Port Fitzroy Harbour

situated on Great Barrier Island in New Zealand’s Hauraki Gulf, is a premier destination for boating enthusiasts, beachgoers, and anglers. Renowned as the largest natural harbour in the Gulf, it offers a blend of sheltered anchorages, pristine beaches, and abundant fishing opportunities.

The harbour’s natural formation, protected by Kaikoura Island at its entrance, provides safe anchorage with a muddy bottom providing a good hold. Within the harbour, several deep bays serve as excellent anchorages:

Smokehouse Bay: A favourite among cruisers, this bay offers facilities such as a fish smoker, hot showers, and laundry amenities, all maintained by the local community. It’s an ideal spot to anchor and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow boaters. Best anchorage in south-east, south-west and north-west winds.

Wairahi Bay: Known for its serene environment, Wairahi Bay provides a tranquil anchorage with easy access to nearby bays and hiking trails. Best anchorage in all winds apart from a westerly.

Kiwiriki Bay: This spot offers superb shelter and a serene atmosphere, perfect for relaxing after a day on the water. Surrounded by lush native bush, Kiwiriki Bay is ideal for nature lovers, with calm waters that make it great for swimming and kayaking.  Best anchorage in all winds apart from a westerly.

Note: Due to the spreading of Caulerpa Seaweed, there is no anchorage permitted in Tryphena Harbour and surrounding areas. View the map below which displays the non-permitted areas in red.

 

Beaches

While Port Fitzroy itself is more renowned for its anchorages and fishing spots, the surrounding areas of Great Barrier Island boast several beautiful beaches:

  • Medlands Beach: Located on the eastern side of the island, Medlands Beach is famous for its golden sands and excellent surfing conditions.
  • Kaitoke Beach: Adjacent to Medlands, Kaitoke Beach offers a long stretch of white sand, perfect for swimming and beachcombing.
  • Whangapoua Beach: A more secluded spot, Whangapoua Beach is ideal for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty.

Fishing Spots

Port Fitzroy and its surrounding waters are a paradise for anglers, offering diverse fishing experiences:

  • Snapper and Kingfish: The waters around Port Fitzroy are teeming with snapper and kingfish. Anglers often have success using live baits, with mackerel being particularly effective. The nearby Broken Islands, with their gannet colonies, are also productive fishing grounds.
  • Soft-Baiting: The island’s coastline, with its numerous nooks and crannies, is ideal for soft-baiting, targeting species like snapper in the shallow waters.
  • Deep-Sea Fishing: For those seeking larger catches, the deeper waters off the island are home to species such as hapuku and bass. During the warmer months, larger species like marlin and tuna can also be found.

Additional Activities

Beyond anchoring and fishing, Port Fitzroy offers several activities:

  • Hiking: The Warren’s and Bridle Tracks, managed by the Department of Conservation, pass a waterfall, deep pools for swimming, and a mixture of native and exotic forest.
  • Wildlife Watching: The harbour and its surroundings are rich in birdlife, including gannets, making it a great spot for bird enthusiasts.

In summary, Port Fitzroy Harbour on Great Barrier Island is a multifaceted destination, offering safe anchorages, access to beautiful beaches, and rich fishing grounds, making it a must-visit for maritime adventurers.