Each region has its own set of regulations which are enforced alongside the broader national regulations. Please study and abide by local regulations at all times – they are designed to ensure the sustainability of game bird hunting and fishing and safeguard New Zealand’s wonderful natural resources.
2024/2025 Fishing season regulations
Northland
Auckland/Waikato
Eastern
Hawke's Bay
Taranaki
Wellington
Nelson/Marlborough
West Coast
North Canterbury
Central South Island
Otago
Southland
The purpose of the Anglers’ Notice is to set out the conditions under which a licence holder may fish for sports fish in each Fish & Game region. As soon as practicable after the notice for each season is approved by the Minister for Hunting and Fishing, the NZ Council is required to publish the notice in the New Zealand Gazette.
Anglers Notice in the NZ Gazette
Fish & Game New Zealand reproduces the regulations contained in the Notice in regional booklets as free guides for anglers. Anglers can obtain a booklet from a retail agent or Fish & Game Office when they purchase a fishing licence.
The regulations printed in the guide booklets are subject to the Minister for Hunting and Fishing's approval.
The Licences, Fees and Forms Notice sets the different forms and classes of a fishing licence. It is issued under the authority of the Acts and Regulations Publication Act 1989. Each notice is signed by the Minister of Conservation and administered by the Department of Conservation.
Click here to view the current Sports Fishing Licences, Fees, and Forms Notice.