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The Best Fishing Spots in New Zealand – A Local’s Guide

Marlin Tagging - Bay of Islands

New Zealand is a dream destination for anglers, offering everything from remote backcountry streams teeming with trophy trout to deep-sea adventures chasing legendary marlin. Māori have fished these waters for centuries, and today, locals and visitors alike cast their lines in search of snapper, kingfish, trout, and more. Whether you're looking for a quiet freshwater escape or a saltwater thrill, here are the best fishing spots across Aotearoa, along with the fish you can expect to reel in.


North Island: Where the Warm Waters Meet the Big Fish



Bay of Islands – The Marlin Capital 

The Bay of Islands has been a fishing hotspot since early European settlement, with Zane Grey, the famous American writer and angler, making it world-famous in the 1920s. His tales of battling monster marlin off these coasts still attract big-game anglers today. Snapper, kingfish, and yellowfin tuna are also abundant here, making it a must-visit for any serious fisher.

💡 What You’ll Catch: Marlin, kingfish, snapper, yellowfin tuna, kahawai

🎣 Best Fishing Tip: Try trolling around the legendary "Ninepin Rock" for big-game fish.

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Lake Taupō – Home of the Monster Trout

Lake Taupō was formed by a massive volcanic eruption over 1,800 years ago, and its pristine waters are now famous for their trout. Introduced in the late 1800s, rainbow and brown trout have flourished, making it one of the world's premier freshwater fishing destinations. Every year, anglers gather to try their luck in the Tongariro River, a spawning ground that attracts some of the biggest trout in New Zealand.

💡 What You’ll Catch: Rainbow trout, brown trout

🎣 Best Fishing Tip: Fly-fishing is best from April to October when the trout run upstream. BOOK Add to your adventure with these activities! Scenic Ngātoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings Boat Cruise Volcanoes To Trail (Mt Doom Discovery)


Gunard Fish
Image Source: NZ Fishing World

Hauraki Gulf – Snapper Paradise

Hauraki Gulf is Auckland’s backyard playground, but it also happens to be one of the best snapper fishing spots in the country. Māori have fished these waters for centuries, with legends telling of warriors sustaining themselves on snapper before great battles. The inner and outer Gulf is home to countless islands, reefs, and channels where snapper, kingfish, and trevally thrive.

💡 What You’ll Catch: Snapper, kingfish, trevally, gurnard

🎣 Best Fishing Tip: Fish near the Coromandel coast for bigger snapper during the summer months.



South Island: Where Wild Rivers and Deep Waters Call


Salmon Fish

Rakaia River – The Salmon Highway 🏔️🐟

If you want to catch salmon in New Zealand, the Rakaia River is your best bet. Every summer, keen anglers flock to its braided channels in search of Chinook (or Quinnat) salmon, which were introduced from California in the early 1900s. Local fishing folklore tells of 20-pound salmon being caught by hand in the shallows, though modern anglers prefer the traditional rod-and-reel approach.

💡 What You’ll Catch: Chinook salmon, rainbow trout, brown trout

🎣 Best Fishing Tip: Late summer is peak season for salmon runs. Try near the river mouth for the best action.

Add to your adventure with these activities!


Blue Cod

Marlborough Sounds – The Hidden Gem of the South 🚤🐠

Marlborough Sounds is a maze of drowned river valleys where blue cod and snapper thrive. Early Māori tribes, including the Ngāti Kuia, were expert fishers here, using woven flax nets to haul in their catch. Today, it remains a prime fishing destination, with deep channels and sheltered bays providing fantastic conditions year-round.

💡 What You’ll Catch: Blue cod, snapper, kingfish,

🎣 Best Fishing Tip: Use soft baits or fresh squid near the rocky outcrops for the best blue cod fishing.

BOOK Add to your adventure with these activities!



Fiordland – Fishing in the Land Before Time 🌿🐟

Fiordland’s remote, untouched waters make for some of the most unique fishing experiences in New Zealand. Māori legends say that Fiordland’s deep waters were carved by the god Tū Te Rakiwhānoa, and today, those same fjords hold massive groper (hapuku), blue cod, and even tuna. The combination of steep mountains, ancient forests, and rich marine life makes this a dream destination for any angler.

💡 What You’ll Catch: Groper (hapuku), blue cod, tuna, tarakihi

🎣 Best Fishing Tip: The best fishing is done from boats in deeper waters—charter one from Te Anau or Milford Sound.

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Other activities around this area;

(CODE:PLAN10 for a discount)


Honorable Mentions 🎖️ When looking at the best fishing spots in New Zealand you cannot beat these local favourites!

🔹 Kaipara Harbour (North Island): One of the largest harbours in the world, famous for its massive snapper and flounder.

🔹 Queenstown - Lake Wakatipu & Wānaka (South Island): A breathtaking location for trout fishing with incredible alpine views.

🔹 West Coast Beaches (South Island): Surfcasting for kahawai and rig (spotted dogfish) is excellent, especially near Greymouth.


Fishing down South


The Best Fishing Spots in New Zealand - A Fisherman’s Paradise

New Zealand’s waters have been fished for generations, from ancient Māori fishing techniques to legendary big-game hunts of the early 20th century. Whether you're after trout in a remote backcountry stream, battling kingfish in the deep blue, or simply casting a line off a quiet beach, there’s a perfect fishing spot for everyone.

So, pack your gear, grab your bait, and get ready for an unforgettable fishing adventure in Aotearoa! 🎣🏔️🌊

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