From the Great Lakes to the Hauraki Gulf: Kim Krogstad on family boating in New Zealand

Which Auckland fishing spots are still open after the 2025 Hauraki Gulf marine protections? Updated guide to 17 inner Gulf marks, with closures flagged.

Kiwi angler Neil Gorringe sets national record with 32.5lb (14.75kg) snapper on 8kg line.

As I write this, there’s a big blow lashing my home waters of Auckland. The northerly winds are gusting to 40 knots, and there is a two metre swell pounding both coasts. Not great conditions for fishing, in fact, it’s downright dangerous!

Fishing for a World Record? Here's what you need to know to ensure your trophy fish legally qualifies for a category record. Information courtesy of IGFA

Hauraki Gulf fisheries closure: 2-year ban on seaweed and invertebrate harvesting begins March 2026 across Ōmaha Bay, Kawau Bay, and Whangaparāoa Peninsula.

The new Motiti Protection Area comes into effect on 11 August 2021, creating three protection areas around Motiti Island where the taking of all plants and animals (including fish and shellfish) will be prohibited. To protect the reef systems, anchoring on these reefs will also be prohibited. This is to protect indigenous biodiversity and acknowledge the significant marine, landscape and cultural values in the area. Those three areas comprise of Ōtaiti (Astrolabe Reef); including Te Papa (Brewis Shoal), Te Porotiti, and O karapu Reef, Motuhaku Island (Schooner Rocks) and Motunau Island (Plate Island).

Environment court ruling updates no-take/no fishing regulations in Deep Water Cove to Oke Bay, and Mimiwhangata plus trawling and seining bans around Cape Brett

In June, Fisheries New Zealand and the Department of Conservation announced decisions on a revised Hector’s and Māui dolphins Threat Management Plan.