Last updated October 2026
Tangimoana is a small township on the Manawatū coast at the mouth of the Rangitīkei River, about 30 km north-west of Palmerston North. It sits north of Himatangi and is quieter than the beaches further south.
You can surfcast the open beach for kahawai, and the Rangitīkei estuary holds sea-run trout. From the end of the road a track runs through the dunes to the beach beside the river mouth. Driving on the beach is limited to areas the council designates.
At a Glance
- Location
- Tangimoana, at the Rangitīkei River mouth, about 30 km north-west of Palmerston North
- Type
- Open surf beach beside a large river mouth and estuary
- Water
- Tasman Sea and the Rangitīkei estuary
- Main species
- Kahawai; snapper on kontiki; sea-run trout in the estuary
- Access
- Beach access at the end of the road through the Tangimoana Dunes Recreation Reserve; Scotts Ferry Road to the river
- Vehicles
- Only in areas the council designates for driving
- Lifeguards
- None
- Tide port
- Port Taranaki, with Manawatū River Entrance offsets
- Rules
- MPI Central for sea fish; Fish & Game Wellington for trout
- Licence
- None for sea fish; Fish & Game licence for trout
- Low about 2:51 am
- High about 8:51 am
- Low about 3:17 pm
- High about 9:08 pm
Best times today: around 2:51 am, 8:51 am, 3:17 pm and 9:08 pm (2 hours either side of each tide change), and around 10:25 am and 10:47 pm (moon overhead and underfoot).
Moving water around the tide changes usually fishes best.
Predictions only; actual tides vary with weather.
What to Expect
The Rangitīkei River runs 241 km from the Kaimanawa Ranges to reach the sea here, and Fish & Game notes that its fishing ranges from trophy trout in the headwaters to estuary-dwelling sea-run trout at the bottom. Tangimoana township sits close to the mouth.
From above, the road into the township ends at the Tangimoana Dunes Recreation Reserve, and a track leads through the dunes to the beach right beside the mouth, where a sand spit pushes the river north before it meets the sea. The open beach runs south towards Himatangi.
Fish & Game’s access guide also describes a route to the lower river: from Tangimoana Road turn right at Punga Street, drive 900 m to the end, turn left onto Aru Street and follow the gravel road at its end along Scotts Ferry Road to the river.
How to Fish Tangimoana
Where and when
On the open beach, walk away from the mouth to find gutters and holes in the surf. Around the mouth, fish the edges where the river current meets the sea; moving water around the tide changes usually fishes better than slack water. Calm days are best on this exposed coast.
What to catch and what to use
- Kahawai: fresh bait or a metal lure in the surf and around the mouth.
- Snapper and gurnard: on this coast mostly taken on kontiki lines set well out on calm days.
- Sea-run trout: in the Rangitīkei estuary. Spinning with a Veltic, Rapala or Z spinner is popular on the river. You need a Fish & Game licence.
What to bring
Everything you need, including bait: there is no tackle shop here. Stock up in Palmerston North.
Getting There and Facilities
- Driving: follow Tangimoana Road to the township, about 30 km north-west of Palmerston North.
- Beach access: at the end of the road through the Tangimoana Dunes Recreation Reserve, beside the river mouth.
- River access: Punga Street, Aru Street and the gravel road along Scotts Ferry Road, as described in Fish & Game’s Rangitīkei guide.
- Vehicles: Manawatū District Council’s Public Places Bylaw limits driving on beaches to designated areas. Keep off the dunes.
- Lifeguards: none, so take extra care near the water.
Rules and Safety
- Sea fish follow MPI’s Central area rules. No licence is needed.
- Fish & Game rules treat the river mouth and estuary as freshwater. You need a Fish & Game licence to fish for sea-run trout there, and Wellington rules apply.
- Set netting is banned out to 4 nautical miles offshore from Hāwera south to the Wellington Harbour entrance, to protect Hector’s and Māui dolphins.
- Toheroa are protected on this coast. Do not take or disturb them.
- River mouths have strong currents and shifting sandbanks. Do not wade near the mouth on a running tide, and check MetService forecasts before you go.
Tackle and Bait Nearby
- Hunting & Fishing Manawatu, 35 Grey Street, Palmerston North.
Official Sources for Tangimoana
Fish & Game: Rangitīkei River access guide: access to the lower river and Scotts Ferry at Tangimoana.
MPI Central fishing rules: size limits, daily limits and longline rules.
Common Questions
Where is Tangimoana?
On the Manawatū coast at the mouth of the Rangitīkei River, about 30 km north-west of Palmerston North, north of Himatangi.
What can you catch at Tangimoana?
Kahawai off the beach and around the mouth, snapper on kontiki lines, and sea-run trout in the estuary.
Do I need a licence?
Not for sea fish. For sea-run trout in the estuary or mouth you need a Fish & Game licence.
Can I drive on the beach?
Only in areas Manawatū District Council designates for driving. Keep off the dunes.
Is the beach patrolled?
No. There are no lifeguards at Tangimoana.
How do I get to the river?
From the township take Punga Street, then Aru Street, and follow the gravel road along Scotts Ferry Road.
Which tide port should I use?
Port Taranaki with the Manawatū River Entrance offsets, the nearest LINZ port on this coast.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Sources and data notes 1
- Tides today: Tide predictions: LINZ (CC BY 3.0 NZ), adjusted from Port Taranaki using LINZ secondary port offsets.