Last updated October 2026
Makorori Beach lies on State Highway 35 just north of Wainui, a long surf beach with rocky reef areas and the well-known Makorori Point surf break. Local information notes that the reefs at Makorori support fish and shellfish, and anglers fish the rocks and reef edges as well as the beach. There are two council car parks with toilets.
Parts of the area have been closed: the headland reserve because of slips, and a private stretch of foreshore by the Red Bus surf break to vehicles.
At a Glance
- Location
- SH35, just north of Wainui Beach, Gisborne
- Type
- Open surf beach with rocky reef areas and a point
- Water
- Pacific coast north of Gisborne (sea)
- Main species
- Gisborne shore species: snapper, kahawai, trevally and kingfish
- Access
- Southern and northern council car parks off SH35
- Toilets
- Both car parks (the northern one is not wheelchair accessible)
- Closures
- Headland reserve reported closed for slips; private foreshore by the Red Bus break closed to vehicles
- 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.
More About Makorori Beach
Makorori and Wainui are Gisborne’s famous twin surf beaches, and Makorori Point is one of the region’s popular surf spots. The beach has rocky reef areas along it, and projecting rocks that are covered at high tide. The Makorori Headland walk climbs over the heights between Wainui and Makorori.
The Gisborne Herald reported the Makorori Headland reserve closed until further notice because the headland is unstable in several places, with slips causing subsidence.
Separately, about 300 metres of foreshore beside the Red Bus surf break belongs to the Ferris whānau and has been closed indefinitely to vehicles; it used to be used for overflow parking, and people can still walk along it.
Gisborne District Council lists toilets at both the southern and northern Makorori car parks. Freedom camping is allowed in the signposted area of the Makorori car park, but not on the beach itself.
How to Fish Makorori Beach
Where and when
Fish the reef edges and rocks, and the sand between them, keeping well away from the surfers on the point and the breaks. The rocks are covered at high tide, so fish them on the lower part of the tide and get off before the water comes up. On a big swell, stay on the sand.
What to catch
- Snapper and kahawai: the main shore catches on the Gisborne coast.
- Trevally and kingfish: also taken by Gisborne shore anglers.
- Local advice: ask at Hunting & Fishing Gisborne what has been caught off the northern beaches.
Getting There and Facilities
- Driving: follow SH35 north from Gisborne past Wainui to the Makorori car parks.
- Toilets: at the southern car park, and at the northern car park (not wheelchair accessible).
- Camping: freedom camping is allowed only in the signposted area of the Makorori car park; it is prohibited on the beach.
- Private foreshore: do not drive or park on the Ferris whānau foreshore by the Red Bus break. You can still walk there.
- More to do: for surfing, swimming and walks, see our Makorori 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.
- The Makorori Headland reserve was reported closed because of slips and subsidence. Check with Gisborne District Council before walking the headland track.
- Rocks along the beach are covered at high tide. Do not get cut off, and stay off them in a swell.
- Keep well clear of surfers and the surf breaks.
- Cook any shellfish until the shells open, and check MPI’s biotoxin alerts before gathering.
Tackle and Bait Nearby
- Hunting & Fishing Gisborne, 310 Gladstone Road: tackle, bait and local advice.
Where to Learn More
MPI Central fishing rules: size limits, daily limits and closures for the East Coast.
Gisborne District Council: freedom camping: where you can camp at Makorori.
Gisborne District Council: public toilets: toilets at the Makorori car parks.
Common Questions
Can I fish at Makorori Beach?
Yes, from the beach and the reef edges. Keep away from surfers on the point and the breaks.
What can I catch at Makorori?
Snapper and kahawai are the main shore catches on the Gisborne coast, with trevally and kingfish at times.
Is the Makorori Headland open?
No. The headland reserve was closed because of slips and subsidence. Check with the council before walking it.
Can I park on the foreshore at Makorori?
No, not on the private Ferris whānau foreshore by the Red Bus break, which is closed to vehicles. Use the council car parks.
Are there toilets at Makorori?
Yes, at the southern and northern car parks.
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).