Makara Beach is the gateway to Wellington’s most productive stretch of coastline for trophy snapper and trevally. The exposed south coast between Makara and Ōwhiro Bay, accessible on foot from the beach car park, is consistently described by Wellington fishing writers as the region’s premier land-based snapper fishery. The Makara to Manawatu coastline produces the majority of trophy-sized snapper caught from Wellington shores, and the small beaches within the Makara area are considered the best trevally spots on the coast.
Practical Information
| Location | Mākara Beach, western Wellington — 20km from the CBD |
|---|---|
| Access | Car park at Mākara Beach; walk east (Opau Bay ~1.5hr) or west (Boom Rock ~1.5hr) |
| Key species | Snapper (trophy), trevally, kahawai, blue cod, tarakihi, kingfish (at Boom Rock) |
| Season | Snapper and kingfish peak summer; good year-round |
| Note | Remote coastline — go with a partner, check conditions before heading out |
About the Spot
Makara Beach itself is a starting point rather than the main destination — the fishing is best along the coastline east and west of the beach. To the east, the walk to Opau Bay (approximately 1.5 hours) passes through a series of rocky coves and headlands where snapper, trevally and blue cod are taken from the rocks. To the west, the walk toward Boom Rock (also about 1.5 hours) leads to one of the best land-based kingfish positions in the Wellington region — a prominent rock platform over deep water where livebaits and large lures consistently produce fish.
The Makara coastline combines a range of fishing environments — shingle beaches for long surfcasting casts, heavily-weeded rocky coves for bottom fishing, and deep-water rock platforms that access the channels used by schooling pelagic species. This variety of terrain is what makes the area so productive: different positions on the same walk target different species and techniques.
Trophy snapper are the area’s signature catch. Fish are larger here than in the harbour — snapper of 4kg+ are not unusual, and the terrain produces occasional fish well above that. Trevally of exceptional size are taken from the small beaches within the Makara area, making this one of the few Wellington locations where record-class trevally are a realistic prospect. Kahawai are common along current lines and provide consistent action on metal lures.
Conditions and Safety
Makara is exposed to the Cook Strait and the coastline can be dangerous in swell. The rocky terrain is uneven and sections involve steep climbs. Checking the surf forecast before heading out is essential, and fishing with a partner is strongly recommended on this remote stretch of coast. The Wellington City Council’s Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush and south coast area has information on track conditions.
Where to Learn More
Destination Review: Makara — The Fishing Website — detailed guide to fishing the Makara coastline including access and key positions.
Wellington Rocks: The Windy City’s Best Shore Spots — NZ Fishing World — includes Makara in its overview of Wellington’s best land-based fishing.
Mākara Beach — Wellington City Council — access, parking and visitor information for Makara Beach.
FAQ
Where is Makara Beach?
Mākara Beach is on Wellington’s west coast, about 20km from the CBD via Karori. The drive takes around 30–40 minutes.
What is Boom Rock?
Boom Rock is a prominent rock platform west of Makara Beach, about 1.5 hours on foot, known as one of Wellington’s best land-based kingfish positions. It also produces large snapper and trevally.
Is it safe for beginners?
The exposed coastline and remote terrain make Makara better suited to experienced anglers. Going with a partner and checking conditions is essential. Beginners are better starting at the beach itself rather than the more exposed rock positions.
What is the best fish to target?
Trophy snapper and trevally are the area’s speciality. Kahawai are reliable on lures, and kingfish are possible at Boom Rock in summer.
Makara Beach fishing is part of the wider Fishing in Wellington guide. For safer, more accessible south coast fishing, Red Rocks is another south coast option, and Wellington Harbour offers sheltered alternatives when coastal conditions are rough.
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