I know spots where you can get them in less then a meter of water at low tide. But in most places you do need to swim underwater and hold your breath to harvest them.
Depending on conditions, and the time I get there. I might take a quick swim at Kaikouria and collect a bunch of fresh bait and hopefully including paua.
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Whitebait Season starts 1 September 2026 and ends 30 October (inclusive). Chatham Islands: 1 December to the last day of February (inclusive)