Titahi Bay is one of the most accessible beach and rock fishing spots in the greater Wellington region — a broad surf beach on the Porirua coast with rock platforms at each end that can be reached by car. The bay produces trevally, snapper, kahawai and a range of other species through the year, and its vehicle access makes it practical for anglers carrying gear who want to avoid long walks to the water. The rocks on either side of the beach extend the available positions and put anglers into deeper, more structured water.
Practical Information
| Location | Titahi Bay, Porirua — north of the city centre |
|---|---|
| Access | Vehicle access to the beach; road end parking at both ends |
| Key species | Trevally, snapper, kahawai, kingfish (summer), tarakihi, blue cod, rays |
| Season | Good year-round; snapper and kingfish peak summer (Dec–Mar) |
| Facilities | Parking, toilets, shops nearby in Titahi Bay township |
About the Spot
Titahi Bay can be fished from the beach itself using surfcasting techniques, or from the rocky outcrops at each end of the bay which put baits into deeper, more structured water. The beach is a sandy surf beach — suitable for long casts with a sinker and bait for flatfish, gurnard and rays — while the rock platforms at the northern and southern ends suit anglers targeting trevally, snapper and the occasional kingfish.
Trevally are a feature catch at Titahi Bay, frequenting the rocky ends of the bay where current runs past the points. Snapper are present in season and respond to berley and pilchard on ledger rigs. Kahawai are reliable on lures and are often the most action-packed option when fish are working bait on the surface. Rays are common from the beach and can be large.
In spring and early summer, fish push onto the beach and the shallower sandy sections become productive. Later in summer, casting into the deeper water around the rocks becomes more important. The Titahi Bay area is consistently mentioned in Wellington surfcasting guides as one of the more reliable accessible spots outside the harbour.
Where to Learn More
Wellington Rocks: The Windy City’s Best Shore Spots — NZ Fishing World — includes Titahi Bay in its guide to Wellington’s best land-based fishing locations.
A Guide to Surfcasting Around Wellington — The Fishing Website — covering surfcasting techniques and spots around the Wellington coast including Titahi Bay.
Surfcasting Spots Wellington — SpotX — map and guide to Wellington surfcasting locations including Titahi Bay.
FAQ
Where is Titahi Bay?
Titahi Bay is in Porirua, north of the city centre — about 25 minutes from Wellington CBD via State Highway 1 and then the Titahi Bay Road.
What do people catch at Titahi Bay?
Trevally, snapper, kahawai and rays from the beach and rock platforms. Kingfish are possible in summer, and blue cod and tarakihi are taken from the rocks.
Is there vehicle access?
Yes — Titahi Bay has road access to both ends of the beach, with parking available at the beach.
Is it good for beginners?
Yes — the beach sections are accessible for beginner surfcasters, and the proximity to the township makes it an easy starting point for new anglers.
Are there facilities nearby?
Titahi Bay township has shops, a dairy and public toilets. It is a suburban beach with services nearby.
Titahi Bay is part of the wider Fishing in Wellington guide. For more exposed south coast rock fishing, Makara Beach is Wellington’s premier wild coastline for trophy snapper and trevally, and Pukerua Bay offers similar rocky terrain further north along the coast.
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