Fisherman rescued after spending night trapped on Northland rocks
Monday 14 September 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story Coastguard, Land Search and Rescue
A fisherman was rescued after becoming stranded on rocks near Te Anina Point at Tauranga Bay. The man, who had no phone or lifejacket, was located following an overnight search involving police, Coastguard, and land-based teams. He was eventually brought to safe ground by land-based rescue crews.
Key facts
4 facts
- The rescue occurred around 1am on Monday.
- The man was trapped on rocks near Tauranga Bay in Northland.
- The man did not have a phone or a lifejacket with him.
- The search involved Northern Rescue helicopter, Coastguard, and Land Search and Rescue.
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
A fisherman was rescued around 1am on Monday after becoming stranded on rocks near Tauranga Bay. The man had spent the night on a cluster of rocks after being trapped by the rising tide. He was found cold and wet but otherwise well.
The man arrived at Tauranga Bay with a friend at approximately 2pm on Sunday and crossed to nearby rocks at low tide. His friend, who was waiting in a car, fell asleep and realised he had not returned after dark. She alerted police at about 7.45pm on Sunday.
A multi-agency search was launched involving the Northern Rescue helicopter, Coastguard, Land Search and Rescue, and Police Search and Rescue. While the helicopter searched the area, it did not detect a heat source before being stood down to refuel.
Land search teams eventually located the man between Tauranga Bay and Marble Bay after rescuers were alerted to his location by a sound signal. Rescuers waited for the tide to drop before crossing to provide the man with warm clothing and escorting him to safety.
Where reports differ
- One report specifies the man was located between Tauranga Bay and Marble Bay, while another notes Coastguard Whangaroa was involved but land teams completed the rescue.
Compiled from reports by Stuff and NZ Herald.
