Freshwater Fishing in New Zealand

New Zealand is an angler's paradise, offering some of the best prospects for freshwater fishing in New Zealand's beautiful, isolated and pristine locations. In a country with such a vast coastline and hundreds of rivers and lakes, it is little wonder that freshwater fishing in New Zealand is a popular pastime.

Anglers come from all over the world, too, to try their luck in the crystal-clear waters. New Zealand has the best trout fishing in the world, from the volcanic Taupo-Rotorua region in the central North Island, to the glacial-formed lakes of west Otago and Fiordland. Lake Taupo, alive with brown and rainbow trout, is probably the best freshwater fishing in New Zealand.

Crystal clear waters, uncrowded rivers and lakes offer exciting opportunities for trout fishing in New Zealand - trophy sized browns and rainbows are legendary. New Zealand is a wild trout fishery and a 'catch and release' approach is promoted to conserve resources.

Visitors to New Zealand can bring their own fishing gear into the country. However, all equipment must be clean and must be declared to New Zealand customs on arrival. Homemade flies are not allowed into New Zealand.

Anglers fishing in New Zealand's summer will often find it more comfortable and quieter to fish with bare legs, perhaps a pair of trainers or felt soled boots. Waders can be hot and clumsy in the heat of a New Zealand summer. Only in unseasonably cold weather, or at night, might an angler require waders.

Autumn, winter and early spring at Taupo require waders and, irrespective of the season, polarised glasses are essential. Sunscreen is a must throughout the country and a hat or cap is essential during summer. In many areas insect repellent is another necessity.

Fishing Licence

Freshwater fishing in New Zealand requires a valid fishing licence. You must purchase and sign your fishing licence before you go fishing, and you must carry this licence with you at all times when fishing, or carrying assembled fishing gear.

The fishing season in New Zealand opens on the 1st October, and ends on the 30th September.

If you want to know more about New Zealand freshwater fishing, Fish and Game New Zealand manages New Zealand's freshwater sports fisheries and game birds for hunters and anglers. It provides information and assistance to hunters and anglers, and sells licences that permit people to shoot and fish.

View tourism operators for freshwater fishing in New Zealand.