Last updated November 2026
Raglan Wharf sits on Ann Point at the end of Wallis Street, on the north-east tip of the Raglan town peninsula, looking out over Whāingaroa Harbour. Locals fish from the wharf edge and from the boat ramp beside it, and the wharf is still worked by fishing and charter boats.
A recent revamp added a walkway, a gangway and pontoon, and tidal terraces on the western side, so there is more room to stand by the water than before. It is a sea spot, so MPI’s fishing rules apply.
Raglan Wharf at a Glance
- Location
- Ann Point, end of Wallis Street, Raglan
- Type
- Working wharf with boat ramp, pontoon and tidal terraces
- Water
- Whāingaroa Harbour (sea)
- Where to stand
- Wharf edge, the ramp beside it, and the western walkway terraces
- Suits
- Families and casual anglers; keep children in lifejackets
- Parking
- Limited near the wharf and free; spaces fill on busy summer days
- Toilets
- Raglan Wharf Toilet (Waikato District Council)
- Tide port
- Raglan (LINZ)
- Rules
- MPI Auckland and Kermadec; no set netting at the harbour entrance
- Cost
- Free
- Low 4:30 am 0.4 m
- High 10:56 am 3.2 m
- Low 4:53 pm 0.5 m
- High 11:10 pm 3.1 m
Best times today: around 4:30 am, 10:56 am, 4:53 pm and 11:10 pm (2 hours either side of each tide change), and around 1:06 am and 12:42 pm (moon overhead and underfoot).
Moving water around the tide changes usually fishes best.
Predictions only; actual tides vary with weather.
The Background
Whāingaroa Harbour is about 13 km long and 2 to 3 km wide, with two arms fed by the Waingaro and Waitetuna rivers. The name means the long pursuit, recalling the Tainui waka’s search for its destination, and Ngāti Māhanga occupied the surrounding land from the late 1700s. Whāingaroa Harbour became the official name in January 2023.
On the aerial photo the wharf area at Ann Point holds large sheds, a car park and two round tanks, with a boat ramp on its eastern side, a jetty running out to the north-east, and a concrete edge along the north-western side facing the harbour. Shops and places to eat operate on the wharf.
Waikato District Council redeveloped the wharf between 2021 and 2024. Work included repairs under the wharf, new balustrades, a walkway to a new gangway and pontoon, seating, history panels and the Pā Kahawai sculpture at the entrance.
On the western side a new walkway and seawall run from tidal steps and terraces at the northern end to a kayak ramp at the southern end, where it meets the footpath at the end of Wallis Street. The boat ramp was repaired with two new concrete pours in 2024 and is open.
How to Fish Raglan Wharf
Where to stand
Local anglers fish from the edge of the wharf and from the launching ramp beside it. The western walkway’s tidal terraces and steps put you close to the water at the northern end.
The wharf and ramp are working areas: boats launch and charter trips leave from the ramp next to the wharf, so cast clear of the ramp lane and the pontoon when boats are using them.
Tides and timing
Moving water around the tide changes usually fishes better than slack water in a harbour like this. The tide box on this page uses the Raglan tide port, inside the harbour.
What to catch
What bites off the wharf changes through the year, so ask locally what has been caught recently before you go. Bring your own bait, and a landing net or drop net helps when lifting a fish up from the water.
Getting There and Facilities
- Getting there: follow Wallis Street from the town centre to its end at Ann Point.
- Parking: limited near the wharf and free, but spaces fill quickly on busy summer weekends and evenings. There is more parking in the town centre on Bow Street.
- Toilets: Waikato District Council lists the Raglan Wharf Toilet.
- Boat ramp: next to the wharf, repaired and reopened in 2024.
- Food: cafés and a fish and chip shop operate on the wharf.
Rules and Safety
- Sea fishing here follows MPI’s Auckland and Kermadec rules. Some limits vary within the area, so check them for Raglan in the NZ Fishing Rules app before you keep fish.
- Set netting is banned at the Raglan Harbour entrance. Check MPI’s rules before using any net in the harbour.
- Keep small children in lifejackets near the wharf edge, the pontoon and the tidal steps.
- Watch for boats and trailers on and around the ramp, especially on fine weekend mornings.
Official Sources
MPI Auckland and Kermadec fishing rules: current limits, closures and set net bans, including the Raglan Harbour entrance.
Waikato District Council: Raglan Wharf improvements: what was built on the wharf and walkway.
Common Questions
Where is Raglan Wharf?
On Ann Point at the end of Wallis Street, on the north-east tip of the Raglan town peninsula.
Can you fish off Raglan Wharf?
Yes. Locals fish from the wharf edge and the boat ramp beside it. Stay clear of boats using the ramp and pontoon.
What can I catch at Raglan Wharf?
It changes through the year. Ask locally what has been caught recently before you go.
Which fishing rules apply at Raglan?
MPI’s Auckland and Kermadec rules. Check the limits for Raglan in the NZ Fishing Rules app. Set netting is banned at the harbour entrance.
Is there parking at Raglan Wharf?
Yes, but it is limited and fills on busy summer days. Parking in Raglan is free.
Are there toilets at the wharf?
Yes. Waikato District Council lists the Raglan Wharf Toilet.
What tide should I fish?
Moving water around the tide changes usually fishes better. The tide box on this page uses the Raglan tide port.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Sources and data notes 1
- Tides today: Tide predictions: LINZ (CC BY 3.0 NZ).