Last updated October 2026
Midway Beach is the long sandy beach on Poverty Bay south-west of Waikanae, running from the Midway Surf Life Saving Club along Centennial Marine Drive towards the Waipaoa River mouth. It is one of Gisborne’s three main swimming beaches and home to the Gisborne Pipe surf break, so in summer anglers fish away from the flags, the surfers and the jet-ski area.
Gisborne shore anglers surfcast this coast for snapper, kahawai, trevally and kingfish, and the beach runs for more than 7 km to the river mouth.
At a Glance
- Location
- Centennial Marine Drive, Midway, Gisborne
- Type
- Long sandy surf beach on Poverty Bay
- Water
- Poverty Bay (sea), inside the Gisborne harbour limits
- Main species
- Gisborne shore species: snapper, kahawai, trevally and kingfish
- Access
- Midway surf club car park, Centennial Marine Drive
- Toilets
- Midway Beach surf club building (not wheelchair accessible)
- Jet-ski area
- 200 m offshore and 400 m along the shore, centred on Pacific Street
- 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.
About Midway Beach
Midway is part of the same continuous beach as Waikanae, curving south-west along Poverty Bay. Gisborne District Council counts more than 7.2 km of beach from Pacific Street to the Waipaoa River mouth, which gives plenty of room to find a quiet stretch away from the busy surf club end.
The beach is lifeguard-patrolled in season and known for the Gisborne Pipe surf break. Under the Tairāwhiti Navigation Safety Bylaw, a jet-ski area runs 200 metres offshore and 400 metres along the shore, centred on the line of Pacific Street. The council has public barbecues on the Midway beachfront.
The council’s water quality site at the Midway surf club rated suitable for swimming in its January 2025 round. As with all Gisborne beaches, keep out of the water for two to three days after heavy rain.
How to Fish Midway Beach
Where and when
Walk well away from the surf club flags, the Pipe and the Pacific Street jet-ski area, and surfcast the quieter beach to the south-west, where the sand runs on towards the Waipaoa. Early mornings and evenings avoid most of the swimmers and surfers. Calm, small-swell days are easiest to fish.
What to catch
- Snapper and kahawai: the main shore catches on the Gisborne coast.
- Trevally and kingfish: also taken by Gisborne shore anglers.
- Further along: for the river mouth at the far end of the beach, see our Waipaoa River mouth surfcasting guide.
Getting There and Facilities
- Parking: the Midway Beach surf club car park on Centennial Marine Drive.
- Toilets: at the Midway Beach surf club building (not wheelchair accessible).
- Camping: self-contained vehicles may freedom camp in the surf club car park for up to three nights.
- Dogs: dogs are prohibited from The Cut to Roberts Road, and may be off-leash from Stanley Road to the Waipaoa River. Check the signs in between.
- More to do: for swimming, surfing and water quality, see our Midway Beach guide.
Rules and Safety
- Sea fishing follows MPI’s Central area rules. No licence is needed.
- Keep well away from the patrol flags, surfers and the jet-ski area off Pacific Street.
- Under the Navigation Safety Bylaw, fishing gear must not obstruct navigation.
- This is an open surf beach. Do not wade out in a swell.
- Avoid gathering shellfish for a few days after heavy rain, and cook shellfish until the shells open.
Tackle and Bait Nearby
- Hunting & Fishing Gisborne, 310 Gladstone Road: tackle, bait and local advice.
Helpful Resources
MPI Central fishing rules: size limits and daily limits for the East Coast.
Gisborne District Council: Navigation Safety Bylaw: the jet-ski area and harbour rules.
Gisborne District Council: dog exercise areas: dog rules along the city beaches.
Common Questions
Can I fish at Midway Beach?
Yes. Surfcast away from the patrol flags, surfers and the jet-ski area, ideally on the quieter stretch south-west of the surf club.
What can I catch at Midway Beach?
Snapper and kahawai are the main shore catches on the Gisborne coast, with trevally and kingfish at times.
Where do I park?
At the Midway Beach surf club car park on Centennial Marine Drive.
Are there toilets?
Yes, at the surf club building.
Can I take my dog?
Not from The Cut to Roberts Road. Dogs may be off-leash from Stanley Road to the Waipaoa River.
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).