Last updated October 2026
The Tūtaekuri River rises in the Kaweka Ranges and crosses the Heretaunga Plains to reach the sea just south of Napier, where the Ngaruroro and Clive join it.
Fish & Game describes extensive public riverbed access from the sea to the mountains, and the river holds mostly rainbow trout, with big browns around the lower river and tidal zone. Below the Redclyffe (EIT) Bridge you can fish all year with fly, spinner or bait; further up it is fly and spinner only.
Tūtaekuri River at a Glance
- Location
- From Taradale and Puketapu, west of Napier, up to the Kaweka Ranges
- Type
- Braided lower river, terraced middle reaches and a boulder-strewn upper river
- Water
- Tūtaekuri River (freshwater)
- Main species
- Mostly rainbow trout, also brown trout
- Lower river
- Below Redclyffe (EIT) Bridge: open all year, fly, spinner and bait
- Middle river
- Mangaone confluence to Redclyffe Bridge: open all year, fly and spinner
- Access
- Regional council access points along the lower river, including Omaranui Road and Hakowhai
- Best time
- Spring, autumn and winter on the lower river; summer in deep pools and the upper reaches
- Rules
- Fish & Game Hawke’s Bay; licence required
- Cost
- Free access; Fish & Game licence needed
No tides on the river reaches. Flow decides the fishing: it discolours after heavy rain and summer low flows push trout into deep pools.
Setting and Background
The Tūtaekuri is almost 100 km long. Fish & Game divides it into three parts. The lower river, from the sea to Dartmoor, has a low gradient and a braided bed that changes course after floods; below the expressway bridge it is a single deep channel, good for bait fishing.
The middle river runs between high terraces with deeper pools and runs, and above the Mangaone confluence it becomes smaller and good for sight fishing. The upper river, on DOC land, is boulders and fast water up to the waterfalls above Lawrence Hut.
In Ngāti Te Whatuiāpiti tradition, the river’s name recalls a late 17th-century feast at Te Umukuri. Cyclone Gabrielle hit the river hard in February 2023: debris piled up at the Redclyffe and Brookfields bridges, banks failed, and Puketapu, Taradale, Meeanee and Awatoto flooded. Fish & Game reported the river recovering by October 2025.
The regional council looks after the river reserves along the lower river. Some access points are still being repaired after the cyclone, and some gates are locked, but you can usually walk in.
How to Fish the Tūtaekuri River
Lower river
Fish & Game says the lower river fishes well in spring, autumn and winter. In spring, big browns around the mouth and tidal zone feed on whitebait.
Below the Redclyffe (EIT) Bridge, bait is allowed along with fly and spinner, and the deep single channel below the expressway bridge suits bait fishing. Keep to the river reaches here: the shared mouth with the Ngaruroro and Clive is a separate spot.
Middle and upper river
Trout numbers in the middle river build through summer and autumn. In summer, low flows and warm water push fish into deep pools, the upper reaches and tributaries.
The Mangaone and Mangatutu tributaries hold trout of 0.5 to 2 kg, and the Kuripapango Lakes have many small browns, a good family option. In autumn, spawning fish move up into the tributaries.
What to catch
- Rainbow trout: the main fish throughout the river.
- Brown trout: the biggest are around the lower river and tidal zone, especially during the spring whitebait runs.
- Methods: bait, fly or spinner below Redclyffe Bridge; fly or spinner above it. Ask at a Napier tackle shop for current patterns and lures.
Getting There and Facilities
- Lower river: the regional council’s access points along the lower river have parking and picnic areas, and most have vehicle access. Omaranui Road and Hakowhai are named access points.
- Expressway (Guppy Road): LAWA rates the Tūtaekuri at the Expressway among Hawke’s Bay’s best swim spots, so expect swimmers there in summer.
- Middle river: there are few public access points. Landowners generally allow access if you ask first.
- Upper river: reached from Lower Flag Range Road and Dampney Road. Only use the Dampney Road ford in normal flows.
- River reserve rules: no camping at access points, vehicles on marked tracks only, fires only in the barbecues provided, and take your rubbish home.
- More to do: for swimming at the expressway bridge, see our Tūtaekuri River guide.
Rules and Safety
- The river follows the Fish & Game Hawke’s Bay rules. Downstream of the Redclyffe (EIT) Bridge: open all year, fly, spinner and bait. From the Mangaone confluence down to Redclyffe Bridge: open all year, fly and spinner only. Check the current regulations for the upper river, tributaries and limits.
- A Fish & Game licence is required.
- The river discolours after heavy rain, and the main stem clears more slowly than the tributaries. Do not cross the braided channels in high flows.
- Some access points are closed for cyclone repairs. Do not drive past locked gates.
- Respect private land in the middle reaches and always ask before crossing farmland.
Tackle and Bait Nearby
- Hunting & Fishing Napier, 170 to 180 Taradale Road: tackle and Fish & Game licences.
- Gun City + Fishing Napier, 2 Pandora Road: fly and spin gear, and licences.
- Fish & Game Hawke’s Bay office, 22a Burness Road, Greenmeadows: licences and advice.
Find Out More
Fish & Game: Tūtaekuri River: reaches, seasons and access points.
Fish & Game Hawke’s Bay regulations: seasons, methods and limits for the Tūtaekuri.
Hawke’s Bay Regional Council: public access to rivers: access points and current closures.
Common Questions
Can I use bait on the Tūtaekuri River?
Yes, downstream of the Redclyffe (EIT) Bridge, along with fly and spinner. Above it, it is fly and spinner only.
What fish are in the Tūtaekuri River?
Mostly rainbow trout, with brown trout too. The biggest browns are around the lower river and tidal zone.
When is the best time to fish the Tūtaekuri?
Spring, autumn and winter on the lower river. In summer, fish the deep pools, upper reaches and tributaries.
Where can I get onto the river?
The regional council has access points along the lower river, including Omaranui Road and Hakowhai. The middle river is mostly private, so ask landowners.
Is the Tūtaekuri open all year?
Yes, from the Mangaone confluence down. Check the regulations for the upper river and tributaries.
Was the river affected by Cyclone Gabrielle?
Yes, badly, in February 2023. Fish & Game reported it recovering by October 2025, but some access points are still being repaired.
Do I need a licence?
Yes, a Fish & Game licence.
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