Fishermans Rock Reserve sits on the northern coast of the Whangaparaoa Peninsula at Army Bay, right where the Gulf Harbour Coast to Coast path ends. It’s a rocky headland with a boat ramp, picnic tables and views out to Kawau Island and the Mahurangi Peninsula. At low tide you can get down onto the rocks, explore a small cave and walk around the cliffs. At high tide it’s a good swimming and snorkelling spot with some cliff jumping if that’s your thing.

It’s not a long walk but it’s worth knowing about, especially if you’re combining it with the Coast to Coast path or a visit to Shakespear Regional Park next door.

Quick FactsDetails
DistanceShort, allow 30 to 60 minutes to explore
DifficultyEasy, some steep stairs to the foreshore
Track surfaceSealed path, steep boat ramp, rocky foreshore
Starting pointFishermans Rock Reserve, Whangaparaoa Road, Army Bay
DogsYes, on leash
ToiletsNo on-site toilets at the reserve
ParkingFree, large car park on the eastern side of the reserve
Tide dependentYes, foreshore access at low tide only

Getting There

  • From Whangaparaoa Road the main entrance is between numbers 1272 and 1274. There’s a large car park and boat ramp on the eastern side of the reserve. You can also access it from the walkway between 24 and 27 Siesta Terrace.
  • By bus, the 982 and 983 stop right outside the reserve.
  • If you’re walking from Gulf Harbour Marina, it’s the end point of the Gulf Harbour Coast to Coast path, about 3.5km and an hour’s walk from the marina.

The Walk

  • From the car park follow the path down toward the water
  • The steep boat ramp takes you down to the bay, views across to Kawau Island and the Mahurangi Peninsula from here
  • At low tide, head onto the rocky foreshore and explore the small cave, rock pools and cliff edges. Sturdy footwear is worth it as the rocks are jagged and there are oysters
  • At high tide the rocks are covered, swimming and snorkelling are good options, and there are cliff jumping spots if you’re keen
  • The reserve itself is a long thin strip of coastal bush, picnic tables are dotted through it
  • Allow 30 to 60 minutes depending on how much time you spend on the rocks

Good to Know

  • Tide dependent — foreshore access is low tide only, check times before you go
  • Rocky, not sandy — this is not a beach, it’s a rugged rocky headland. Water shoes are useful to avoid the oysters
  • Dogs on leash — welcome throughout the reserve
  • No toilets on site — nearest public toilets are at Gulf Harbour Recreation Reserve, about 10 minutes walk
  • Fishing — popular spot, especially from the rocks at dawn and dusk
  • Combines well — it’s the end point of the Gulf Harbour Coast to Coast path and close to the entrance of Shakespear Regional Park

Other Walks Nearby

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