Choose your fishing area to check the rules
New Zealand has 7 fishing areas. You need to follow the specific fishing rules for the area where you're fishing. Click on the map of your fishing area to check the rules, closures, and restrictions:
Ways to keep informed about the rules
You can:
- download a brochure – links are available on the web pages for each fishing area
- get the free NZ Fishing Rules app. It's available on Apple and android devices. After you've downloaded the app, it works without an internet connection
- 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.
- get a brochure from MPI offices
- read the rules for your area on this website
- follow us on Facebook – we have 4 regional Facebook pages
You'll also see signage about rules at many fishing spots.spots around New Zealand.
Note, you don't need a licence to fish in saltwater seas around New Zealand but you do need a licence to fish in freshwater (lakes and rivers).
Follow us on Facebook
We have some regional pages to bring you information about the fishing rules and how we manage and protect local fisheries.
Follow the Facebook page for: