Last updated October 2026
Wainui Beach is the long Pacific surf beach just north-east of Gisborne, running from Tuaheni Point in the south past Okitu to the Makorori headland.
A recent travel guide names the rocks at the Tuaheni end as a worthy spot for snapper, gurnard and kahawai, and calls Okitu a long beach ideal for surfcasting for snapper, with the best chances around its rocky outcrops. It is also one of Gisborne’s main surf beaches, patrolled in summer, so fish away from the flags and the surf breaks.
At a Glance
- Location
- Wainui and Okitu, north-east of central Gisborne
- Type
- Long open surf beach with rocky points at each end
- Water
- Pacific coast north of Poverty Bay (sea)
- Main species
- Snapper, gurnard and kahawai
- Best spots
- The rocks at the Tuaheni end; the rocky outcrops along Okitu
- Access
- Wairere Road, Pare Street and Murphy Road; car parks at Lysnar Reserve and below Makorori headland
- Toilets
- Several, including the surf club and Lysnar Reserve
- Tide port
- Gisborne (LINZ)
- Rules
- MPI Central; no licence needed
- Cost
- Free
- High 3:57 am 1.8 m
- Low 10:07 am 0.7 m
- High 4:19 pm 1.9 m
- Low 10:40 pm 0.6 m
Best times today: around 3:57 am, 10:07 am, 4:19 pm and 10:40 pm (2 hours either side of each tide change), and around 10:15 am and 10:37 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.
About Wainui Beach
Wainui and its southern stretch, Okitu, form a long surf beach outside Poverty Bay, facing the open Pacific. Tuaheni Point at the southern end is the northern limit of the Gisborne harbour limits.
With Makorori, its neighbour to the north, it is one of Gisborne’s famous twin surf beaches, and one of the city’s three main swimming beaches, patrolled by lifeguards in season.
The Wainui Beach Surf Life Saving Club sits by the Hamanatua Stream lagoon. Informal dune tracks lead from the road and car parks to the sand, with access from Wairere Road, Pare Street and Murphy Road, and parking at Lysnar Reserve and at the Wainui end of the Makorori headland.
Gisborne District Council lists six public toilets along the beach, at the Stock Route, the surf club and the reserve, and at Lysnar Reserve’s Chalet, Okitu and Whales sites. Some coastal toilets are only maintained from Labour Weekend to Easter.
How to Fish Wainui Beach
The Tuaheni rocks
The rocks at the southern, Tuaheni end of the beach are named as a worthy fishing spot for snapper, gurnard and kahawai. Fish them on calm days, watching the swell closely, as this is an exposed Pacific coast.
Okitu and the beach
Okitu is described as ideal for surfcasting for snapper, with the best chances around the rocky outcrops. Cast well away from surfers and the patrol flags. Early morning and evening, when the surf crowd thins out, are easiest.
What to catch
- Snapper: off the Tuaheni rocks and along Okitu’s rocky outcrops.
- Gurnard and kahawai: from the Tuaheni end.
- Local advice: ask at Hunting & Fishing Gisborne what has been coming in on the coast.
Getting There and Facilities
- Access: from Wairere Road, Pare Street and Murphy Road, with car parks at Lysnar Reserve and below the Makorori headland.
- Toilets: at the Stock Route, the surf club, the reserve and Lysnar Reserve. Some are only maintained from Labour Weekend to Easter.
- Dogs: dogs may be off-leash on Wainui Beach except between the flags. They are not allowed at Heath Johnston Park at the Wainui Road end.
- Camping: freedom camping is prohibited at Wainui and Okitu.
- More to do: for surfing, swimming and cycling, see our Wainui Beach guide.
Rules and Safety
- Sea fishing follows MPI’s Central area rules. No licence is needed. Te Tapuwae o Rongokako Marine Reserve, further north beyond Tatapouri, is no-take.
- Keep well away from swimmers, surfers and the patrol flags.
- This is an exposed Pacific surf beach. Stay off the rocks in a big swell and never turn your back on the sea.
- Avoid gathering shellfish for a few days after heavy rain, and cook shellfish until the shells open.
- Stay on the formed dune tracks to protect the dunes.
Tackle and Bait Nearby
- Hunting & Fishing Gisborne, 310 Gladstone Road: tackle, bait and local advice.
Useful Links
MPI Central fishing rules: size limits, daily limits and closures for the East Coast.
Wilderness: North Island fishing road trip: notes on Wainui, Okitu and other Gisborne spots.
Gisborne District Council: dog exercise areas: dog rules for Wainui and other beaches.
Common Questions
Where is the best fishing at Wainui Beach?
The rocks at the Tuaheni end, and the rocky outcrops along Okitu.
What can I catch at Wainui Beach?
Snapper, gurnard and kahawai are named for the Tuaheni rocks, and snapper for Okitu.
Are there toilets at Wainui Beach?
Yes, several, including at the surf club and Lysnar Reserve. Some are only maintained from Labour Weekend to Easter.
Can I take my dog?
Yes, off-leash on the beach except between the flags. Dogs are banned at Heath Johnston Park.
Can I camp at Wainui?
No. Freedom camping is prohibited at Wainui and Okitu.
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).