Matapouri Bay is a half-moon shaped bay on the Tutukaka Coast, about 10 minutes north of Tutukaka Harbour and roughly 30 km north-east of Whangarei. Bush-clad headlands frame both ends of the bay, and those rocky points and headlands are the main fishing focus — snapper and trevally are taken in the sheltered bay sections, while the headlands provide access to kahawai and kingfish in rougher water. There is also surfcasting from the beach itself. Matapouri is part of a stretch of coast that includes Sandy Bay and Whale Bay, and all three bays are popular land-based fishing spots.
Practical Information
| Location | Matapouri, Tutukaka Coast — approx. 30 km north-east of Whangarei |
| Access | Via Matapouri Road from the Tutukaka turnoff on SH1 |
| Bay shape | Half-moon bay with bush-clad headlands at both ends |
| Key species | Snapper, trevally (sheltered bay); kahawai, kingfish (rocky headlands) |
| Main methods | Rock fishing from headlands; surfcasting from beach; soft baits and bait rigs |
| Best spots | Rock platforms at both ends of the bay; beach surfcasting around the headlands |
| Licence required | No — saltwater fishing is licence-free; bag limits and size limits apply |
| Nearby bays | Sandy Bay, Whale Bay — similar rock and beach fishing options |
About Matapouri Bay Fishing
Matapouri Bay is primarily known as one of Northland’s most scenic beaches, but its headlands and rock platforms make it one of the more productive land-based fishing spots on the Tutukaka Coast. The bay’s two headlands — one at each end of the crescent — can be accessed at lower tides to reach casting positions above the rock platforms. At these headland edges, the water tends to drop away quickly, giving access to snapper and trevally holding in the structure below.
The sheltered interior of the bay itself is good for snapper and trevally fishing from shore. Soft baits fished on light jigheads work well in the clearer water of sheltered bays like Matapouri, and a pilchard on a running sinker rig is the standard bait approach. The half-moon shape of the bay provides some protection from south-west winds, making it fishable in conditions that would shut down more exposed spots on the coast.
The rocky headlands at both ends of the bay attract kahawai and kingfish, particularly in summer when these species move up the coast. Kahawai are aggressive surface feeders and can be taken on metal lures and stickbaits cast from the rocks. Kingfish require heavier gear and are less predictable, but the headlands at Matapouri — particularly when kahawai schools are working bait on the surface — are a realistic land-based kingfish location on the Tutukaka Coast.
At very low tides, rock pools between the headland outcrops can be explored for marine life, and the rocks themselves provide access to smaller coves and secluded spots not visible from the main beach. Rock fishing safety applies — these platforms can be washed by swells, particularly in larger seas, and it is essential to check conditions before fishing any exposed rock platform.
Rock Fishing Safety
Rock fishing is the cause of a significant number of drowning deaths in New Zealand each year. At Matapouri, the headland platforms can be reached at low tide, but swell conditions can change quickly. Before fishing from any rock platform, check the surf forecast, assess the sea state from a safe position, identify a clear escape route, and never fish alone. Wearing a lifejacket is strongly recommended for rock fishing in any exposed position. Maritime NZ and Water Safety NZ both publish rock fishing safety guidance — reading this before a first rock fishing session is worth the time.
Tutukaka Coast Fishing Context
Matapouri sits on the Tutukaka Coast — a stretch of coastline east of Whangarei that includes Tutukaka Harbour, Matapouri Bay, Sandy Bay, and Whale Bay. The whole coast is productive for land-based fishing, with each bay and headland offering slightly different access and species mix. Tutukaka Harbour, about 10 minutes south of Matapouri, is the base for deep-sea and game fishing charters heading to the Poor Knights Islands and offshore grounds. Anglers spending a day or more on the Tutukaka Coast can combine land-based fishing at Matapouri with a charter trip from Tutukaka for the full range of what this coast offers.
Where to Learn More
Local fishing guide covering Matapouri Bay, Sandy Bay, Whale Bay, and the broader Tutukaka Coast alongside other Whangarei-area fishing spots.
Community discussion on surfcasting at Matapouri Bay with notes from local anglers on spots, species, and conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Matapouri Bay?
Matapouri Bay is on the Tutukaka Coast, about 10 minutes north of Tutukaka Harbour and approximately 30 km north-east of Whangarei. Access is via Matapouri Road.
What fish can you catch at Matapouri Bay?
Snapper and trevally in the sheltered bay; kahawai and kingfish from the rocky headlands. The headlands also hold squid and other species seasonally.
Where are the best fishing spots at Matapouri?
The rock platforms at both ends of the bay’s headlands are the main spots. The beach itself can be surfcast, especially around the headland edges where the bottom changes from sand to rock.
Is rock fishing safe at Matapouri?
The headlands are accessible at low tide but can be washed by swells. Always check the surf forecast, assess conditions from a safe position, identify an escape route, and consider wearing a lifejacket. Never fish exposed rocks alone.
What is the best time to fish at Matapouri Bay?
Incoming tide and first light or evening tend to be most productive. Summer and autumn are the best seasons for kingfish at the headlands.
What other bays near Matapouri are good for fishing?
Sandy Bay and Whale Bay are close by on the same stretch of coast and offer similar rock and beach fishing options. Tutukaka Harbour is the departure point for offshore charter fishing.
Matapouri Bay fishing is part of the fishing in Whangarei hub. For offshore fishing from Tutukaka, see Poor Knights Islands fishing and fishing charters near Whangarei.