching out 200 meters into the harbour, Kauri Point Jetty is one of the most productive and underrated land-based fishing platforms in the area. The depth here gives access to larger fish species, and it’s one of the few jetties where you might even hook a kingfish.
Top Targets:
- Kahawai schools (best during incoming tide)
- Snapper (early morning or evening)
- Kingfish (summer runs)
Gear Tip: Bring heavier tackle—kingfish can run fast and hard from the jetty’s end.
🎣 Tauranga Bridge Marina Pontoon
Family-Friendly Pontoon Fishing in the Heart of Tauranga
If you’re looking for an easy and accessible fishing location for kids or beginners, the floating pontoon at Tauranga Bridge Marina is a great option. Located close to shops and cafes, this spot offers simple fishing with species like kahawai and small snapper often in the area.
Best For:
- Families and kids
- Light tackle spinning
- A relaxed fishing session after work or while on holiday
🎣 Train Bridge (Otumoetai)
Cityside Fishing with Tidal Action
Just off the edge of the Otumoetai peninsula, the Train Bridge area offers land-based anglers a reliable chance at catching kahawai, snapper, and mullet—especially near high tide. The structure creates a nice current break, which attracts baitfish and predators alike.
Top Times:
- 1–2 hours before and after high tide
- Dawn and dusk for surface activity
What to Bring: - A sturdy rod for casting into deeper channels
- A cast net or sabiki rig if you’re after live bait first
🎣 Under the Tauranga Harbour Bridge
One of Tauranga’s Most Popular Urban Fishing Spots
The area underneath the Harbour Bridge (especially the city side) is a known hotspot for land-based fishing. With strong tidal flow and deep channels close to shore, it’s perfect for chasing snapper, trevally, and kahawai. It’s popular during early mornings and evenings, particularly in warmer months when baitfish move in close.
Quick Tips:
- Use berley to hold fish in the area
- Expect strong currents—use heavier sinkers
- Fish an incoming tide for the best results
🏞️ Tauranga River, Stream & Estuary Fishing Spots
Scenic and Productive Inshore Fishing for Mullet, Snapper, and More
For anglers who prefer calm waters, natural backdrops, and excellent inshore action, Tauranga’s rivers, streams, and estuaries offer prime fishing opportunities. These spots are ideal for mullet, kahawai, snapper, and even flounder, especially around the tide changes. Whether you’re fly fishing, bait fishing, or spinning, these locations provide accessible, often overlooked experiences for both locals and visiting fishos.
🎣 Wairoa River Fishing
Mullet and More in Tauranga’s Scenic Backwaters
The Wairoa River flows gently through the western edge of Tauranga, offering peaceful and productive fishing, especially for yellow-eyed mullet. It’s an excellent spot for those who enjoy quiet, natural surroundings, and it’s also popular with kayak anglers.
Why Fish Here:
- Great for kids and beginners
- Easy access along riverbanks and reserves
- Popular with bait or small lure fishing
Hot Tip: Try early morning sessions with small pieces of prawn, pilchard, or dough baits.
🎣 Kopurererua Stream Mouth
Quiet Spot for Mullet Fishing in Central Tauranga
Where the Kopurererua Stream meets the estuary is a tucked-away gem for mullet enthusiasts. It’s a calm, urban-adjacent spot that sees little pressure, making it perfect for a relaxed session with light tackle or hand lines.
What You’ll Catch:
- Yellow-eyed mullet (great on light gear)
- Small kahawai on the right tides
Access Tip: Bring polarized sunglasses to sight-fish near the stream mouth—especially on clear days.
🎣 Te Puna Channel
Sheltered Inlet Fishing for Snapper and Trevally
Te Puna Channel is a hidden treasure for small boat anglers or those casting from kayaks. The sheltered waters make it a great spot for calm-day missions, and the tidal flow brings in plenty of action during peak times.
Target Species:
- Snapper (great structure around channel edges)
- Trevally and kahawai (especially near bait schools)
Pro Tip: Drift soft plastics along the edge of drop-offs during the incoming tide for the best chance at bigger fish.
🎣 Tuapiro Reserve
Estuary Fishing for Flounder and Kahawai Near Tauranga
North of Tauranga, Tuapiro Reserve is a laid-back estuary location with sandy flats, making it ideal for wading and long-distance casting. The outgoing tide reveals mudflats that are perfect for targeting flounder with light gear.
Fishing Highlights:
- Flounder with soft baits or paddle tails
- Surface-feeding kahawai on light spin tackle
- Great for wading or fly fishing
Family-Friendly: Plenty of space, parking, and walking tracks make it great for an all-day outing.
🎣 Waihi Estuary
Productive Tide-Based Fishing on Tauranga’s Outskirts
At the eastern edge of Tauranga near Pukehina and Maketu, Waihi Estuary offers a great mix of river, estuary, and tidal flat fishing. It’s best fished around high tide, when baitfish move in and predators follow.
Expect to Catch:
- Mullet
- Flounder
- Kahawai
Extra Notes: - Fly anglers will love this spot for mullet and flounder
- Bring bug spray in summer—it can get marshy!
- Can be fished both from the shore or by kayak
🌊 Tauranga Shoreline & Coastal Rock Fishing Spots
Accessible Land-Based Fishing with Big Water Energy
Prefer to stay on solid ground but still want that offshore feel? Tauranga’s rocky outcrops, shoreline ledges, and urban edge fishing spots offer just that. These land-based locations give you the chance to hook serious fish like snapper, kahawai, and even kingfish—without needing a boat. Whether you’re casting off volcanic rock or flicking a soft bait in the city center, these coastal gems deliver action with atmosphere.
🎣 Sulphur Point Rocks
Rock Fishing Close to Tauranga’s Boat Ramps
Located near Marine Park, Sulphur Point Rocks are a convenient and surprisingly productive shoreline fishing spot. Just a short walk from the boat ramps and car park, this rocky edge offers access to deeper water and tidal flow that attracts predatory species.
Fish You’ll Encounter:
- Snapper (especially in spring and summer)
- Kahawai schools on the move
- The odd kingfish if conditions line up
Why Fish Here: - Easy access with parking nearby
- Great for early morning or after-work sessions
- Use berley to draw fish close to shore
🎣 Bowentown Headland Fishing
Scenic Rock Spot for Big Snapper Near the Harbour Entrance
Located at the northern tip of Tauranga Harbour’s entrance near Waihi Beach, Bowentown Headland offers some of the best rock fishing access in the region. With sweeping views and strong tidal currents, it’s a prime place to target bigger snapper and pelagic species like kahawai.
Best Conditions:
- Outgoing tide
- After swells settle, especially in summer
What You’ll Catch: - Snapper
- Kahawai
- Trevally
Safety Tip: Watch for slick rocks and avoid during heavy swells—this is a powerful spot in more ways than one.
🎣 The Strand Waterfront
Urban Shoreline Fishing in Downtown Tauranga
The Tauranga waterfront along The Strand offers easy, inner-city fishing with surprising results. Cast your line near moored boats, pilings, and along the seawall where baitfish often congregate. It’s especially productive during early morning high tides.
Great For:
- Kahawai on light gear
- Small snapper and mullet
- After-work or lunch break fishing
Angler’s Note: Bring light tackle, keep it mobile, and don’t be afraid to change spots every 20 minutes if you’re not getting bites.
🎣 The Cut at Maketu
Prime Fishing at the Kaituna River Mouth
A legendary spot in the local fishing community, The Cut is located at the mouth of the Kaituna River near Maketu. It’s a tidal hotspot where fresh and saltwater meet—creating powerful current lines that attract baitfish and predators. Fish from the beach, rocks, or the old jetty area.
Hot Species:
- Kahawai (plentiful when bait schools are around)
- Snapper on the incoming tide
- Mullet closer to the river mouth
Top Tips: - Fish early morning or two hours before high tide
- Use lures for kahawai or bait rigs for snapper
- Be cautious of swift water movement near the river mouth
🚤 Offshore & Boat-Based Reefs – Tauranga
Deep-Water Reefs for Snapper, Kingfish, and Big Game Action
Tauranga is a gateway to some of the best reef fishing in the Bay of Plenty. From easily reachable spots like Six-Mile Reef to deeper, more remote zones like Penguin Shoals or The Quarry, these offshore fishing grounds are prime territory for snapper, kingfish, and other hard-fighting species. Whether you’re a weekend boatie or a seasoned charter skipper, these reef systems promise a thrilling day on the water.
🎣 Karewa Reef Fishing
Top Offshore Spot Near Tauranga for Snapper and Kingfish
Just a short steam from Mount Maunganui, Karewa Reef sits near Karewa Island and is a favorite among local boaties. The reef is home to reef-dwelling snapper and seasonal kingfish, especially in summer.
Hot Tips:
- Use slow jigs or live bait for kingfish
- Drop soft baits or strayline for snapper over the reef edge
- Best fished on the outgoing tide for current flow
🎣 Six-Mile Reef
Popular Tauranga Offshore Reef for Mixed Bag Fishing
Located around six nautical miles from the harbor entrance, this reef is easy to access and consistently productive. It’s a go-to spot for snapper, trevally, and the occasional gurnard or john dory.
Why It’s Popular:
- Great for beginners or half-day trips
- Multiple reef patches to drift over
- Fish respond well to soft baits and cut bait
🎣 Nine-Mile Reef
Deep Water Fishing Adventure Off the Tauranga Coast
Further offshore, Nine-Mile Reef offers deeper structure and a greater chance at larger specimens. This reef attracts kingfish schools, snapper, and even tarakihi.
Best Conditions:
- Calm weather days with slow drift
- Great for vertical jigging and live baiting
Gear Up: - Bring heavier gear and plenty of sinkers—the depth here is no joke.
🎣 Okaparu Reefs
Productive Reef System Just Offshore from Tauranga
Known for its complex structure and rich marine life, Okaparu Reefs deliver consistent action year-round. Expect a variety of reef species and predators.
Fish You’ll Find:
- Snapper
- Tarakihi
- Kingfish (summer season)
Boater’s Note: Charts help immensely here—the reef is patchy and rewards precision anchoring or drifting.
🎣 Penguin Shoals
Offshore Fishing Hotspot for Experienced Boaters
A deeper offshore system located further east, Penguin Shoals is for those chasing something bigger. Known for its kingfish, hapuku, and even bluenose in the right conditions.
Advanced Spot:
- Best reached on calm days with solid GPS/charting
- Use deep drop rigs and live baits
- Excellent area for gamefish nearby during warmer months
🎣 Ngapita Reef
Offshore Tauranga Fishing for Snapper and Kingfish
Ngapita is a solid mid-distance reef that consistently holds snapper and trevally, with kingfish cruising through when baitfish are thick.
Fishing Advice:
- Drift-fishing with soft baits works well
- Topwater stickbaits are effective for kings when conditions allow
- Use berley to hold schooling snapper
🎣 Lassiters Reef
Go-To Reef for Bigger Fish off Tauranga’s Coastline
If you’re looking to target larger snapper or get stuck into kingfish, Lassiters is a deeper, less pressured reef that delivers.
What Makes it Special:
- Holds good fish year-round
- Less traffic = less educated fish
- Drop baits or slow jigs around reef edges
🎣 Pudney Rock
High-Action Offshore Fishing Spot Near Tauranga
Pudney Rock is a reef-like feature that draws predators, especially during tide changes. It’s often visited by those targeting fast-moving fish and aggressive feeders.
Species You’ll Find:
- Kingfish
- Kahawai
- Snapper on the bottom
Pro Tip: Use your sounder to locate bait schools—big fish won’t be far behind.
🎣 Petleys Reef
Remote Reef Fishing for Deep Water Species Near Tauranga
One of the more remote options on this list, Petleys is a great destination for serious anglers targeting larger reef species.
Expect To Catch:
- Snapper
- Tarakihi
- Hapuku in nearby deep drops
Best Methods: - Ledger rigs with squid or pilchard
- Slow jigs bounced off structure
🎣 Brewis Shoal
Boating Angler’s Favorite Spot Near Tauranga
This expansive shoal area is perfect for exploratory drifts. It’s less defined than a classic reef but can produce big fish in the right conditions.
Tactics That Work:
- Use your sounder to find fishy marks
- Drop a slow jig and cover ground
- Great in calm to moderate conditions
🎣 The Quarry
Deep Reef Fishing Near Tauranga for Serious Anglers
A legendary offshore spot, The Quarry is one of the deepest and most productive locations for experienced anglers chasing something big.
Fishing Potential:
- XL snapper
- Kingfish schools
- Even hapuku if you work the drop-offs nearby
Gear Needed: - Heavy rods, plenty of line, and a backup plan—it’s deep and wild out there.
📍 Local Known Spots (Boat/Offshore)
Insider Fishing Locations Only the Tauranga Locals Talk About
While popular reefs and ramps attract the crowds, many local anglers quietly visit lesser-known but highly productive fishing spots scattered across Tauranga’s harbor and offshore zones. These aren’t always marked on charts or tourist maps—but they consistently produce snapper, kingfish, and trevally for those in the know. Here’s your peek into the best of them.
🎣 Middle Harbour Banks
Underrated Tauranga Spot for Snapper and Trevally
Situated within Tauranga Harbour’s central basin, Middle Harbour Banks feature submerged structure and sand channels that hold fish year-round. This area is great for those looking to avoid the offshore haul but still land solid snapper and trevally.
Why Fish Here:
🎣 Rangiwaea Island South
Quiet Island Waters Ideal for Boat Fishing
South of Rangiwaea Island lies a sheltered stretch of water with healthy fish stocks and calm conditions. It’s a great location for family-friendly fishing trips or relaxed solo missions.
Top Targets:
- Pan-sized snapper
- Trevally and occasional gurnard
- Perfect for light tackle fun
Local Tip: Anchor off the island edge and use a light strayline with pilchard or squid.
🎣 Anzac Bay Ramp and Harbour Entrance
Gateway to Tauranga’s Prime Fishing Grounds
Anzac Bay isn’t just a boat ramp—it’s the starting line to some of the Bay of Plenty’s top fishing. From here, you’re a short steam to Karewa Reef, Penguin Shoals, or Bowentown’s outer reefs.
Why It’s Popular:
- Clean ramp and good facilities
- Easy access to both harbour and ocean
- Local favorite for launching early
Bonus: Fish the harbour mouth itself for kahawai and trevally on your way out.
🎣 Walys Spot
Local Secret Fishing Hole Near Tauranga’s Offshore Reefs
Not marked on many maps, “Walys Spot” is a go-to for seasoned locals. It lies near popular offshore reefs but avoids the heavy boat traffic. Known for steady snapper action and the occasional kingfish.
Keep in Mind:
- Best fished with a slow drift
- Use your sounder to find the school
- Anchor if the bite’s consistent and drop berley
🎣 Norms Nook
Trusted Offshore Spot for Kingfish Near Tauranga
If kingfish are your mission, Norms Nook is worth plugging into your GPS. Known for holding baitfish and attracting kings during summer runs, it’s a preferred haunt for lure tossers and live baiters.
Best Techniques:
- Stickbaits or poppers on surface
- Jig deep drop-offs when schools show
- Keep gear strong—big kings roam here
🎣 Larrys Spot
Consistent Boat Fishing Location Loved by Locals
Larrys Spot might not sound flashy, but it’s a workhorse of a fishing ground. Whether you’re chasing a feed of snapper or looking for some steady bites during a quiet tide, this location delivers.
What to Expect:
- Reliable fishing with minimal crowds
- A good starting point for less experienced skippers
- A mix of reef and sand-bottom species
Insider Tip: Fish early morning and try varying your depth every drift—you’ll often find the fish sitting deeper than expected.
Tides In Tauranga
Find below all the information you need about tide times in Tauranga. There is a nice graph along with the times of the high and low tides throughout the Tauranga region.
Image gallery of the best spots to go Fishing In Tauranga
Check out the image gallery below of some of the best places to go fishing in Tauranga. This image gallery will be updated from time to time as will the different spots, as we find them. Some of these locations are great spots for sunrises and sunsets.
Other places to go fishing in Tauranga
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