Fishing near Mangawhai Heads, Northland

Mangawhai Heads sits on the Northland coast roughly 80 minutes north of Auckland, where a sheltered estuary meets open surf beach and quick access to deep offshore water. The area is well regarded for saltwater fishing — snapper, kahawai, kingfish, gurnard, trevally, tarakihi and John Dory are all taken here, whether from the beach, kayak, boat or charter. Sail Rock, McGregor Rock and the Hen and Chickens Islands are among the named offshore marks locals target, while the estuary ramp at Alamar Crescent gives boat anglers an all-tide concrete launch.