Closures
Earthquake-related
Due to the earthquake of 14 November 2016, fisheries in the KaikōuraKaikoura and Cape Campbell regions arewill be closed:
- Collection of shellfish and seaweed is prohibited between Marfells
Marfell'sBeach and the Conway River out to a distance of 4 nautical miles.
Marlborough Sounds
- The Marlborough Sounds and Area H in Tasman Bay are closed until further notice.
Details, including maps of the closed areas, are in the 'Closures and restrictions' box on this page.
What you need to know
The Challenger fishing area.This area extends along the West Coast of the South Island north of Awarua Point, and around to Clarence Point on the east coast.
All recreational fishing – including potting, netting and all other fishing methods – is covered by rules.
Ways to check the rules
This page is a summary of daily bag and size limits and closed and restricted areas. For more information about rules you can:
- download the rules brochure
- get a printer-friendly version of the brochure
- use the free NZ Fishing Rules app for:
- send a free text to 9889 with the name of a species. For example, text "blue cod" or "pāua" to 9889. You'll be sent legal bag and size limits for that species by return text.
You can also: