Waiheke is surrounded by the Hauraki Gulf, so finding a rock to fish off, or a beach to cast from, or somewhere to launch a boat is easy. There are a few key spots that locals love. Some are accessed via man-made tracks, wharves and beaches. Be mindful that the island has a Rahui crustacean restriction put in place to allow the island’s marine life such as paua, crayfish, mussels and scallops to recover and thrive. There are also marine reserves at set locations around the island to help the fish numbers repopulate.
Waiheke also has a few boat ramps to make it easy for boaties to launch off. Some are concrete ramps and others launch off the beach. Launching on Waiheke can be tide-dependent, so always check the local charts before heading out.
Here we will list fishing spots, boat ramps, fish species and New Zealand fishing rules.
Fishing Spots
Fisherman’s Rock – Fisherman’s Rock is a well known spot on Waiheke for fishing. Located on the north side of Waiheke via Newton Road, it is a rocky terrain accessed by a small path and a couple of flights of steps.
Kennedy Point Pier – Kennedy Point Pier is located near the SeaLink ferry terminal. It is a man-made rock-walled pier with a flat concrete path. You can fish on either side of the pier or at the end by the marker flag. This spot is a perfect place to teach young ones to fish.
Orapiu Wharf – Orapiu Wharf is a popular place for many Waiheke locals to go fishing. It is located on the other side of Waiheke called the “Bottom End”, so expect a long drive. The wharf offers stunning views of the surrounding waters and landscapes including Ponui Island and the Tamaki Strait.
The Esplanade – This fishing spot is located in Oneroa/Blackpool on the gravel road called The Esplanade. The fishing spot is easy to get to and is accessed on foot. Locals have caught kahawai here.
Sandy Bay – Sandy Bay is a surprisingly quiet beach with plenty of easily accessible rocks to fish off. Sandy Bay has parking and toilets close by.
Enclosure Bay – The rocks at Enclosure Bay are easily accessible. Past the bay is open ocean, making it a great spot to fish. Many snags do occur here, but if you’re lucky you might come across an orca (killer whale). Note Enclosure Bay can be very busy during warmer months so parking can be limited.
Onetangi Beach – Onetangi Beach is ideal for surf casting. The beach stretches 2 km so there are ample fishing spots. Just be wary of people swimming.
Matiatia Wharf – The second ferry terminal at Matiatia Wharf is a perfect family fishing spot. Best accessed outside of ferry hours. Locals fish here at night for snapper, trevally and squid.
Boat ramps
Kennedy Point – There are two concrete ramps located at Kennedy Point. The larger one is allocated to the SeaLink car ferry. A smaller ramp is located closer to the rock pier, and is safe for launching medium to small sized boats. Nearby is a floating pontoon/platform for friends and family to safely climb aboard. Further up the road is trailer parking at the Kennedy Point Carpark.
Matiatia Bay – A concrete boat ramp located near the Fullers passenger ferry terminal in Oneroa. It can be busy with foot traffic during ferry hours. There is also parking allocated for boat trailers.
Wharf Road boat ramp – A concrete boat ramp located in Ostend, It is good for most tides. The ramp is steep and can be slippery depending on the last ramp clean and weather conditions. There are about 6-8 parks designed for boat trailers for day trips.
Oneroa Beach – A beach launch ramp located at the far end of Oneroa Beach, accessed via Korora Road. This is for launching and retrieving boats only. It is only for 4WDs and Sealegs, as you can get stuck launching off the sand.
Sandy Bay – A beach/concrete ramp located in Oneroa. It is entered via a concrete ramp onto the beach. It is only for 4WDs and Sealegs, as you can get stuck launching off the sand.
Surfdale Beach – A beach launch located in Surfdale Esplanade. Launching at Surfdale is tide dependent. It is best for smaller boats or jet skis. This beach also has a ski lane, so it is the go-to for any water sports. The ramp is constructed from concrete gobi blocks but they usually get covered in sand.
Shelly Beach – A beach launch located in Surfdale. Launching at Shelly Beach is tide dependent. It is very small and mainly for launching dinghies, kayaks and small recreational yachts like lasers.
Onetangi Beach – A beach launch located on either side of Onetangi Beach. One is located on the far end of Onetangi Strand and the other is located on First Avenue. Only for 4WDs or Sealegs, as you can get stuck launching off the sand. There is some boat trailer parking on First Avenue.
Fish Species
About five species of fish are commonly caught on Waiheke. There are plenty more species further out in the open ocean, like marlins and other larger species.
- Snapper – Copper-pink with silver-white undersides and small blue dots. (There are size/quantity restrictions.)
- Kahawai – Dark bluish-green dorsally and silvery white ventrally. (There are quantity restrictions.)
- Spotties – A small, common fish in New Zealand waters, known for their spots and ease of catching, often a child’s first catch. (There are quantity restrictions.)
- Yellowtail Kingfish – The yellowtail Kingfish is one of the most ferocious and powerful fish that every fisherman dreams about landing. (There are size/quantity restrictions.)
- Trevally – The deep body, separated dorsal fins and row of ridged plates near the tail base are distinctive features of this species. The body has a blue-green colouration with metallic overtones. A small dark blotch often appears on the upper gill plate and its fins are tinged yellow. (There are size/quantity restrictions.)
Fishing Restrictions and Laws
Stick to all New Zealand fishing laws, if it’s too small put back. Only take what you are allowed!
On Waiheke there is a Rahui in place for paua, crayfish, mussels and scallops.
The Waiheke Rāhui is a temporary fishing restriction (no-take) around Waiheke Island, initiated by Ngāti Pāoa iwi in 2021. To protect declining marine species like paua, crayfish, mussels and scallops. Extending one nautical mile offshore and becoming legally enforceable under the Fisheries Act. With ongoing efforts to extend and manage the crucial marine protection.
Rubbish
Please take home everything you brought with you when you leave!
Keep our oceans clean, we are always taking home found rubbish and lines when we fish. Sea life pay the price when rubbish and fishing lines are left behind.
- Fishing lines and equipment
- Drinking cans, bottle caps, bottles
- Bait bags