Last updated October 2026
Wherowhero Lagoon, Te Wherowhero, is a coastal lagoon at the southern end of Poverty Bay near Muriwai, south-west of the Waipaoa River mouth and just west of Young Nicks Head. It is a traditional food source for Rongowhakaata and Ngāi Tāmanuhiri, whose local delicacies include kanae (mullet), pātiki (flounder) and kahawai, and DOC staff describe families coming down to its beaches to fish. There is no council car park or signposted access, and much of the land around it is private, so plan your route carefully and respect the nesting birds.
At a Glance
- Location
- Southern end of Poverty Bay near Muriwai, south of Gisborne
- Type
- Long, shallow coastal lagoon behind a sand spit, with channels and sandbanks
- Water
- Wherowhero Lagoon and Poverty Bay (sea)
- Main species
- Flounder, mullet and kahawai
- Access
- No council car park or signposted access; do not cross private land without permission
- Wildlife
- NZ dotterels and bar-tailed godwits nest and feed here
- Facilities
- None
- 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.
What to Expect
The lagoon is fed by the Wherowhero and Pākōwhai streams and drains to Poverty Bay. From the air, it is a long, shallow sheet of water running north to south behind a narrow sand spit, with channels and low sandbanks inside it and farmland along its western side.
Muriwai, the rural community at the southern end of Poverty Bay, has two marae, Muriwai and Waiari, of Ngāi Tāmanuhiri.
Ngāi Tāmanuhiri describe Te Wherowhero as of considerable cultural significance to them and the tribes of Te Tairāwhiti, and the lagoon is being restored with native planting. Pipi and tuangi (cockles) are traditional kai here as well as fish.
The lagoon is important for birds. DOC has noted that NZ dotterels, of which only about 1,600 remained, and bar-tailed godwits nest and feed here, and that dogs disturb nesting birds so their eggs do not hatch.
How to Fish Wherowhero Lagoon
Where and when
Fish the channels inside the lagoon and the beach near its outlet, keeping well away from nesting birds on the sand. The lagoon is shallow, so the channels hold the deepest water as the tide drops. Treat this as a place to fish quietly and lightly, with respect for its cultural importance.
What to catch
- Flounder (pātiki): a traditional catch from the lagoon.
- Mullet (kanae) and kahawai: also traditional kai here.
- Local advice: ask at Hunting & Fishing Gisborne, and ask locally about access before you go.
Getting There and Facilities
- Area: Muriwai, on SH2 at the southern end of Poverty Bay.
- Access: there is no council car park or signposted public access to the lagoon. Much of the surrounding land is farmland; get permission before crossing it.
- Young Nicks Head: do not cross onto Young Nicks Head (Te Kurī-a-Pāoa).
- Facilities: there are no toilets or facilities at the lagoon.
- Dogs: leave dogs at home or keep them well away from the shore, as they disturb nesting dotterels.
Rules and Safety
- Sea fishing follows MPI’s Central area rules. No licence is needed, and MPI lists no closures at the lagoon.
- Respect the cultural importance of Te Wherowhero to Ngāi Tāmanuhiri and Rongowhakaata, and take only what you need.
- Keep away from nesting NZ dotterels and feeding godwits on the sand.
- Lagoons carry a higher water quality risk after rain. Avoid fishing or gathering shellfish for three to five days after heavy rain, and cook shellfish until the shells open.
- The lagoon channels and outlet can run strongly with the tide. Do not wade them on a rising tide.
Tackle and Bait Nearby
- Hunting & Fishing Gisborne, 310 Gladstone Road: tackle, bait and local advice.
Official Sources
Te Ao Māori News: Te Wherowhero Lagoon: the lagoon’s birds, kai and cultural value.
MPI Central fishing rules: size limits and daily limits for the East Coast.
Gisborne District Council: Can I swim here?: water quality advice for lagoons after rain.
Wherowhero Lagoon: Common Questions
Where is Wherowhero Lagoon?
At the southern end of Poverty Bay near Muriwai, south-west of the Waipaoa River mouth and west of Young Nicks Head.
What can I catch at Wherowhero Lagoon?
Flounder, mullet and kahawai are the traditional catches here.
How do I get to the lagoon?
There is no council car park or signposted access, and much of the land around it is private. Get permission before crossing farmland, and do not cross onto Young Nicks Head.
Can I take my dog?
It is best not to. Dogs disturb nesting NZ dotterels, so their eggs do not hatch.
Can I gather shellfish here?
Avoid it for three to five days after heavy rain, and cook shellfish until the shells open.
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).