Last updated October 2026
Turihaua Beach lies approximately 16 km north of Gisborne along State Highway 35 and provides a scenic coastal spot for ocean swimming and fishing. The beach features sand dunes and open ocean waters, while the adjacent lagoon is not recommended for swimming.
Day visits remain possible for recreation, though camping is no longer available due to coastal erosion. Visitors should check current conditions and follow all council guidelines to enjoy the area safely.
Swimming Facts
Before you swim: Tested weekly Nov–Mar by Gisborne District Council. Stay out for 48 hours after heavy rain. Latest result on LAWA
Today at Turihaua Beach
Saturday 7 NovemberWater quality track record
Poor at all 2 testing spots (2019 to 2025)ShowHide
What the grades mean
Excellent and Good: rarely unsafe for swimming. Fair: usually fine, but avoid swimming after rain. Poor: often unsuitable, especially after rain, so check the latest result first.
Grades use LAWA’s method: the 95th percentile of routine enterococci results over the five summers from 2020/21 to 2024/25, with at least 50 tests (Turihaua Beach: 1,625 per 100 mL from 65 tests; Turihaua Stream below the SH35 bridge: 6,450 per 100 mL from 65 tests).
Practical Information
- Location
- 16 km north of Gisborne on SH35
- Camping status
- Permanently closed due to erosion
- Swimming
- Ocean swimming possible; lagoon not recommended
- Fishing
- Permitted; no licence required for sea fishing
- Access
- Roadside parking; vehicles must stay clear of marked boundaries
- Facilities
- Long-drop toilets when open; no rubbish collection
- Water quality
- Check LAWA and council alerts before swimming
About Turihaua Beach
Turihaua Beach sits on the Gisborne District coastline and offers visitors a relatively quiet setting with views of sand dunes and the Pacific Ocean. The site is popular for day trips focused on swimming in the ocean and shore-based fishing for local species.
The beach lies beside a lagoon that frequently becomes blocked by a sandbar. Farm run-off accumulates in the lagoon, leading to poor water quality. Gisborne District Council explicitly advises against swimming there.
Coastal erosion has affected the area for several years. As a result, camping at Turihaua Point has been permanently closed, and parts of the site are used for other purposes. Day visitors can still access the beach for swimming and fishing when conditions allow.
Visitors are expected to manage their own waste and respect marked boundaries for safety. The proximity to Gisborne makes the beach suitable for short outings, with the nearest transfer stations located in Gisborne and Tolaga Bay.
Swimming and Water Quality
Ocean swimming at Turihaua Beach is generally considered suitable when water appears clear. Council monitoring focuses on bacteria levels, and results are available through the LAWA website. Avoid swimming for two to three days after heavy rain, as run-off can temporarily affect quality even at ocean sites.
The lagoon at Turihaua is not recommended for swimming at any time. It is often blocked by a sandbar and only flushes during heavy rain, allowing contaminants from upstream farmland to build up. Warning signs may be present when conditions are unsuitable.
Fishing at Turihaua Beach
Shore fishing is a popular activity at Turihaua Beach. No recreational fishing licence is required for sea fishing in New Zealand waters. Anglers should follow general Ministry for Primary Industries rules regarding size and bag limits for the species present.
Visitors are advised to check local conditions and avoid fishing near any warning signs or areas affected by erosion. The beach provides straightforward access to the water’s edge for casting.
Access, Parking and Safety
Turihaua Beach is reached via State Highway 35, with a bridge marking the main access point. Roadside parking is available, but vehicles must remain at least 10 metres from the road edge where marked. Pedestrian access to the beach is straightforward on flat terrain.
Coastal erosion continues to affect dunes and shorelines. Visitors should stay clear of unstable areas, heed all signage, and avoid setting up equipment near eroding sections. Storm surges and high tides can increase risks, so checking weather forecasts is recommended.
Where to Learn More
Gisborne District Council Turihaua Beach page: Current access rules, camping status and site guidelines.
Gisborne District Council swimming information: Advice on lagoon and ocean water quality across the region.
LAWA Turihaua monitoring: Real-time water quality data and swimming suitability updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is camping still available at Turihaua Beach?
No. Camping at Turihaua Point has been permanently closed due to coastal erosion.
Can I swim in the lagoon?
No. The lagoon is not recommended for swimming because of poor water quality from farm run-off.
Can you swim in the sea at Turihaua Beach?
Ocean swimming is generally suitable when water is clear. Always check current LAWA and council alerts, especially after rain.
Do I need a fishing licence?
No recreational licence is required for sea fishing, but follow all size and bag limit rules.
Are there toilets on site?
Long-drop toilets may be available. Chemical toilets are required for any camping (currently not applicable).
What should I do with rubbish?
There is no rubbish collection. Take all waste with you to a transfer station in Gisborne or Tolaga Bay.
Is the beach suitable for day trips?
Yes. The location works well for short visits focused on swimming and fishing when conditions allow.
Are pets allowed?
Check current Gisborne District Council bylaws for pet regulations before visiting.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Sources and data notes 2
- Today at Turihaua Beach: Tides: LINZ, CC BY 4.0; predictions only. Sea temperature: NASA JPL MUR satellite data for 4 Nov, via Tideteller.
- Water quality track record: Water quality: © LAWA and partner organisations (Gisborne District Council), licensed under CC BY 4.0, results to April 2025. Facilities: © OpenStreetMap contributors.