Fishing in New Zealand
Sea fishing needs no licence. Freshwater does — a Fish & Game licence almost everywhere, except the Taupō district, which DOC administers separately.
10 researched spots — 3 Freshwater, 3 Fly Fishing, 4 Saltwater.
Species you can target
- albacore tuna
- blue cod
- brown trout
- hāpuku
- john dory
- landlocked salmon
- rainbow trout
- snapper
- striped marlin
- yellowtail kingfish
Fishing spots in New Zealand
- Lake Taupō — Taupō, Waikato. Freshwater, Beginner. Target species: rainbow trout, brown trout.
- Tongariro River — Tūrangi, Waikato. Fly Fishing, Intermediate. Target species: rainbow trout, brown trout.
- Bay of Islands — Northland. Saltwater, Advanced. Target species: striped marlin, yellowtail kingfish, snapper.
- Hauraki Gulf — Auckland. Saltwater, Beginner. Target species: snapper, yellowtail kingfish, john dory.
- Mataura River — Gore, Southland. Fly Fishing, Intermediate. Target species: brown trout.
- Lake Wanaka — Wanaka, Otago. Freshwater, Intermediate. Target species: brown trout, rainbow trout, landlocked salmon.
- Marlborough Sounds — Picton, Marlborough. Saltwater, Beginner. Target species: blue cod, snapper, yellowtail kingfish.
- Motueka River — Tasman. Fly Fishing, Advanced. Target species: brown trout.
- Kaikōura Offshore — Kaikōura, Canterbury. Saltwater, Intermediate. Target species: blue cod, hāpuku, albacore tuna.
- Rotorua Lakes — Rotorua, Bay of Plenty. Freshwater, Beginner. Target species: rainbow trout, brown trout.
Licence requirements and closed seasons change regularly. Always confirm with the relevant fisheries authority before you fish — each spot page links to its source.