Fishing & Boating

Safe Fishing & Boating

• Each passenger should have a correctly fitting buoyancy vest (life jacket) when boating. Remember they only work when you are wearing them!
  
  
• When hiring a boat, familiarise yourself with the craft (location of life jackets, radio equipment, correct use of the motor, bilge pump etc), and let someone know of your intentions.
  
  
• Avoid excessive alcohol when operating a boat - just like driving a car, they don't mix!
  
  
• To fish for trout and salmon, or hunt game birds, you need a permit from Fish and Game New Zealand. There are 12 regional offices and affiliated outlets able to issue licences nationwide.
  
  
• Permits are required to hunt on conservation land. These are easily obtained from Department of Conservation offices nationwide (see a local telephone directory for an office nearest to you).
  
  
• New Zealand has some of the most beautiful lakes, rivers and streams in the world. If you use these waterways you can help protect them. Waterweeds and algae can be spread through engaging in kayaking, boating, fishing and other water activities in more than one waterway. Some weeds / alga are microscopic so you could be spreading them even if you can't see them on the items you are moving between waterways.

• To ensure you don't spread waterweeds / alga please check, clean and dry any equipment used on rivers. Cleaning agents are inexpensive and available at any supermarket or hardware store.

• To help prevent the spread of harmful waterborn pests, the use of felt-soled wading boots has been banned in New Zealand from 1 October 2009. Anglers will be subject to compliance checks by Fish and Game rangers and the use of felt soles will be an offence under the ‘using unauthorised tackle or gear’ category of the Anglers Notice. Visiting anglers are encouraged to leave their felt-soled waders at home and ensure that any equipment they do bring with them is clean and dry.
  

• For more information while in New Zealand , visit a Department of Conservation Visitor Centre or i-SITE Visitor Centre. Or, visit www.biosecurity.govt.nz or www.fishandgame.org.nz