CatchWindow fishing intelligence

Auckland, NZ Daily Water Report — October 6, 2026

Auckland Harbour is a strong go for boating and a good pick for paddling, sailing and diving, with one caveat: the water is small, but the midday gusts are not entirely asleep. The harbour carries only 0.3–0.5 m waves today, with a representative 0.36 m and a short 0.28 m northeast swell. That is comfortably manageable on the supplied boating score of 8.8/10, while kayaking rates 7.7 and diving 7.6. The calmest wave height is forecast near 21:00 at 0.32 m, though daylight ends at 19:29, so evening users should weigh the smoother water against fading light. Marine SST is 15.4 C: not brutal, but cool enough that immersion protection and a realistic re-entry plan remain sensible. The best all-round daylight window looks early, from dawn through late morning, before the strongest gust potential arrives. Winds range from roughly 3 to 9 knots, but gusts could reach 21.8 knots around noon despite a representative northeast breeze of 6 knots. That spread is the day’s main tradeoff: pleasant sailing conditions overall at 6.8/10, but a gust can turn a relaxed harbour lap into a brisk reminder to keep sail area and route choices conservative. No rain is indicated, cloud cover is moderate, and atmospheric visibility is forecast near 46 km; that is useful above water, not a promise of underwater visibility. Fishing is middling at 5.9/10, unchanged from yesterday, with the 09:24–11:24 solunar major period the more useful daytime timing cue. The pressure is high at 1026 hPa but falling. Tides are unavailable, so do not build a launch, drift, shore access, or fishing plan around an assumed tide stage. Wildlife also sits in the middle at 6.4/10. Compared with the recent run, boating improves sharply from yesterday’s 7.3 as winds ease, while kayaking rebounds from 6.3. Diving is a touch below yesterday’s 7.8 but remains solid. Looking ahead, Wednesday through Friday appear even smaller, with 0.1–0.3 m waves and lighter peak winds, especially Thursday and Friday; wetter odds return over the weekend. Best bet: launch early for a harbour paddle or boat outing, enjoy the small water, and be back with options before noon’s gusts start showing personality.