Hi there,

I'm in the fortunate position of being able to visit New Zealand for approximately 3 months and I hope to make this a major fishing "trip of a lifetime" - incorporating both freshwater and sea fishing. I'll be touring round in a camper van and am intending to tour both the North and South Islands. I'll be starting in Auckland and have no set itinery - hence why I'm here!! :)

Currently, I'm based in the UK and, if I had to choose, I'd say I'm a very keen carp angler. Sorry for this - I'm aware of the "nuisance species" opinion of carp from New Zealanders, but would still love to hook into a Koi during my stay (if possible)...?! I'm here primarily seeking general information (and your recommendations) about fishing in New Zealand, and also any rules or etiquette I should adhere to which may be different to UK standards/expectations.

I'd really appreciate it if anyone could give me any insight into any of the following questions:

1. Do I need a rod licence to fish in NZ? If so, where would I acquire one and how much would it be? In the UK you have to go to the Post Office rather than being able to purchase one where you're fishing!
2. What do you think would be a reasonable timescale to cover plenty of fishing venues on both islands? Is 3 months enough or too much?
3. Other than trout and salmon, what other freshwater species fishing are available to a visiting angler? Googling hasn't turned up much for me and I have to be honest and say that I'm not overly interested in trout as a quarry. Also I don't hunt/kill what I catch over here, preferring instead to get my pleasure from the fact that I'm just not at work!! :) Will that cause offence to people?!
4. Are there any venues that I just "shouldn't miss"?!
5. Are there any venues that I should "avoid like the plague"?!
6. I presume the fishing is seasonal in some way? If so, what's the best time of year to (hopefully!) provide me with a "haul" of various species (preferably with the chance of a big'un in there somewhere!)
7. Any advice on tackle hire, bait, location etc would obviously be greatly appreciated!
8. Any advice along the lines of "I wouldn't pay more than $XXX for YYY" would be valuable too.
9. Is there anything else I should know, or beware of?

Please, if you're listing places, would you mind giving me enough info that I will be able to Google it to find out more, or likewise that I could find on Google Earth.

Thanks very much for any help you'd care to offer.

"Tight Lines" to one and all!!

Best regards

Phil

What an amazing site!!

Thanks for that - I'll be there for hours now!! :)

Phil

I can understand trout not being on the menu in the UK. But NZ trout really are something else. Its not that uncommon in parts of NZ to see anglers standing on the river bank or lake edge with an empty reel, shaking there heads wondering what the hell just happened.