Best Places to Fish in New Zealand

With its abundance of trout fishing and salmon fishing waters, New Zealand is a fishing paradise. From small crystal-clear spring-fed creeks holding wily fish to large wilderness waters where fishing is only part of the adventure, the variety of fishing in New Zealand is huge.

New Zealand fishing offers something to anglers at all levels of skill and for all methods. The opportunity to fish for large numbers of large trout and salmon in a beautiful pristine environment is what makes New Zealand such an attraction to anglers from around the world.

Lake fishing

New Zealand is deservedly famous for the fishing in and around the central North Island lakes:

• Lake Taupo
• the Rotorua lakes

River fishing

North Island

Frequently rated the top rivers to fish in the North Island are the:

• Rangitikei and the Upper Mohaka Rivers for top quality wilderness fishing for trophy trout in a gin clear water
• the top quality dry fly and nymphing waters of the Waimiha Stream, the Kaniwhaniwha and the Awakino River in the Waikato/King Country area
• the Ruakituri River with its huge hard fighting fish in the Eastern region
• the large and pristime Whakapapa River with challenging fishing for large trophy trout in the central North Island
• the lower Tongariro River and the other streams and rivers flowing into Lake Taupo where the enormous spawning runs during winter offer the opportunity to fish for large numbers of prime condition fish
• Lake Otamangakau for challenging wilderness fishing and solitude in an area of barren beauty
• Lake Okataina where large trout reside in a remote pristine lake surrounded by virgin native bush

South Island

Frequently rated among the top rivers to fish in the South Island are the:

• Buller and Motueka Rivers (Nelson/Marlborough region)
• Mataura and Oreti Rivers (Otago)
• Makaroro River (Southland region)
• Ahuriri River (Central South island region)
• Aorere River in Golden Bay (Nelson/Marlborough region)

Backcountry fishing

Back country fishing refers to fishing that is accessible by road, 4-wheel drive track or walking. Back-country streams and rivers provide some of New Zealand's finest fishing. Back-country licenses are required to fish for trout and salmon in some Southland back country rivers. Backcountry fishing rivers include:

• the Greenstone and Caples Rivers (in the Otago region; back country licence required)
• the Oreti River (in the Southland region)

Wilderness fishing

New Zealand offers trout fishing and salmon fishing in remote wilderness areas that are accessible by 4-wheel drive track, tramping or helicopter. Wilderness fishing locations include:

• Ruakaturi River (Eastern region)
• Waiau (Eastern region)
• Mohaka River (Hawke's Bay)
• Karamea River (West Coast)

Suggested itineraries

See our suggested itineraries  for 6-7 day self-drive fishig trips in different areas of New Zealand.