Earthquake-related closure
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.
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 South-East fishing areaThis area, includes the east coast of the South Island between Clarence Point near Kaikoura, down to Slope Point, Southland, and extending out 200 nautical miles to the Chatham Islands. However, it excludes a small area around Kaikoura , which has different rules.
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 or a printer-friendly version
- 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