Pāuatahanui Inlet is the larger arm of Porirua Harbour — a sheltered tidal estuary extending inland from the harbour mouth. It is recognised as one of the most significant estuarine environments in the lower North Island, with saltmarsh, tidal flats, birdlife, fish habitat and walking access around parts of the inlet. The Pāuatahanui Wildlife Reserve protects an important wetland area at the eastern/head end of the inlet, while the wider inlet remains a valued place for wildlife watching, walking, and carefully managed recreational fishing.
Practical Information
| Location | Pāuatahanui village and Pāuatahanui Inlet, off SH58, north of Wellington |
|---|---|
| Access | Multiple access points around the inlet, including Pāuatahanui village, Grays Road, Motukaraka Point and Te Ara Piko |
| Key species | Estuarine and harbour fish species including rig, flounder, sole and kahawai; whitebait species are associated with streams entering the inlet |
| Whitebait season | 1 September to 30 October inclusive; check current DOC whitebaiting rules before fishing |
| Rules | Set netting is banned in Pāuatahanui Inlet; MPI Central area recreational fishing rules apply |
| Licence | No licence is generally required for recreational saltwater fishing, but whitebaiting and fishing method rules still apply |
About the Inlet
Pāuatahanui Inlet is the largest arm of Porirua Harbour and is described by DOC as the largest relatively unmodified estuarine area in the southern North Island. The Pāuatahanui Wildlife Reserve sits at the eastern edge or head of the inlet and protects saltmarsh, tidal flats, wetland habitat and important birdlife.
The wider inlet is ecologically important and supports a range of marine and freshwater-connected species. Rig, also known as spotted smooth-hound, are found in Pāuatahanui Inlet and the inlet is recognised as important habitat for this species. The name “spotted dogfish” is sometimes used casually for rig, but it is not technically correct because true dogfish are a different shark family.
Whitebait are associated with the streams entering Pāuatahanui Inlet. GOPI notes that spawning areas have been identified in rivers and streams entering the inlet, including areas around Duck Creek and Pāuatahanui Stream. Whitebaiting is seasonal and regulated, so anglers should check the current DOC whitebaiting rules before fishing.
Fishing in and around the inlet should be approached with care because the area is ecologically sensitive. Pāuatahanui Inlet is a restricted area under MPI rules, with set netting banned. Anglers should check the latest MPI Central area recreational fishing rules before fishing, including rules for fishing methods, size limits, bag limits and restricted areas.
Walking and Access
The inlet is also popular for walking and wildlife watching. Te Ara Piko runs along the northern edge of Pāuatahanui Inlet, through saltmarsh and wetland habitat, with boardwalks, bridges and harbour views. It links areas around Pāuatahanui Wildlife Reserve, Motukaraka Point and the Wellington Jet Sport Club.
Public access to the Pāuatahanui Wildlife Reserve is via the Forest & Bird reserve at Pāuatahanui village from SH58. DOC notes that the reserve protects rare species and habitats, and that dogs, fires, hunting, trail bike riding and mountain biking are not permitted in the reserve.
Getting There
From Wellington, travel north toward Porirua and follow SH58 toward Pāuatahanui village. The inlet is visible from the road as you approach the village. Access points are available from the village, Grays Road, Motukaraka Point and other locations around the inlet margins. For walking access, check DOC and WellingtonNZ information for Pāuatahanui Wildlife Reserve and Te Ara Piko.
Where to Learn More
Fish of the Inlet — Guardians of Pāuatahanui Inlet — species information for fish found in Pāuatahanui Inlet.
Pāuatahanui Wildlife Reserve — Department of Conservation — reserve information, walking tracks, access details and habitat protection notes.
Central Area Recreational Fishing Rules — MPI — current saltwater fishing rules for the Wellington and Porirua area, including the Pāuatahanui Inlet set-netting restriction.
Whitebait Fishing Regulations — Department of Conservation — current whitebait season, gear and timing rules.
FAQ
What fish are found at Pāuatahanui Inlet?
The inlet supports estuarine and harbour fish species, including rig, flounder, sole and kahawai. Whitebait species are associated with streams entering the inlet.
Do I need a licence to fish the inlet?
A licence is generally not required for recreational saltwater fishing, but MPI fishing rules still apply. Whitebaiting is separately regulated by DOC, with its own season and gear rules.
When is whitebait season?
The New Zealand whitebait season is 1 September to 30 October inclusive. Whitebaiting outside the season is prohibited.
Is netting allowed?
Set netting is banned within Pāuatahanui Inlet. Check the current MPI Central area recreational fishing rules before fishing.
Is the inlet a wildlife reserve?
The Pāuatahanui Wildlife Reserve protects a 50-hectare wetland area at the eastern/head end of the inlet. The wider Pāuatahanui Inlet includes additional estuarine areas, reserves and access points.
Can I walk around the inlet?
Yes. Te Ara Piko is a flat wetland walkway along the northern edge of Pāuatahanui Inlet, with boardwalks, bridges and harbour views. It connects areas around the wildlife reserve, Motukaraka Point and the Wellington Jet Sport Club.
Pāuatahanui Inlet fishing is part of the Fishing in Wellington guide. For nearby open-coast fishing, Pukerua Bay offers rock and beach angling on the Kāpiti Coast just north of Pāuatahanui.