Fishing is allowed all year round. There are a variety of species to catch within season including salmon, trout, kahawai and whitebait. If you are fishing for trout or salmon, you must have a sports fishing licence.
What fish can you catch in Christchurch Harbour?
The whole area is nationally famous for specimen Mullet and its quality Bass fishing. Large Pike can be found above and around Tuckton Bridge and Carp up to 30lbs in weight can be caught along the towpath and bandstand area. Lower Stour and the Harbour is a sports fishery where all species are returned to the water.
Where can I go fishing in Christchurch?
Places to fish in Christchurch
The Avon and Heathcote rivers, the Groynes, the New Brighton Pier and most wharves in Banks Peninsula offer fishing to members of the public in Christchurch.
Can you catch snapper in Canterbury?
The answer is definitely yes. You can still catch snapper with surfcasting gear from shore in Nelson and Marlborough but you need to learn a few “secrets” first. To begin with, the water in Canterbury close to shore is never clear. It is always green and murky.
Where can I whitebait in Christchurch?
The river mouths and lower reaches of the Ashley and Waimakariri Rivers are popular sites for whitebaiting. The Waimakariri River is also an excellent salmon and trout fishery.
Can you catch kingfish in Christchurch?
A few kingfish are caught on rod and reel each year in Canterbury. But it is very unusual for one to be taken at a river-mouth by an angler spin fishing for kahawai or salmon. Some kingfish are taken by boat anglers fishing out of Motunau.
Can you go crabbing in Christchurch?
If you’re visiting with kids, or even fancy a go yourself, then crabbing at Mudeford Quay is a must. It’s a brilliant, family-friendly activity that gets you and the family out in the great outdoors. We’ll lend you crabbing lines, nets, buckets and even fold-up seats. Ask our reception team for some crabbing bait.
Do you need a permit to fish in NZ?
You do not need a licence to fish in the sea around New Zealand. However, you do need a licence for freshwater fishing (in lakes and rivers).
How many fish can you catch in a day NZ?
Table 1: Individual species daily limits within the combined bag limit
| Finfish species | Maximum daily limit per active fisher | Min net mesh size (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Groper (Hapuku) / Bass | Daily limit of 5 with no more than 3 kingfish | 160 |
| Kingfish | 100 | |
| Quinnat salmon | 4 | — |
| Snapper | 10 | 100 |
Do you need a license to fish for trout in NZ?
You need a licence to fish for sports fish like trout or salmon. You need a different licence in the Taupō district.
What fish can you catch in Canterbury?
The Canterbury region provides some outstanding lake or still-water fishing for Brown, Rainbow and Brook trout. Many of the lakes and high country tarns are located amongst some of the South Island’s most stunning scenery.
Is there a limit on kahawai?
The kahawai does not currently have a minimum size limit in NZ; however, there is a daily catch limit of 20 per fisher.
Are you allowed to fillet fish at sea NZ?
Of course, you could still fillet at sea and keep the frames so there’s no doubt all the fish were legal-size. If you then use the frames as well, there’s no waste, but remember to keep them chilled if you intend eating them later.
Can you eat whitebait fish?
Individual whitebait are tender and edible, and are considered a delicacy in New Zealand. The entire fish is eaten – including head, fins, bones, and bowels. Some species make better eating than others, and the particular species that are marketed as “whitebait” vary in different parts of the world.
Is it legal to catch eel in NZ?
The limit for taking eels is 6 per person, per day. This can be either longfin eels, shortfin eels, or a mix.
What does a whitebait turn into?
Through spring and summer, the little whitebait grow into adult fish known as inanga. Inanga are slender fish, with a small head and transparent fins. They are a pale creamy colour, mottled or spotted greenish-olive on their back and sides.
What is the best bait for kingfish?
Squid, Slimie Mackerel and Yellowtail Scad (Yakkas) would be your most likely and readily available baits, though a live Bonito or Mac Tuna should not be overlooked. Where possible match the hatch! Catch the baits that the Kings are likely to feed on and present them as naturally as you can.
What is the biggest snapper in NZ?
A youthful Mark Hemmingway with the current world snapper all-tackle record of 17.2kg, caught at Motiti Island in November, 1992.
Can you catch bluefin tuna NZ?
There are two distinct recreational fisheries for southern bluefin tuna in New Zealand at present. One off the west coast of the South Island from February to July and a target fishery that started in 2017 off the east coast of the North Island mainly in June and July.
Where can I crab in Christchurch?
Christchurch Crab
- The Jetty. 3,176 reviewsClosed Now.
- Upper Deck at The Christchurch Harbour Hotel & Spa. 1,492 reviewsOpens in 16 min.
- Brown’s Fish & Chips. 435 reviewsOpen Now.
- James and White. 710 reviewsOpen Now.
- The Nelson Tavern. 492 reviewsOpen Now.
- The Oaks. 550 reviewsOpen Now.
- The Beach Hut Cafe.
- The Cliff House Restaurant.
What fish are in the Avon river Christchurch?
Fishing. The Avon, flowing through the centre of the south island’s most populous urban area, has become popular among local anglers as large numbers of introduced Brown trout are in the river.