Today's Best Fishing & Tide Times for
Palmerston North, New Zealand 🇳🇿

Solunar
Tides
Weather
7-Day
Spots

How to use the Kiwi fishing calendar

Planning your next fishing trip in Palmerston North, New Zealand ? Today is a average day for fishing. Our comprehensive fishing almanac combines our popular bite times and moon phases, moon times, sunrise and sunset times, nearby tide timetable, and a 7-day fishing calendar so you always know the best fishing times in your area. We analyse major and minor solunar bite times, rate each day on a five-star scale, and pair it with localized weather forecasts so you can quickly tell whether today is a good day to fish without juggling multiple tabs. Be sure to bookmark this page so you never miss a bite. view bite times...

  • Check our unique Solunar Clock for precise bite times and moon phases and the best moon phases.
  • Use the Tide Clock section to sync bite times with high and low tide timetable.
  • Analyze the forecasted weather conditions, such as wind, barometric pressure and rain to plan your fishing session.
  • Jump to the 7-Day Fishing Calendar for an extended fishing forecast, then explore nearby fishing spots on the interactive map.

Palmerston North, New Zealand is a central Manawatū fishing hub offering easy access to river, lake and estuary angling. From Manawatu River trout runs to estuary kahawai and local eels, Palmerston North fishing delivers varied freshwater and near‑coastal opportunities year‑round. read more...

Some of the best fishing spots near Palmerston North include: Foxton Beach, Himatangi Beach, Manawatu River, Rangitikei River, Whanganui River, Waitarere Beach, Pohangina River, Oroua River, etc. see full list

Tide Station:

Sun and Moon Times

The sun will be at it's highest point at . Today we have 11:34 hours of daylight. For shallow water fishing the twilight periods are often the most productive fishing times, especially on days when a major or minor time will coincide with twilight. In low light conditions predators have better cover for their ambush and often hunt in shallow water.
  • Nautical Twilight begins:
    Sunrise:
  • Sunset:
    Nautical Twilight ends:
  • Moonrise:
  • Moonset:
  • Moon over:
  • Moon under:
  • Visibility:
    6%
  • Waning Crescent - 6% illuminated Waning Crescent
Next Full Moon in ~17 days on 27th September
  • Distance to earth:
    370,110 km
    Proximity:
    83.6 %
We can compare the current moon distance to it's minimum and maximum distance from earth and express that as proximity. A high proximity means the moon is closer to earth. At 50% it would be at it's mean distance. A high proximity causes big tides, currents and has a direct effect on increased bite times. A proximity greater than 90% indicates a super moon.
Moon Phases for Palmerston North
New Moon
Fri, 11 Sep
Full Moon
Sun, 27 Sep

Solunar Bite Times

Settings
Display Settings:
  • average Day
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Best fishing times:
  • minor Time:
    04:20 am - 06:20 am
  • major Time:
    09:31 am - 11:31 am
  • minor Time:
    02:43 pm - 04:43 pm
  • major Time:
    09:46 pm - 11:46 pm
All times are displayed in the Pacific/Auckland timezone and are automatically adjusted to daylight savings. The current timezone offset is +12 hours. Green and yellow areas indicate the best fishing times (major and minor). Blue areas indicate high and low tides. The center shows the current moon phase which is a Waning Crescent at 6% lumination. According to the Solunar Theory, today is a average day for fishing, but you need to cross check this with the current weather forecast for a final decision. Currently we have a major fishing time. The next best fishing time will be tomorrow. The gray time indicator displays the current local time.
Pacific/Auckland • Wed, 9 Sep 21:49 • -40.356, 175.611

Tides Times for Fishing: Wed, 9 Sep

The Tideclock displays the tide status and the hours until the next tide. Currently the tide is falling and the next low tide is in 5 hours and 18 minutes.
Tide Graph
02:19 am 07:48 am 02:42 pm 08:13 pm AM PM 7.78 ft 1.05 ft height hour: 12 2 4 6 8 10 12 2 4 6 8 10 12
Times
Tide Time Height
low 02:19 am 1.28 ft
high 07:48 am 7.15 ft
low 02:42 pm 1.05 ft
high 08:13 pm 7.78 ft
Tide Coefficient at 07:48 am is 86
Tide Coefficient at 08:13 pm is 101
For fishing, stronger tides are often favourable as they cause stronger currents and more motion on the sea bed. The above tidal coefficients give us an indication of how strong the tides are compared to their average. A value over 90 indicates very strong tides, known as spring tides. A low value indicates weak tides, known as neap tides. The tidal coefficient can range from 20 to 120 with a mean value of 70. A higher number usually indicates better fishing.
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Current Fishing Weather

Updating Weather Infos...

7 Day Fishing Weather

The weather plays an important role in fishing. Wind strenght and direction often determine where you can fish and where fish might be holding. Although high pressure is usually good for fishing, steep pressure changes often trigger feeding frenzies and are great times for fishing. Of course temperature has also a strong effect on fishing and comfort on the water. So make sure to cross check the weather forecast with the solunar fishing times to determine the best times to go fishing. The graph below shows you the 3 hourly weather progression over the next 7 days. Scroll the graph left or right to see more.
Selected Weather Station: Palmerston North, NZ
Temperature
Wave Height
Swell Height
Wind
Pressure
Humidity
Cloudcover
Rain Precipitation
UV Index
Retrieving Weather...

7 Day Fishing Forecast Calendar
Date Major Bite Times Minor Bite Times Sun Moon Moonphase Tide Times
-
-
-
-
R:
S: 		R:
S: 		Waning Crescent moon phase
Waning Crescent
low: , 1.87 ft
high: , 6.73 ft , Coeff: 76
low: , 1.61 ft
high: , 7.35 ft , Coeff: 91
-
-
-
-
R:
S: 		R:
S: 		Waning Crescent moon phase
Waning Crescent
low: , 1.28 ft
high: , 7.15 ft , Coeff: 86
low: , 1.05 ft
high: , 7.78 ft , Coeff: 101
-
-
-
-
R:
S: 		R:
S: 		New Moon moon phase
New Moon
low: , 0.75 ft
high: , 7.55 ft , Coeff: 96
low: , 0.59 ft
high: , 8.1 ft , Coeff: 109
-
-
-
-
R:
S: 		R:
S: 		New Moon moon phase
New Moon
low: , 0.39 ft
high: , 7.81 ft , Coeff: 102
low: , 0.3 ft
high: , 8.2 ft , Coeff: 111
-
-
-
-
R:
S: 		R:
S: 		New Moon moon phase
New Moon
low: , 0.2 ft
high: , 7.94 ft , Coeff: 105
low: , 0.26 ft
high: , 8.17 ft , Coeff: 110
-
-
-
-
R:
S: 		R:
S: 		Waxing Crescent moon phase
Waxing Crescent
low: , 0.23 ft
high: , 7.91 ft , Coeff: 104
low: , 0.43 ft
high: , 7.94 ft , Coeff: 105
-
-
-
-
R:
S: 		R:
S: 		Waxing Crescent moon phase
Waxing Crescent
low: , 0.39 ft
high: , 7.74 ft , Coeff: 100
low: , 0.75 ft
high: , 7.61 ft , Coeff: 97
-
-
-
-
R:
S: 		R:
S: 		Waxing Crescent moon phase
Waxing Crescent
low: , 0.72 ft
high: , 7.45 ft , Coeff: 93
low: , 1.21 ft
*bold times indicate best fishing times around sunrise or sunset

Fishing Overview Palmerston North

Overview and seasonal patterns: The Palmerston North area centres on the Manawatu River system, smaller tributaries (Oroua, Pohangina) and nearby lakes and the Manawatu/ Rangitikei estuary at Foxton, so seasonal patterns vary by water type. Spring (Sept–Nov) is a high-activity period: whitebait migrate into lowland waterways, spring rains make rivers lively and trout begin more aggressive surface feeding. Summer (Dec–Feb) brings lower flows and clearer water; fish concentrate in deeper pools, shaded runs and lake margins. Autumn (Mar–May) can produce big river trout as fish move to feed before colder months, while winter (Jun–Aug) usually slows surface activity—best results come from deeper, slower runs and the lower reaches of rivers and estuaries.

Habitat types to target: For trout, focus on classic lowland river structure: head of pools, tailouts, undercut banks, and broken water where current funnels food. Small forested tributary streams hold juvenile trout and kōkopu; they respond to light flies and small lures. Lakes and farm ponds near Palmerston North concentrate trout along weedlines, inflows and points. The Manawatu estuary and Foxton coastline hold kahawai, mullet and flatfish; look for tidal channels, sandbars, and the mouths of feeder creeks where baitfish and pipis gather. Eels favour soft-bottomed slow runs, drains and lake edges with submerged cover.

Common techniques: Fly anglers do well in the rivers and smaller tributaries using dry flies, nymphs and soft hackle wets—match the insect life and vary presentation with river speed. Spinning anglers in rivers and lakes should use small spoons, spinners, soft plastics and small minnow lures in sizes matching resident trout. In estuaries, metal slugs, surface poppers and softbaits are effective for kahawai on a fast retrieve; for flounder and flatfish, simple sinker-and-bait rigs with pipis, worms or prepared baits produce consistent results. Eel anglers favour heavier braid/mono, stout hooks and oily baits fished on the bottom near structure.

Tactical tips and local tricks: Read the water—concentrate on seams, the tails of pools and structure where current meets slack water. In low, clear summer conditions use smaller profiles and lighter leaders or tippets; fish early morning, late evening and overcast days for increased surface activity. After rain, focus downstream of confluences where food is washed in; slightly larger lures and faster retrieves can trigger opportunistic bites. Estuary success hinges on tides—fish incoming and outgoing tidal flows around channels and drop-offs. For wary trout, stealth matters: soft casts, subdued clothing and long casts to back eddies will improve hookups. Try varying retrieve speed and depth—slow, deep presentations in winter, faster and more erratic actions in spring and summer, especially for kahawai. Finally, keep a mixed kit handy: a 4–6 weight fly rod for waterways, a light spinning outfit with 2–4 kg test for freshwater and a medium spin outfit with 8–15 lb braid for estuary work will cover most Palmerston North fishing scenarios.

The Best Fishing Spots around Palmerston North

Foxton Beach

The long open coast at Foxton Beach is a go-to surfcasting spot for kahawai, gurnard, rig (spotted smoothhound), and summer-run snapper on warm, settled evenings; autumn often brings steady kahawai workups along the bar, while winter sees consistent gurnard bites. Fish the gutters and rips that form along the bar, and watch bird activity for roaming schools; if swell or wind makes it tough, many anglers shift to the nearby Manawatu Estuary or down-coast at Himatangi Beach.

Himatangi Beach

A classic west coast surf beach popular with Palmerston North anglers, Himatangi produces kahawai, gurnard, rig, and occasional elephant fish, with the best action typically in late spring through early autumn when the surf settles. Dawn and dusk tides reveal fish-holding holes and channels; on calmer days, long casts can find cruising kahawai beyond the shore break. If the swell rises, consider sheltered options at Foxton Beach or inside the Manawatu Estuary.

Manawatu River

Running through Palmerston North, the Manawatu River offers easy-access trout fishing for brown (and some rainbow) trout, with best conditions in spring and early summer after flows settle, and again in autumn as fish feed before winter. Urban edges, riffle-run sequences, and willow-lined bends all hold fish; small spinners and naturals work when the water clears. When flows are high or colored, many anglers head to tributaries like the Pohangina River or down to the Manawatu Estuary for kahawai.

Rangitikei River

Renowned for clear water and strong fish, the Rangitikei holds rainbow and brown trout with prime sight-fishing through summer in the middle and upper reaches, and excellent nymphing in spring and autumn when flows moderate. Access ranges from roadside pools to driftable sections for rafts and small boats; in fresher conditions, swinging small streamers can be deadly. When the wind picks up in the gorge, consider sheltered tributaries or urban reaches of the Manawatu River.

Whanganui River

A big, productive river with varied opportunities: the lower river near the city turns on for kahawai in summer and early autumn as baitfish schools move upriver, while the middle and upper reaches support brown and rainbow trout year-round with best clarity in late summer. Boat and kayak anglers cover broad lower pools effectively; shore access is ample at bridges and bends. If the lower river is discolored after rain, head inland or try the coast at Castlecliff Beach.

Waitarere Beach

A popular Horowhenua surf beach that reliably produces kahawai and gurnard, with rig and occasional snapper in late spring to early autumn during calm spells. Look for defined gutters and work metal lures or baits along the drop-offs on a flooding tide. When swell or weed makes surfcasting tricky, sheltered alternatives include the nearby Lake Horowhenua or the Manawatu Estuary.

Pohangina River

A clear Manawatu tributary prized for brown trout (with some rainbows), the Pohangina rewards careful wading and light tackle, especially through late spring and summer when hatches bring fish to the surface. Pocket-water nymphing is productive where boulders break the flow, and evening rises can be excellent in slower glides. If flows spike after rain, shift to the more stable mainstem Manawatu River or try the Rangitikei River as it clears.

Oroua River

Flowing through the Manawatu Plains, the Oroua offers accessible water for brown trout, with best fishing in spring and early summer before low, clear conditions make fish wary. Concentrate on shaded undercut banks, riffle transitions, and confluences, scaling down presentations as visibility improves. When conditions are tough, anglers often hop to the nearby Pohangina River or urban reaches of the Manawatu River for more options.

Interactive Fishing Map for the greater Palmerston North area

We found a total of 40 potential fishing spots nearby Palmerston North. Below you can find them organized on a map. Points, Headlands, Reefs, Islands, Channels, etc can all be productive fishing spots. As these are user submitted spots, there might be some errors in the exact location. You also need to cross check local fishing regulations. Some of the spots might be in or around marine reserves or other locations that cannot be fished. If you click on a location marker it will bring up some details and a quick link to google search, satellite maps and fishing times. Tip: Click/Tap on a new area to load more fishing spots.

Kawau Stream - 3.48236533823km , Turitea Stream - 3.62411665486km , Mangaone Stream - 3.81360171042km , Kahuterawa Stream - 4.72432281527km , Maungatungaroa Stream - 4.76816134172km , Whiskey Creek - 6.09182458589km , Manawatu River - 7.01310657011km , Nguturoa Stream - 8.47296658969km , Karere Lagoon - 9.01400977574km , Turitea Dams - 9.42796328206km , Taonui Stream - 10.38371042302km , Oroua River - 12.34151539006km , Mangaone - 12.79295235115km , Makaretu Creek - 13.14070743015km , Matarua Creek - 13.59741097061km , Ross Creek - 14.13229775204km , Quartz Creek - 14.61478540622km , Pohangina River - 14.62500517886km , Stony Creek - 14.871373555km , Kiwitea Stream - 15.54004563321km , Otangane Stream - 16.01798292837km , Tainui Stream - 16.11088933065km , Taonui Stream - 16.13041487147km , Sluggish Creek - 16.76574055966km , Oroua River - 17.34690774226km , Mangaatua Stream - 17.64948607359km , Patupaiarehe Stream - 17.9780389535km , Matarua Creek - 18.00931388739km , Wahaoteika Stream - 18.14639202922km , Mangaharakeikei Stream - 18.35426342362km , Maungatukurangi Stream - 18.80955705325km , Mangaone West Stream - 18.95923348505km , Mangahao River - 19.10789215418km , Pohangina River - 19.62964668098km , Mangatainoka River - 19.91937774909km , Whareroa Stream - 20.02499750237km , Otangaue - 20.58379536488km , Mangamaire Stream - 20.85723272037km , Makohine - 21.33118705688km , Makakahi River - 21.34752682549km

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