Whites Bay Fishing: Pukatea Surf Beach and Rocks near Blenheim

Last updated October 2026

Whites Bay, also called Pukatea, is a small, steep-sided bay just north of Rarangi on Port Underwood Road, with a short surf beach at its head and rocky points on both sides. DOC runs a campsite in the valley behind the beach and lists fishing among the things to do here.

Kahawai are common along this coast. It is a short drive over the hill from Rarangi, but the bay is more enclosed, with rock and reef at its edges instead of a long open beach.

At a Glance

Location

Port Underwood Road, over the hill north of Rarangi, north-east of Blenheim

Type

Small surf beach at the head of a steep bay, with rocky points and a small reef

Water

Northern edge of Cloudy Bay, open to Cook Strait (sea)

Main species

Kahawai are common along this coast

Where to stand

The beach at the head of the bay, or the rocks at the south-west point

Camping

DOC Whites Bay campsite behind the beach, book online

Gate

Locked overnight from Labour Weekend to Easter: no arrivals after 8pm or departures before 7am

Vehicles

None on the beach

Tide port

Pukatea / Whites Bay (LINZ secondary port, from Wellington)

Rules

MPI Challenger (Challenger East); no licence needed for sea fishing

Setting and Background

Whites Bay is framed by bush-covered hills, with Pukatea Stream running down the valley to the back of the beach. The beach is short and sandy, turning to gravel in the south-west corner. A rocky shore runs along both sides of the bay: south toward Te Ana-o-Rongomaipapa Bay, and north-east under the bush.

The bay has a place in New Zealand’s history. In 1866 the first telegraph cable between the North and South Islands came ashore here, and the historic telegraph station still stands near the beach.

It is a popular summer spot for swimming, picnics and camping, and DOC lists walking, fishing, swimming and kayaking here. The Rarangi to Whites Bay track starts by the rocks at the south-west point, so you can walk over from Rarangi.

How to Fish Whites Bay

Where to stand

The beach at the head of the bay is the easiest place to fish, but it is also where swimmers gather on summer days, so fish early or late, or move to the edges.

The rocks and small reef at the south-west point, near the start of the Rarangi track, give you rock and reef edges to cast beside. Only fish the rocks in calm conditions, and stay off them when a swell is running.

What to catch

• Kahawai: common along Marlborough’s east coast and mostly caught on spinning lures.
• Local knowledge: ask at a Blenheim tackle shop for what has been caught recently around Whites Bay and Rarangi.

Conditions

Whites Bay opens to Cook Strait, so wind and swell decide whether it is fishable. Moving water around the tide changes usually fishes better. For a longer open shingle beach with more room to spread out, see our Rarangi surfcasting guide.

Getting There and Facilities

• Road: leave SH1 at Tuamarina onto Hunter Road, turn left onto Pembers Road / Rarangi Road, left onto Rarangi Beach Road, then sharp left onto Port Underwood Road and follow it over the hill to the bay. DOC warns that severe weather has damaged Marlborough roads, so check the council’s road alerts before you go.
• Parking and toilets: the car park, toilet block and DOC campsite are in the valley floor behind the beach.
• Gate: from Labour Weekend to Easter the gate is locked overnight, so you cannot drive in after 8pm or out before 7am. Plan evening fishing around it.
• Camping: when we checked in October 2026 DOC listed fees of $15 a night for adults, $7.50 for children aged 5 to 17 and free for under 5s, and the DOC Campsite Pass can be used. Book online, and well ahead for 1 December to 28 February.
• Rules on site: no vehicles on the beach and no fires at any time.
• Supplies: there are no shops. Buy bait, ice and food in Blenheim.
• More to do: for swimming, camping and the coastal walks, see our Whites Bay guide.

Rules and Safety

• Fishing rules: Whites Bay is in MPI’s Challenger area, outside the Marlborough Sounds blue cod area. No licence is needed for sea fishing, but Challenger East size and daily limits apply. Check them in the NZ Fishing Rules app.
• Set nets: set netting is banned along this coast from Cape Jackson to the Clarence River, including Cloudy Bay.
• Scallops: the neighbouring Port Underwood scallop fishery has been closed since 15 July 2018.
• Swimmers: on fine summer days the beach is busy with swimmers. Cast well away from them.
• Rocks: the points are exposed to the open sea. Watch the swell for a while before you go out, keep an exit in mind and never turn your back on the sea.
• Wasps: DOC warns of wasps, especially in late summer and autumn.

Official Sources for Whites Bay

Common Questions

Where is Whites Bay?
Just north of Rarangi, on Port Underwood Road. Turn off SH1 at Tuamarina and drive through Rarangi, then sharp left onto Port Underwood Road.

Is Whites Bay the same as Pukatea?
Yes. DOC uses both names for the bay and its surf beach.

What can you catch at Whites Bay?
Kahawai are common along this coast. Ask at a Blenheim tackle shop for what has been caught recently.

Do I need a licence to fish at Whites Bay?
No. Sea fishing needs no licence, but MPI’s Challenger East limits apply.

Can I fish Whites Bay in the evening?
Yes, but from Labour Weekend to Easter the gate is locked overnight. You cannot drive in after 8pm or out before 7am.

Can I camp at Whites Bay?
Yes, at the DOC campsite behind the beach. Book online, especially from December to February.

Can I drive on the beach?
No. Vehicles are not allowed on the beach, and fires are not allowed at any time.

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Sources and data notes 1

• Tides today: Tide predictions: LINZ (CC BY 3.0 NZ), adjusted from Wellington using LINZ secondary port offsets.