Last updated October 2026
Waikanae Beach is Gisborne’s city beach, running south from the mouth of the Tūranganui River, known locally as The Cut, along Poverty Bay. Gisborne shore anglers catch snapper, kahawai, trevally and kingfish along this coast, and the beach is a short walk from the city centre.
The river mouth itself is reserved for launching and running power boats, and the beach is a patrolled swimming spot in summer, so pick your spot carefully. Toilets are at the surf club building on the Grey Street side.
At a Glance
- Location
- Waikanae Beach, Grey Street and Centennial Marine Drive, central Gisborne
- Type
- City surf beach beside the Tūranganui River mouth and harbour
- Water
- Poverty Bay (sea), inside the Gisborne harbour limits
- Main species
- Gisborne shore species: snapper, kahawai, trevally and kingfish
- River mouth
- Reserved for launching and operating power boats
- Toilets
- Waikanae Beach surf club building, Grey Street side
- Dogs
- Prohibited from The Cut to Roberts Road
- Tide port
- Gisborne (LINZ)
- Rules
- MPI Central; no licence needed
- Cost
- Free
- High 2:57 am 1.9 m
- Low 9:08 am 0.6 m
- High 3:24 pm 1.9 m
- Low 9:45 pm 0.6 m
Best times today: around 2:57 am, 9:08 am, 3:24 pm and 9:45 pm (2 hours either side of each tide change), and around 9:31 am and 9:54 pm (moon overhead and underfoot).
Moving water around the tide changes usually fishes best. Full 7-day Gisborne tides ›
Predictions only; actual tides vary with weather.
Getting to Know Waikanae Beach
The Tūranganui River is short and tidal, with the harbour basin separated from the river channel by a concrete breakwater. Its mouth at Waikanae Beach, The Cut, has been armoured against erosion since 1959, and the Harbour Board long ago reserved it for boats rather than swimmers. Under the Tairāwhiti Navigation Safety Bylaw 2024 it is still set aside for launching and operating power-driven vessels.
Waikanae is one of Gisborne’s three main swimming beaches, patrolled by lifeguards in season, and the Young Nick statue on the foreshore marks the start of a dog-free stretch.
Eastland Port, on the far side of the river, has just finished its Twin Berth Project, and the old rail bridge between the city and the Inner Harbour is being turned into a pedestrian link.
In the council’s January 2025 water quality round, Waikanae Beach at Grey Street rated suitable for swimming, but the Tūranganui River at the Gladstone Road Bridge was unsuitable. Urban river water can be polluted, especially after rain.
How to Fish Waikanae Beach
Where and when
Cast from the beach away from the patrol flags and swimmers, and away from the river mouth channel, where boats launch and come and go. Early mornings and evenings are quieter. A travel guide suggests the historic wharf area on the Esplanade for family fishing; if you fish there, stay off working port areas and follow any signs.
What to catch
- Snapper and kahawai: the main shore catches on the Gisborne coast.
- Trevally and kingfish: also taken by Gisborne shore anglers; mackerel are reported around the wharf area.
- Local advice: ask at Hunting & Fishing Gisborne on Gladstone Road what is being caught.
Getting There and Facilities
- Access: the foreshore runs along Grey Street and Centennial Marine Drive, close to the city centre.
- Toilets: at the Waikanae Beach surf club building on the Grey Street side, at the Inner Harbour, and at the Grey Street i-SITE in daylight hours.
- Dogs: prohibited on the beach from The Cut to Roberts Road, about 700 m from the Young Nick statue. Dogs must be on a leash on the city boardwalks.
- Camping: freedom camping is prohibited in the Gisborne urban area. Waikanae Beach Holiday Park on Grey Street has a dump station.
- More to do: for swimming and coastal walks, see our Waikanae Beach guide.
Rules and Safety
- Sea fishing follows MPI’s Central area rules. No licence is needed.
- The Tūranganui River mouth is reserved for power boats. Do not fish across the channel or leave lines where boats are launching.
- Under the Navigation Safety Bylaw, fishing gear must not obstruct navigation anywhere in the harbour limits.
- Within 500 metres of a river mouth, Fish & Game Eastern’s freshwater rules apply to trout.
- Keep well away from swimmers and the surf club flags.
- Avoid eating shellfish or fish from the river, and keep out of the water for a few days after heavy rain.
Tackle and Bait Nearby
- Hunting & Fishing Gisborne, 310 Gladstone Road: tackle, bait and licences.
Official Sources
Gisborne District Council: Navigation Safety Bylaw: the river mouth boat channel and harbour rules.
MPI Central fishing rules: size limits and daily limits for the East Coast.
Gisborne District Council: Can I swim here?: water quality for Waikanae and the river.
Common Questions
Can I fish at Waikanae Beach?
Yes, from the beach away from swimmers, the surf club flags and the river mouth boat channel.
Can I fish the Tūranganui River mouth?
The mouth is reserved for launching and operating power boats, so keep your lines out of the channel and fish the beach instead.
What can I catch at Waikanae Beach?
Snapper and kahawai are the main shore catches on the Gisborne coast, with trevally and kingfish at times.
Where are the toilets?
At the Waikanae Beach surf club building on the Grey Street side.
Can I take my dog?
No. Dogs are prohibited from The Cut to Roberts Road.
Do I need a licence?
No. Sea fishing needs no licence, but MPI’s Central area limits apply.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Sources and data notes 1
- Tides today: Tide predictions: LINZ (CC BY 3.0 NZ).