Last updated October 2026
South Beach runs south-east from the Whanganui River mouth beside Whanganui Airport, and at low tide it becomes a 20 km stretch of sand. Whanganui District Council lists it for picnics, surfing and fishing.
Local club beach contests have long been fished on the 13 km between the Whanganui and Whangaehu river mouths, for kahawai, snapper, cod, gurnard, sharks and stingrays. There is a car park and a short walk to the sand, but the beach is not patrolled, so watch the tides.
At a Glance
- Location
- Beside Whanganui Airport, south of the Whanganui River mouth
- Water
- Tasman Sea, open west coast
- Main species
- Kahawai, snapper, gurnard and cod; sharks and stingrays
- Access
- Car park by the airport and a short walk; 4WD advised for the full beach
- Lifeguards
- None: unpatrolled
- Dogs
- Under control off a leash
- Club base
- Landguard Bluff, at the river end
- Tide port
- Whanganui River Entrance (LINZ)
- Rules
- MPI Central
- Licence
- None needed for sea fishing
- Low 4:36 am 0.7 m
- High 10:29 am 2.8 m
- Low 4:48 pm 0.7 m
- High 10:41 pm 2.8 m
Best times today: around 4:36 am, 10:29 am, 4:48 pm and 10:41 pm (2 hours either side of each tide change), and around 12:19 am and 11:56 am (moon overhead and underfoot).
Moving water around the tide changes usually fishes best. Full 7-day Whanganui tides ›
Predictions only; actual tides vary with weather.
Getting to Know South Beach
South Beach starts at the South Mole on the Whanganui River mouth and runs south-east past the airport towards the Whangaehu River. From above, Landguard Road runs out past the Landguard Bluff training area and the speedway to the airport, with the long, straight beach on the seaward side.
Landguard Bluff, at the river end, has been the base for local club beach competitions. A 2018 report described a kahawai tournament and a Monster Fishing Competition with 600 to 800 entries fishing the 13 km between the two river mouths, and a stingray of more than 40 kg once landed here.
At low tide the beach is wide and long enough to drive, which is why the council advises a four-wheel drive for full access. The South Mole at the northern end is a separate spot.
How to Fish South Beach
Where and when
Walk or drive along the sand away from the car park and look for gutters and holes in the surf. Club anglers fishing the kahawai contest here have fished the incoming tide. Moving water around the tide changes usually fishes better than slack water.
What to catch and what to use
- Kahawai: lures or cut bait, especially on the incoming tide.
- Snapper, gurnard and cod: fresh bait fished on the bottom with a surf rig.
- Sharks and stingrays: regular catches on heavier gear; stingrays here can be very large, so handle them with care.
What to bring
A long surf rod, sinkers that hold in the west coast surf, bait bought in Whanganui, and water and food: there are no shops on the beach.
Getting There and Facilities
- Access: follow Landguard Road to the car park beside Whanganui Airport, then walk a short way to the sand.
- Vehicles: the council advises a four-wheel drive for full beach access. Drive only on firm sand, keep off the dunes, and watch the tide.
- Dogs: allowed under control off a leash.
- Facilities: none on the beach; Whanganui is a short drive away.
- Other spots: across the river, see our North Mole fishing guide.
Rules and Safety
- Sea fishing here follows MPI’s Central area rules. No licence is needed.
- Set net restrictions apply along this coast to protect dolphins. Check the NZ Fishing Rules app.
- The beach is unpatrolled. The council asks everyone to take care and watch the tides.
- If you drive, watch for the incoming tide cutting off the way back, and check swell and wind forecasts from MetService.
Tackle and Bait Nearby
- Hunting & Fishing Whanganui, 64 Carlton Avenue, Whanganui.
Find Out More
Whanganui District Council: beaches: South Beach access and safety.
MPI Central fishing rules: size limits, daily limits and net rules.
Common Questions
Where is South Beach?
Beside Whanganui Airport, running south-east from the Whanganui River mouth.
What can you catch at South Beach?
Kahawai, snapper, gurnard and cod, plus sharks and some very large stingrays.
Is South Beach patrolled?
No. It is unpatrolled, so take care and watch the tides.
Can I drive on South Beach?
The council advises a four-wheel drive for full beach access. Keep off the dunes and watch the tide.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes. Dogs can be under control off a leash at South Beach.
Do I need a fishing licence?
No. You do not need a licence for sea fishing, but MPI’s Central area limits apply.
Which tide port should I use?
Whanganui River Entrance, the LINZ port at the river mouth.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Sources and data notes 1
- Tides today: Tide predictions: LINZ (CC BY 3.0 NZ).