Boating the Hauraki Gulf: What to Expect in Each Season

If you're based at Fairway Bay Marina or planning a cruise through the Hauraki Gulf, understanding seasonal changes can help you choose the right destination, pack smart, and make the most of your time on the water. Here's a practical, season-by-season guide for local boaties.

Summer (December – February)

This is the Gulf at its busiest. Long days, sea temperatures around 20–22°C, and mostly settled conditions make it ideal for cruising and swimming. Expect full anchorages at popular spots, especially during the holidays.

Destinations to Consider:

• Motuihe Island – Sheltered swimming beaches, bush walks, and good anchoring

• Rangitoto Island (West Bay or Islington Bay) – Great for hikes with iconic views

• Waiheke Island (Man O’ War Bay or Oneroa) – Easy beach access, food and wine options

Fishing: Prime time for snapper and kingfish. Soft baits and live baiting both work well, especially early morning and late evening around structure.

Waiheke Island

Autumn (March – May)

Settled weather often continues into April, but boat traffic drops off. Sea temps cool slightly, but conditions remain great for overnighting. Autumn often brings stunning sunrises and calmer seas.

Destinations to Consider:

• Mahurangi Harbour – Quiet, well-protected, and great for relaxed weekends

• Chamberlins Bay (Ponui Island) – A lesser-known anchorage with good shelter

• Awaawaroa Bay (Waiheke’s southern side) – Less crowded, peaceful stopover

Fishing: Snapper remain active in slightly deeper water. Trevally and gurnard become more common. Good time to experiment with slow jigs and soft plastics.

Mahurangi Harbour

Winter (June – August)

Sea temperatures drop to 14–15°C, and daylight hours are shorter. Weather windows are key, but you’ll often find glassy calm conditions between fronts. Anchorages are peaceful and uncrowded.

Destinations to Consider:

• Bon Accord Harbour (Kawau Island) – Excellent shelter and calm winter anchorage

• Motuketekete Island – Small and often overlooked, with decent holding

• Martins Bay (mainland) – Easy access and a good short-hop option from Fairway Bay

Fishing: Big snapper move into deeper water. Berley trails and patience pay off. Kingfish are harder to find, but still around for those willing to put in the effort.

Kawau Island

Spring (September – November)

A mix of conditions early on, but the Gulf begins to warm up. Birdlife increases and baitfish return — a good sign that summer cruising isn’t far off.

Destinations to Consider:

• Tiritiri Matangi Island – Ideal for day trips, nature walks, and birdwatching

• West Bay (Rakino Island) – A quiet, sheltered spot with good holding

• Hook’s Bay (Waiheke Island) – A remote-feeling anchorage with great shelter and views'

Fishing: Snapper move back into the shallows as spawning starts. Kingfish return to familiar reefs and bait schools. Kahawai are common and make for fun, easy catches.

West Bay

Bonus: Tips for Fairway Bay Boaties

• Tides & Swell: Check tides when heading to shallower anchorages like Okoromai or parts of Motutapu.

• Local Supply Runs: Stock up easily with cafés, groceries, and The Kitchen Door nearby.

• Off-the-Water Options: Waiting on weather? Walks in Shakespeare Regional Park offer great views, and it’s just a short stroll from your berth.

Each season in the Hauraki Gulf offers something different - from summer swim stops to quiet winter anchorages with plenty of room to drop the pick. With the right prep and a good forecast, Fairway Bay Marina puts you in a great position to make the most of it year-round.