Last updated October 2026
The Aropaoanui River is a small river that reaches Hawke Bay about 25 km north of Napier, beyond Tangoio and Waipātiki.
Fish & Game describes about 4 km through a forestry valley and about 3 km across flat farmland to the sea, with a marginal strip giving public access along the true right bank. It holds mainly rainbow trout with the occasional brown: fish in the lower reaches average about 0.5 kg, while those above the highway are better conditioned, around 1.5 kg. Because the catchment is small, Fish & Game encourages catch and release.
At a Glance
- Location
- About 25 km north of Napier, off SH2 via Aropaoanui Road
- Type
- Small river through forestry and farmland to the sea; Waikoau River upstream
- Water
- Aropaoanui River (freshwater)
- Main species
- Mainly rainbow trout, occasional brown trout
- Lower river
- Below the landmark opposite Wareham Road: open all year, fly, spinner and bait
- Upper river
- Above the landmark and tributaries: 1 October to 30 June, fly and spinner
- Access
- Aropaoanui Road bridge, marginal strip on the true right bank; Waikoau access off SH2
- Catch and release
- Encouraged by Fish & Game
- Rules
- Fish & Game Hawke’s Bay; licence required
- Cost
- Free access; Fish & Game licence needed
No tides on the river reaches. This small river rises and colours quickly after rain; fish it once it clears.
What You'll Find Here
The Waikoau River, which runs past Tūtira and under SH2, forms part of the Aropaoanui’s upper catchment. The upper Waikoau holds both rainbow and brown trout with the same pattern of smaller fish low down and bigger fish higher up.
Nearby Lake Tūtira, on the Waikoau side, is stocked each year with brown and rainbow trout and makes a good second option.
Besides trout, the river holds whitebait, longfin and shortfin eels, kōura, inanga and banded kōkopu. The river mouth has long been an important fishery and seafood gathering area for Maungaharuru-Tangitū hapū.
The valley has a history of floods: in 1938 floods swept away the SH2 bridge, and the area was badly affected by floods in 2022. Expect the riverbed and banks to change after big storms.
How to Fish the Aropaoanui River
Lower river
Below the landmark opposite Wareham Road, the river is open all year to fly, spinner and bait. The fish here are mostly small, averaging about half a kilo. From the Aropaoanui Road bridge, walk about 250 metres upstream to pick up the marginal strip along the true right bank.
Upper river and Waikoau
Above the landmark the season runs from 1 October to 30 June and only fly and spinner are allowed. The better-conditioned fish, around 1.5 kg and some much larger, are found above the highway, including on the Waikoau. This is small water, so approach carefully and keep casts short.
What to catch
- Rainbow trout: the main fish, small in the lower river and larger above the highway.
- Brown trout: occasional.
- Catch and release: Fish & Game encourages it here because the catchment is small.
Getting There and Facilities
- Aropaoanui Road bridge: drive to the bottom of Aropaoanui Road and cross the bridge. The marginal strip starts about 250 metres upstream.
- SH2 near the Waikoau Bridge: about 2 km north of Devils Elbow, a large gravel bay lets you walk over the bank to the river. Just past the bridge heading north, a gravel road leads to a ford; park on the grass before it.
- Waikoau Road Bridge: about 2 km up Waikoau Road from Tūtira; park on the true right, downstream side, well off the road.
- Facilities: there are no facilities listed at the access points. Bring everything you need.
Rules and Safety
- The river follows the Fish & Game Hawke’s Bay rules. Downstream of the landmark opposite Wareham Road (a black, yellow and white ringed post): open all year, fly, spinner and bait. Upstream and in the tributaries: 1 October to 30 June, fly and spinner only. Check the current regulations for limits.
- A Fish & Game licence is required.
- Within 500 metres of the mouth, the water counts as freshwater. Beyond that, the beach follows MPI’s Central area sea rules.
- Stay on the marginal strip and riverbed, and ask permission before crossing farmland.
- Small rivers rise fast after heavy rain. Do not ford the river in high flows.
Tackle and Bait Nearby
- Gun City + Fishing Napier, 2 Pandora Road: fly and spin gear, and Fish & Game licences.
- Hunting & Fishing Napier, 170 to 180 Taradale Road: tackle and licences.
- Fish & Game Hawke’s Bay office, 22a Burness Road, Greenmeadows: licences and advice.
Useful Links
Fish & Game: Northern Hawke’s Bay: the Aropaoanui, Waikoau and Lake Tūtira.
Fish & Game: Northern Hawke’s Bay access points: directions to each Aropaoanui and Waikoau access point.
Fish & Game Hawke’s Bay regulations: seasons, methods and limits for the river.
Aropaoanui River: Common Questions
Where is the Aropaoanui River?
About 25 km north of Napier, reached off SH2 via Aropaoanui Road. It meets the sea north of Tangoio and Waipātiki.
What trout are in the Aropaoanui?
Mainly rainbow trout, with the occasional brown. Lower-river fish average about 0.5 kg; above the highway they are around 1.5 kg.
Can I use bait on the Aropaoanui?
Yes, below the landmark opposite Wareham Road. Above it, fly and spinner only.
Is the Aropaoanui open all year?
The lower river is. Above the Wareham Road landmark, the season is 1 October to 30 June.
How do I get onto the river?
From the Aropaoanui Road bridge, walk about 250 metres upstream to the marginal strip on the true right bank.
Should I keep my catch?
Fish & Game encourages catch and release because the catchment is small.
Do I need a licence?
Yes, a Fish & Game licence.
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