Good advice right there, Telecaster.
Squidding seems to be inconsistent (except for the absolute experts).
Geoff, it's no secret the the ramps either side of the yacht club are the hot spots in that area - either side of high tide, as the water shallows out a lot.
But the wall you've described seems to work, with the places with steps most favoured for obvious reasons.
The wharf obviously does too, but the current runs very fast there once it kicks in, whereas the bays beside the yacht club don't.
Stripstrike, who used to be on the forum a bit, was kind enough to take me along and show me squid fishing 101 - I just used by softbait rod and some Yama****a jigs (2.5 size 490 model with the zig zags on the side).
To avoid the crowds when I went solo, I found my own spot to try on Tamaki Drive (using Google Maps and daytime observation) and got a horse (28cm mantle) first cast, and a 27cm mantle one soon after. Couldn't believe it. But after that good start, I've always found it frustrating. Sometimes get one or two (and really, one good sized one is enough for a stunning meal of salt and pepper squid), but never the lineup on the concrete/rocks others do at times. See Telecaster!!
Mind you, one time I had the prime spot on the ramp at Tamaki YC when there were 13 people spread out either side and I got the only two. I am more confident when it's full moon. But others may differ.
I don't think you need to be an expert at the proper egi technique - which looks incredible, i admit. Just softbait twitching seems to work, as they mostly take on the drop from my experience. And you don't need to be able to cast very far, I've had several take very close in.
If you do hook one, make sure you have the drag very loose. I paid the price losing a huge one on the take - just a tentacle came back!
I've seen blokes do okay with just a float and jig at the yacht club - a lot of the regulars do that, using cheap jigs. And as Telecaster said, the standard ledger at the wharf, again with cheap jigs from one of the Asian fishing shops or probably direct from China. one guy goes to the trouble of setting up a light under the wharf fairly close to the road, so being close to one of the lights would be my choice. Sounds like you were in the right spot on Sunday.
From what i've seen, the coast north of North Head has much clearer water than Tamaki Dr, which the squid apparently like, and I think it'd be worth you taking a jaunt up the motorway one still moonlit night.