Great Barrier Island

Guy Macindoe shares incredible nature and fishing photography at Aotea Great Barrier Island...

Great Barrier Island, Aotea, ‘The Barrier’ – whatever you call it, it’s not far from Auckland’s CBD (sixty nautical miles as the crow flies) but it might as well be a world away. While you’re on The Barrier you’ll discover a unique atmosphere where time seems to slow down, and people seem more relaxed than their city counterparts.

----- Advertisement -----


I was raised on The Barrier and have been lucky enough to spend plenty of time there as an adult too. When I’m on the island I like to make the most of the stunning morning light, then I’m set up to enjoy the rest of the day – whether it’s fishing, surfing, or working.

You’ll find an eclectic mix of people on The Barrier – from hippies to hermits, commercial fishers to farmers, young families to retirees. The full-time population of around 1,000 people is bolstered over the school holidays, stat holidays, and during events such as the famous Port Fitzroy Mussel Fest.

By necessity, the people here have a certain degree of self-sufficiency due to the remoteness of the houses and the cost of groceries. Many locals live off the land, growing vegetables (among other plants…) and harvesting kaimoana from the ocean.

----- Advertisement -----


The island is renowned for its surf, with famous breaks such as Medlands, Whangapoua, and Awana. When a big swell hits the Barrier’s East Coast simultaneously with a prevailing offshore southwesterly wind, the frothers start frothing!

And, if the wind and wave conditions aren’t suited to water-based activities, the land-based walking tracks, scenery, and wildlife should keep you occupied until calmer conditions resume.The fishing and diving options are diverse and productive. On the western side, sheltered from oceanic swells, you’ll find sheltered bays and islets that offer excellent fishing for inshore species like snapper. The island is a soft-baiting mecca, with countless nooks and crannies where you can cast your offerings in the hope of seducing a moocher. Nevertheless, many of the locals still prefer good ol’ fashioned bait and berley sessions – and their results speak for themselves.

Port Fitzroy offers a safe anchorage against all wind directions and is a great place to load up on livies. The nearby gannet colony at the Broken Islands is a particularly good starting point for finding workups, especially when bryde’s whales are in the vicinity feasting on pilchards. If you’re lucky enough to be ‘Johnny on the spot’ when dolphins, kingfish, and gannets work the bait up tight against the coast – in areas like Katherine Bay – you can experience some incredible topwater fishing.

Unfortunately, scallops are currently off the menu and there are anchoring restrictions, due to the invasive seaweed Caulerpa brachypus, in Blind, Tryphena and Whangaparapara Bays.

On the exposed side of the island, you’ll find clear water and a greater diversity of fish species due to the East Auckland Current. It’s also a great place to hunt for tasty treats such as pāua and both red and packhorse crayfish – although the locals keep their spot x’s as closely guarded secrets.

Foaming schools of trevally and kahawai swarm around the current-swept headlands and attract pelagic hunters, like the prized kingfish. One of these current-swept outcrops is Rakitu/Arid Island. It is a true gem – where distinctive geology plunges into turquoise waters. The Cove at Arid is a cool anchorage for more adventurous boaters (but doesn’t offer much swing room).

Further offshore, deep water dogs such as swordfish, hapuku, and bass can be tracked down around the deep reefs and drop-offs, while pelagic gamefish in the form of striped and blue marlin, and yellowfin tuna, can be encountered in the bluewater during the warmer months. Popular areas that you might be able to find on various charts include ‘The 155’, ‘The Footprint’, and ‘The Cookie Monster’.

If you’re lucky enough to get a chance to visit The Barrier, please respect the locals, the fishery, and the environment.

----- Advertisement -----



November 2022 - Guy Macindoe
New Zealand Fishing News Magazine.
Copyright: NZ Fishing Media Ltd.
Re-publishing elsewhere is prohibited

Fishing bite times Fishing bite times

Major Bites

Minor Bites

Major Bites

Minor Bites

Latest Articles

Smoking Fish (Part 1)
February 2025

Although fish was originally smoked for preservation, it is now more commonly smoked to enhance flavour and offer an alternative appearance and texture.... Read More >

Interesting Facts About Blue Cod
February 2025

It’s time to put the fishing stories to one side for a mo’ – here is a quick review of the current scientific facts about the... Read More >

Freespool Reels Versus Baitrunner Reels for Fishing
January 2025

Mark Kitteridge believes a freespool/overhead casting reel and suitable rod are far more effective for straylining techniques.... Read More >

How to Dry Age Fish
January 2025

Dry ageing is a culinary technique that has long been associated with beef, but this method can also work wonders for fish.... Read More >

How to Catch Skipjack and Albacore Tuna: Part 2
January 2025

Sam Mossman covers saltwater flyfishing, livebaiting, and cubing for skipjack and albacore tuna.... Read More >