Am hoping for a bit of advice about a family holiday destination.
The family and I are heading to Northland Nov 11th and am currently due to stay in Matapouri. I've got 3 young children so it's predominantly a beach holiday. However, very keen to get out for a spear +/- a fish from a kayak.
Initially thought that the area topography looked good from navionics etc as would be keen as to get onto some snapper, trevs and a kingfish. Normally resident in Christchurch so very keen to tick some of the iconic species. Having done some reading I've been a bit dismayed people's reports of kina barrens, poor vis from sept-Dec and kingis really starting to turn up in dec onwards.
Had been thinking of using the kayak to explore the headlands - is it worth it because I could look to get somewhere further north like moursees bay if it's likely to be more productive?
Any advice or help ?? Cheers

So Matapouri bay itself is a bit barren? I'd have expected that given it's accessibility and being sandy, but you're saying a wee paddle around the headlands would probably turn up a few species ?
That's great news - is mid Nov too early for the kingfish ? I appreciate that water temps are key.

Yeah, go for a paddle out of Matapouri and it'll come right at some point. I caught a kingfish 3 weeks ago, so anything is possible! Beware, swell can push through pretty hard in to that bay. 

MB wrote: Yeah, go for a paddle out of Matapouri and it'll come right at some point. I caught a kingfish 3 weeks ago, so anything is possible! Beware, swell can push through pretty hard in to that bay.

Cheers, that's great news, to know that there's gonna be the chance if the conditions line up and cheers for the warning re the swell.

Heading up in the next week - hoping the cyclone hasnt caused too much havoc up there and hoping for a week with no noreasters. Anyone got any advice about sharky spots or strong currents to take care with in the area would be happily received - keen to get amongst it.

Ill jump in the boat tomorrow and send you photos in a PM of where I'd go. What species are you after under the water and how far can you paddle a kayak without getting knackered?

Have PM you ANdy