Port Underwood is the small sheltered harbour east of Picton, accessed by road over the hill from Rarangi. It’s a quieter Marlborough Sounds fishing destination than Queen Charlotte or Pelorus, with kahawai as the most reliable species, flounder available in the shallower inshore areas, and the occasional blue cod — though blue cod numbers are low because much of Port Underwood has a sandy rather than rocky bottom, which is poor blue cod habitat. MPI Challenger area marine fishing rules apply.
Practical Information
| Location | Port Underwood — small sheltered harbour east of Picton, reached via Port Underwood Road from Rarangi |
| Distance from Blenheim | ~45 minutes via Tuamarina, Rarangi and Port Underwood Road |
| Primary species | Kahawai — most reliable in summer |
| Other species | Flounder (shallower inshore areas), occasional blue cod (numbers low due to sandy bottom) |
| Blue cod limits | 33 cm minimum size, 2 per person per day, seasonal closures during spawning |
| Best season | Late spring to early autumn — warmer water increases fish activity |
| Boat access | Limited road launching; mostly used by trailer boats launched in Picton or by visiting cruisers |
| Marine fishing rules | MPI Challenger area rules apply |
About Port Underwood Fishing
Port Underwood is a small sheltered harbour east of Picton — one of those quieter Marlborough Sounds destinations that doesn’t get the visitor pressure Queen Charlotte or Pelorus Sounds see. The road in is narrow and slow (about 45 minutes from Blenheim), which keeps numbers down. The harbour is fully protected from the open coast by the hills, so conditions inside are usually calm even when Cook Strait is rough.
Kahawai are the most reliable species through summer — schools come into the inner port chasing bait, often easy to spot with diving birds and surface activity. Shiny lures and metal jigs work well. Flounder are present in the shallower inshore areas — soft plastics with slow retrieval or live shrimp are standard. Blue cod are present but in lower numbers than other Sounds areas, because much of Port Underwood has a sandy bottom rather than the rocky reef habitat blue cod prefer — anglers targeting blue cod typically do better in Queen Charlotte Sound or further out.
Blue Cod Regulations
Where blue cod are taken, MPI rules apply: 33 cm minimum legal size, daily limit of 2 per person, and seasonal closures during the spawning period. The blue cod fishery in the wider Marlborough Sounds has been managed restrictively for many years following depletion concerns — always check the current MPI Challenger area rules before keeping fish, as restrictions can change.
Where to Learn More
MPI — Challenger Area Fishing Rules — authoritative source for current marine fishing regulations covering Port Underwood including blue cod restrictions.
FishingMag — Port Underwood — first-person fishing magazine guide to the harbour with notes on species, access and seasonal patterns.
Boating NZ — Port Underwood — recent boating-magazine feature on the harbour with practical access information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Port Underwood?
A sheltered harbour east of Picton, reached by Port Underwood Road from Rarangi (45 minutes from Blenheim).
What fish can you catch at Port Underwood?
Kahawai (most reliable, especially in summer), flounder in shallower inshore areas, and the occasional blue cod (numbers low due to sandy bottom).
Why are blue cod scarce in Port Underwood?
Much of the harbour has a sandy bottom rather than the rocky reef habitat blue cod prefer. Anglers serious about blue cod usually target Queen Charlotte Sound or further out.
What are the blue cod rules?
33 cm minimum size, 2 per person per day, seasonal closures during spawning. Check MPI Challenger area rules for current restrictions.
When is the best season?
Late spring through early autumn — warmer water increases fish activity, particularly for kahawai schools.
For more Marlborough fishing see Fishing in Blenheim.
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