Tauranga, NZ is a harborside city that lives to fish. When you’re not busy basking in the local hot springs or hiking the extinct volcano Mount Maunganui, take some time to see what’s biting offshore. You won’t find the most dazzling of New Zealand’s big game fish in these waters, but you will find some of the tastiest. From Snapper, Trevally, and Kingfish to gargantuan Hapuka and Bass, the Bay of Plenty certainly lives up to its name. Tauranga fishing charters are all about making the most of this fishery, whether you love catching your own seafood or simply love eating it!
Tauranga Fishing Spots
Shallow Water Reefs
You can bring home quite a haul after a day on the Bay of Plenty’s nearshore reefs. It’s common to head toward Moiti Island, roughly 16 km (10 miles) offshore, where the relatively shallow water hosts some of the area’s most iconic species. Bottom fishing produces John Dory, Kingfish (Yellowtail Amberjack), Pink Maomao, Tarakihi, Porae, Trevally, and Pink and Golden Snappers. Trips typically last 6-9 hours and make a great introduction for kids and first time anglers who want to see what fishing in Tauranga is all about.
Mayor Island/Tuhua Island
Mayor Island (or Tuhua Island) sits roughly 35 km (21 miles) from the harbor entrance. This is where more serious fishermen come to experience Tauranga fishing at its finest. The deep water surrounding Mayor Island is home to one of the Bay of Plenty’s most cherished species: Hapuka. This member of the Grouper family is a popular food fish, which is targeted more for its taste that its game qualities. When hooked in shallow enough water, however, these brutes can put up a good fight. Hapuka easily reach up to 80 kg (over 175 lbs), but that’s nothing compared to the giant Bass in these waters, which can top 200 kg (more than 440 lbs). Full day and overnight charters to Mayor Island will give you the perfect opportunity to hook into these brutes as well as Bluenose Warehou, Snapper, Kingfish, and other bottom dwellers.
Lake Tarawera
If you’re looking to mix things up a little, consider a trip to Lake Tarawera, located a little more than an hour’s drive away from downtown Tauranga. Here you can catch Rainbow Trout and spend a delightful day on the water. For light tackle and fly fishermen, this lake offers the perfect complement to all that bottom fishing happening off the coast. Some guides will even include a stop at the local hot springs. Depending on the trip and the guide you hire, you may be required to purchase a fishing license.
Need to Know
Regulations
Recreational anglers do not need a license for saltwater fishing. A NZ fishing license is required for many lakes and rivers, but some guides offer trips that do not require customers to buy a license. Always check with your guide ahead of time if you have questions concerning local regulations.
Budget
Many Tauranga fishing charters run out of the Tauranga Bridge Marina. It’s worth noting that charter rates don’t usually include tackle. You can bring your own gear or rent from the boat (20-30 NZD per rod). Hapuka gear usually costs more than regular bottom fishing gear. Some boats also charge extra for bait (10-20 NZD).
Reef fishing trips range from 1100-1700 NZD, depending on the length of the trip and the quality of the boat. You can expect to pay 80-100 NZD per person for a shared charter.
Trips to Mayor Island last 11-12 hours and can range from 1400-1700 NZD in price, or 120-150 per person for a shared trip.
Overnight Hapuka fishing charters start at 1600 NZD and work their way up to 2000 NZD. A shared trip costs 200 NZD per person and upwards.
Tauranga Fishing Techniques
Hapuka, Bass, Bluenose Warehou, Tarakihi, and many other fish are caught while bottom fishing in water anywhere from 80-250 meters deep. This can be done with handheld rods as well as electric reels, depending on how deep the water is and the size of the fish you’re targeting.
Jigging produces fish like John Dory, Trevally, and Snapper. Kahawai make for great light tackle action and will take a wide variety of baits and lures.
Getting There
Getting to Tauranga is relatively easy, whether you’re traveling by car, bus, plane, or cruise ship.
Air New Zealand offers daily flights to Tauranga, with direct connections from Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. As the largest cruise port in New Zealand, Tauranga is also frequently visited by cruise ships passing through the country.
If you’re up for a road trip, this city is an easy drive from any location on the North Island. Tauranga is a 6-hour drive from Wellington and a 3-hour drive from Auckland.
Alternatively, you can catch one of the region’s regular buses connecting Tauranga, Auckland, Rotorua, Taupo, and other destinations. Tauranga’s main bus station is located just outside of the i-SITE Visitor Centre and Tauranga City Council headquarters.
No matter how you make your way here, rest assured there’s no shortage of game fish waiting for you in the Bay of Plenty!