Fishing

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Fishing

In a country with such a vast coastline and hundreds of rivers and lakes, it is little wonder that fishing is a popular pastime for New Zealanders. 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. Sea fishing offers almost guaranteed fish too, with strict regulations on daily allowable catch ensuring sustainable resources. Sea fishing runs the gamut from fishing off wharves to big game fishing in the Bay of Islands.

View these and more Fishing images from the Tourism New Zealand's Image Library. All images are available to download.

From the seaside village of Russell, it's easy to arrange a productive fishing trip.

The seaside village of Russell is a charming mixture of quaint colonial buildings, excellent restaurants and interesting shops. Yachts and game boats gently rock on their moorings, while locals and visitors dangle lines off the wharf. A sport fishing trip is easy to arrange – you can target snapper or kingfish, with all gear provided. Big game anglers can target marlin, shark and yellowfin tuna.

Photo credit: Kieren Scott

Lake Rotoaira produces particularly delicious rainbow trout – wade in or fish from a kayak.

Lake Rotoaira, next to Tongariro National Park, is ideal for wading or kayak fishing for rainbow trout. It's a beautiful setting with extensive weedbeds, and you can enjoy a chorus of native birds while you fish. Rotoaira rainbows are not quite as big as Lake Taupo trout, but they're very pink fleshed (from their snail diet) – excellent eating!

Photo credit: Bob McCree

Try surf casting or big game fishing at Mount Maunganui.

The resort town of Mount Maunganui, named for the extinct volcano that dominates the landscape, offers a choice of fishing experiences. The long surf beach is great for surfcasting, the harbour provides line fishing and 35 kilometres offshore is Mayor Island, a gamefishing destination known for marlin, tuna, shark and kingfish.

Photo credit: Legend Photography

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