Activities

Sea-run brown trout dominate the swift rivers and small lakes pertaining to the rugged West Coast. The extensive Grey River flows through Greymouth, offering unsurpassed fishing waters.

The snow–fed rivers flowing to the South Island’s East Coast are renowned for salmon fishing. Quinnat salmon, or chinook as they are called in North America, are well established from the Clutha River, located in the far south, to the Wairau River, in the North.

Southland boasts unsurpassed trout fishing rivers. Lumsden is a quiet township located in the centre of excellent fishing country. Discover the Oreti River, west of Mossburn travelling along Highway 94 towards Te Anau.

Inland rivers and lakes are considered to be the best fishing spots. Fishing tours are uncommon, however locals residing near the upper reaches of rivers such as Hautapu, Rangitikei and Manawatu, are sure to point you in the right direction.

The Southern Lakes District boasts abundant salmon, rainbow and brown trout and landlocked quinnat salmon. The northern end of Lake Wakatipu, near the mouths of the Rees and Dart Rivers, offers the best fishing (by boat) for trout.

The Marlborough province is the sunniest in the South Island and boasts many fishing havens. The Wairau River, which flows into Cloudy Bay near Blenheim, can be accessed quite easily along both sides.

Expanding across the least populated region of the North Island are the splendid trout fishing rivers and lakes of Urewera National Park. The most renowned however are the waters of Lake Waikaremoana.

Expanding across the least populated region of the North Island are the splendid trout fishing rivers and lakes of Urewera National Park. The most renowned however are the waters of Lake Waikaremoana.

The countries northern-most destinations are renowned for big game fishing and surf-casting and is the only area in New Zealand that does not boast great fly fishing.

Lake Taupo is renowned the fishing mecca of New Zealand, offering year round trout fishing and boasting smoking and freezing facilities. Rainbow trout weigh 1.5 - 2.0kgs, and brown trout 2.0 - 2.5kgs.