Earthquake-related closure
Due to the earthquake of 14 November 2016, fisheries in the Kaikōura 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.
Details, including a map of the closed area, are in the 'Closures and restrictions' box on this page.
What you need to know
Map of Kaikōura fishing areaThis area is within the South-East area but has different rules. It covers the waters from Clarence Point to the mouth of the Conway River out to a distance of 12 nautical miles.
All recreational fishing – including potting, netting and all other fishing methods – is covered by 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 the free NZ Fishing Rules app – Apple or Android
- send a free text to 9889 with the name of a species – for example "blue cod" or "pāua". You'll be sent legal bag and size limits for that species by return text.
You can also:
- get a rules brochure from MPI offices
- email MPI to be posted the rules brochure
- read the full rules in the Fisheries (Amateur Fishing) Regulations 2013 – NZ Legislation website
It is illegal to buy, sell or swap recreationally caught seafood
These are offences against the Fisheries Act which can result in fines up to $250,000. Map of Kaikōura fishing areaThis area is within the South-East area but has different rules. It covers the waters from Clarence Point to the mouth of the Conway River out to a distance of 12 nautical miles.
All recreational fishing – including potting, netting and all other fishing methods – is covered by 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 brochureget the free NZ Fishing Rules app – Apple or Androidsend a free text to 9889 with the name of a species – for example "blue cod" or "pāua". You'll be sent legal bag and size limits for that species by return text.
You can also:
get a rules brochure from MPI officesemail MPI to be posted the rules brochureread the full rules in the Fisheries (Amateur Fishing) Regulations 2013 – NZ Legislation website