Pukerua Bay is a small coastal settlement north of Porirua where the rocky headlands offer genuine shore fishing for snapper, trevally, kahawai and blue cod. The coastline here is wild by Wellington standards — rocky, snaggy and exposed to the Cook Strait — but that structure is exactly what makes it productive. Wairaka Rock, accessible by a short walk from the beach car park, is one of the area’s most popular fishing positions, and the broader Pukerua Bay to Plimmerton stretch holds good fish for those willing to work the rocks.
Practical Information
| Location | Pukerua Bay, north of Porirua — between Plimmerton and Paremata |
|---|---|
| Access | Car park at western end of Pukerua Beach; walk to rock platforms |
| Key species | Snapper, trevally, kahawai, tarakihi, blue cod, kingfish (seasonal) |
| Best season | Snapper and kingfish peak summer; good year-round for other species |
| Note | Rocky, snaggy bottom — use appropriate tackle to minimise snags |
About the Spot
The rocky coastline around Pukerua Bay supports a range of structure-dwelling species. Wairaka Rock — about a 30-minute walk west from the western car park at Pukerua Beach along a well-worn path — is the area’s most-fished position and consistently produces snapper, trevally and tarakihi. The snaggy, reef-dominated bottom means losing some gear is part of the deal here; using rigs suited to rough ground (lighter lines, smaller hooks, sacrificial sinkers) reduces the toll.
The broader Pukerua to Plimmerton headland — accessible as a roughly two-hour point-to-point walk — has a variety of positions to fish from shingle beaches to exposed rock platforms. Boom Rock, further west toward Makara, is one of the most productive kingfish positions on the entire Wellington coast, though it requires a longer hike to reach. The Pukerua stretch offers a more accessible entry point into the same coastline.
Kahawai are reliably present and give strong sport on lures along this stretch. Blue cod are more likely here than in the harbour, making Pukerua Bay worth the trip for anglers wanting harbour-cod-free snapper fishing. Summer brings kingfish into the area, with lures and livebaits both producing fish from the exposed headlands.
Getting There
Pukerua Bay is approximately 30 minutes north of Wellington CBD via State Highway 1. There is street parking near the beach entrance — no dedicated car park. The beach and rocks are accessed on foot from the road end.
Where to Learn More
Wellington Rocks: The Windy City’s Best Shore Spots — NZ Fishing World — includes the Pukerua Bay coastline in its guide to Wellington’s land-based fishing.
A Guide to Surfcasting Around Wellington — The Fishing Website — techniques for the rocky Wellington coastline including the Kāpiti approaches.
Pukerua Bay — Fishbrain — community catch reports and species records for the bay.
FAQ
Where is Pukerua Bay?
Pukerua Bay is on the Kāpiti Coast, approximately 30 minutes north of Wellington via SH1 — between Plimmerton and Paremata.
What fish can I catch at Pukerua Bay?
Snapper, trevally, tarakihi and kahawai are the most common catches. Blue cod and kingfish (summer) are also present in the rocky areas.
What is Wairaka Rock?
Wairaka Rock is a popular fishing position accessible by a 30-minute walk west from the Pukerua Beach car park. It is one of the area’s most consistent snapper and trevally spots.
Is it suitable for beginners?
The rocky, snaggy bottom makes Pukerua Bay better suited to anglers with some experience in rough-ground fishing. The beach sections are more beginner-friendly.
Pukerua Bay is part of the wider Fishing in Wellington guide. For more accessible harbour fishing nearby, Wellington Harbour offers calmer water options, and Titahi Bay is another accessible beach and rock option on the Porirua coast.