Snapper
Chrysophrys auratus · Tāmure / Kouarea (Māori)
Snapper (te reo Māori: Tāmure / Kouarea), Chrysophrys auratus. Fished from the shore, from a boat and spearfishing. In October it is in season in Auckland / Kermadec, Central and Challenger.
Season by fishing area
| MPI area | Months | Spawning |
|---|---|---|
| Auckland / Kermadec | All year · now | Oct–Mar |
| Central | All year · now | Oct–Mar |
| Challenger | All year · now | Oct–Mar |
MPI: releases many batches of eggs all through spring and summer.
Size and bag limits
Minimum sizes, daily limits and closures depend on the area and change over time. Costaviva does not copy them: check MPI for each area.
- MPI fishing rules: Auckland / Kermadec
- MPI fishing rules: Central
- MPI fishing rules: Challenger
- NZ Fishing Rules app (MPI, free)
Rāhui (temporary closures placed by tangata whenua) can apply at any time and are not in any dataset: respect local signs and notices.
How it is fished
- Shore fishing
- Boat fishing
- Spearfishing
Where it lives
Mostly 15–60 m, down to about 200 m; from rocky reefs to sandy or muddy seabeds; most common in warmer northern waters, especially the Hauraki Gulf.
Usual depth: 15–60 m (down to about 200 m).
Source: Fisheries New Zealand / MPI (CC BY 4.0).
When is snapper biting today?
- Hour-by-hour fishing index and the best window of the day
- Condition alerts and SOS with your location (dials 111 in New Zealand)
- Fishing log with the conditions of every catch
- Private groups to share spots and trips
No card needed. Then €3.99/month or €39.99/year, charged in euros.
Where to catch snapper
Northland
- Cape Reinga / Te Rerenga Wairua
- Ninety Mile Beach (Ahipara)
- Houhora Heads
- Whangaroa Harbour
- Paihia (Bay of Islands)
- Russell (Bay of Islands)
- Tutukaka
- Whangarei Heads
- Kaipara Heads (Pouto)
Auckland & Hauraki Gulf
- Mangawhai Heads
- Leigh
- Gulf Harbour (Whangaparaoa)
- Half Moon Bay (Bucklands Beach)
- Kawakawa Bay
- Muriwai
- Manukau Heads (Awhitu)