Wellington> Access

The range of sports fishing opportunity in the Fish & Game New Zealand Wellington Region is remarkable. We offer anglers an impressive array of fishing water and fishing experiences including:

• wilderness fisheries set amongst magnificent native bush and rugged mountain scenery.

• urban lakes artificially stocked with rainbow trout.

• a variety of wild sportsfish including rainbow and brown trout, perch, and tench.

• simple fishing regulations.

• very good numbers of fish per kilometer especially in the main rivers.

• real peace and solitude - you will seldom see other anglers.

• ease of access to most fishing water.

The region encompasses the southern part of New Zealand from Waiouru, across to Dannevirke and down to Wellington. Included in our region are four major fishing rivers; the Rangitikei, Manawatu, Ruamahunga and Hutt. Variety is definitely the spice of life. There is very scenic wilderness/back-country fishing in rivers within the Kaimanawa, Ruahine and Tararua Forest Parks that divide our region from north to south. Outside of these parks rivers and streams flow through peaceful hill country farmland and lowland river plains to the sea. All fishing methods are practiced in over 90% of waters – 10% of waters are fly or spin fishing only. All the rivers and streams contain brown trout, a few are brown and rainbow trout and two of the main rivers contain perch. Most waters are open all year and have no bag limit. A few waters have a very low bag limit and some are managed as trophy fisheries and so have a maximum size limit – please check your regulation guide.

Angler Access

Anglers access to most rivers and streams, is public and readily available. Access along rivers and streams, is often over private land – particularly the medium to smaller sized waters. Wellington Region Fish and Game is currently updating its angler pamphlets to provide more accurate information on public access. Because of the extent of our fishing water this task will take a number of years and anglers, should they have a query regarding public/private access, are invited to contact the office for clarification.

Access Pamphlets Online

Upper Manawatu

Lower Manawatu

Ruamahunga River

Kapiti Coast River Fisheries

Other fishing pamphlets available free from our two Fish & Game offices or licence agents or send a self-addressed envelope with your request. Each contains a colour map showing access points to the fishing waters plus tips on how best to fish. The Wellington Fish & Game “Riverline” information service is also available. This telephone message allows you to check river conditions before leaving home. It is updated every morning October to April inclusive and every weekend May to September. It gives information on whether rivers are fishable and what methods are best at the time. Calls only cost 12 cents per minute. The number to ring is ph. 08322 5000.