Five Best Fishing Spots In Tauranga
Now that we have settled into life at Level 2 and things start to feel a little more normal, some of the activities that we enjoy are coming back to life. One of the best things about Tauranga is the surrounding water, both the ocean and the native streams and estuaries that surround the outer limits of the city. If relaxing to you is sitting back and going for a quiet fish then we have rounded up the five best fishing spots in Tauranga where you can cast your rod and relax – and hopefully snag a big one!
Waioka River
Deep between the Matahi and Toatoa ranges lies the Waioeka river famous amongst the more adventurous trawlers. Flowing north to Opotiki, this fishing belt doesn’t just give you all the eels, it’s a rainbow of trout, over the top views and lush relaxation. Despite being between a major thoroughfare for the Bay of Plenty, Waioeka still feels stunningly pristine – a great way to see some of the clean green scenery that the country is most famous for!
Railway Bridge Matapihi
It’s all in the name for this one! Stretching out beyond the famous Harbourside restaurant (nee Tauranga yacht club) is the most sought after (and controversial) spot in Tauranga. The Matapihi railway bridge is currently considered tapu, and rightfully so, this is the only way to re-live Trainspotting through the lens of Tauranga. If you’re hellbent on some Kingfisher then this might be up your alley!
Matakana Island
Book out a full day cruise with Kewpie Kruise (which is licensed, need I say more?) and head out to the beautiful Matakana Island: accessible by all, used by few! Pack your berley and spend the day genuinely believing you’re isolated from the world (too soon?). Expect a ton of snapper and trevally and the occasional kingfisher. It’s shallow waters so you have to travel north of the island to protect yourself from harmful (sting) rays.
Moturiki aka Leisure Island
Accessible by foot, kayak, boat or time travel, Moturiki—a tiny island connected to Mount Maunganui—is the sitting duck of tourist destinations. Yet it’s the back of the island that harbors a wide variety of fish. Formally a ‘Marineland’ “aquarium” in the seventies, now you can (sociably and responsibly) net your own collection of fishy assets.
Pilot Quay
It’s high tide and high time you clued in on Pilot Bay’s biggest open secret that literally no one is getting in on. Hidden between the Warrior Statue and the south mount jetty at Pilot Quay is an oasis of John Dory and Snapper where no one would consider throwing a line, but Mount Maunganui’s best do.