Last updated July 2026
Pāuatahanui Inlet forms the larger eastern arm of Porirua Harbour, a sheltered tidal estuary about 25–30 km north of Wellington. It stands out as the largest relatively unmodified estuarine area in the southern North Island, featuring saltmarsh, tidal flats and important habitat for fish and birds. The Pāuatahanui Wildlife Reserve protects a 50-hectare wetland at the head of the inlet. Recreational fishing occurs alongside walking and wildlife watching, with strict rules protecting the sensitive environment.
Practical Information
| Location | Pāuatahanui Inlet, eastern arm of Porirua Harbour, off SH58 near Pāuatahanui village |
| Access | Multiple points including Pāuatahanui village, Grays Road, Motukaraka Point and Te Ara Piko walkway |
| Key species | Rig, flounder, sole, kahawai; whitebait in streams entering the inlet |
| Whitebait season | 1 September to 30 October inclusive |
| Rules | Set netting banned in the inlet; MPI Central area recreational fishing rules apply |
| Licence | No licence required for most recreational saltwater fishing |
| Reserve restrictions | Dogs, fires, hunting, trail bikes and mountain bikes prohibited in Pāuatahanui Wildlife Reserve |
About Pāuatahanui Inlet
Pāuatahanui Inlet is the larger of the two arms of Porirua Harbour and supports a mosaic of tidal flats, saltmarsh and wetland vegetation. DOC describes it as the largest relatively unmodified estuarine area in the southern North Island. The inlet provides nursery habitat for several fish species and remains an important site for estuarine ecology.
Rig (spotted smooth-hound) occur in the inlet, which is recognised as significant habitat for this species. Other common catches include flounder, sole and kahawai. Whitebait associate with streams flowing into the inlet, including Pāuatahanui Stream and Duck Creek, where spawning areas have been identified.
Fishing must follow strict regulations because the area is ecologically sensitive. Set netting is prohibited throughout Pāuatahanui Inlet under MPI rules. Anglers should always check the latest Central area recreational fishing regulations for size limits, bag limits and method restrictions before fishing.
Whitebaiting is seasonal and regulated separately by DOC. The nationwide season runs from 1 September to 30 October inclusive. Only permitted gear may be used, and fishers must stay within daylight hours and other gear limits.
Walking and Access
Te Ara Piko provides a flat, step-free walkway along the northern edge of the inlet. The path features boardwalks and bridges through saltmarsh and wetland areas, offering harbour views and connections between the Pāuatahanui Wildlife Reserve, Motukaraka Point and the Wellington Jet Sport Club.
Public access to the Pāuatahanui Wildlife Reserve is via the adjacent Forest & Bird reserve at Pāuatahanui village off SH58. The reserve protects rare species and habitats. Dogs, fires, hunting, trail bike riding and mountain biking are not permitted inside the reserve.
Getting There
From Wellington, travel north on SH1 toward Porirua, then follow SH58 toward Pāuatahanui village. The inlet becomes visible from the road on approach. Parking is available at several access points, including near the village and along Grays Road. Check current conditions on DOC and Porirua City Council sites before visiting.
What Visitors Often Say
Walkers appreciate the easy, flat path with good birdwatching opportunities and peaceful wetland scenery along Te Ara Piko.
Anglers note the inlet’s sheltered waters suit estuary species but stress the importance of checking rules, especially the set-net ban and seasonal whitebait restrictions.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation – Pāuatahanui Wildlife Reserve: official details on access, tracks, habitat protection and reserve rules.
MPI – Central Area Recreational Fishing Rules: current regulations including the set-netting prohibition for Pāuatahanui Inlet.
Department of Conservation – Whitebaiting Guidelines: season dates, permitted gear and fishing rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish are found at Pāuatahanui Inlet?
The inlet supports rig, flounder, sole and kahawai. Whitebait species are associated with streams entering the inlet.
Do I need a licence to fish the inlet?
No licence is generally required for recreational saltwater fishing, though MPI rules on methods, sizes and bag limits still apply.
When is whitebait season?
The season runs from 1 September to 30 October inclusive. Fishing outside these dates is prohibited.
Is netting allowed?
Set netting is banned in Pāuatahanui Inlet. Check the latest MPI Central area rules before fishing.
Is the inlet a wildlife reserve?
The Pāuatahanui Wildlife Reserve protects a 50-hectare wetland at the eastern end of the inlet. The wider inlet includes additional estuarine areas and access points.
Can I walk around the inlet?
Yes. Te Ara Piko is a flat wetland walkway along the northern edge with boardwalks and harbour views, connecting the wildlife reserve, Motukaraka Point and the Wellington Jet Sport Club.
Are dogs allowed in the reserve?
No. Dogs, fires, hunting, trail bikes and mountain bikes are prohibited in the Pāuatahanui Wildlife Reserve.
Where can I find current fishing rules?
Check the MPI Central area recreational fishing rules and DOC whitebaiting guidelines before each visit.
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