General fishing licence info

2024 / 2025 Season.

There are ten different types of licence on offer. Please select here to view the types and prices of each. By selecting the option you can follow the simple directions on how to buy your licence.

All Fish & Game fishing licences (apart from Local Area) can be used anywhere in New Zealand except the Taupo area, which is administered by the Department of Conservation (DOC). For more information on the regulations for Taupo, visit DOC’s website: www.doc.govt.nz

Please note that if you buy a Local Area Licence you can only fish in the one region you have nominated – so you must be aware of that region’s boundaries.

Please note, fishing licences are non-refundable.

Remember that overseas visitors, must buy a full season or day Non-Resident Licence. 

Your licence is a permit to fish for sports fish in accordance with the regulations governing the Fish and Game New Zealand region in which you are fishing. It does not grant any right of access to land. If you want to walk over private land, please first get the permission of the land occupier.

• You must have your licence with you whenever you are fishing or carrying assembled fishing gear.
• You can use a PDF licence emailed to you either printed or on your phone screen but you must carry photo ID as well.
• You must produce your licence when requested to by a Fish & Game ranger.
• Report lost or stolen licences to your local Fish & Game office and they can issue you with a replacement.
• Designated Waters Licence, Sea Run Salmon Endorsement and Controlled Fishery Licence: To fish designated waters rivers or sea run salmon in North Canterbury or Central South Island Regions, you must apply for an Endorsement, to do this you must have already purchased the appropriate Whole Season Licence.

Buying Your Licence:

You can purchase your licence in several ways:

1. Online: by visiting our online licence system
2. In person: Visit any regional Fish & Game office or licence agent (view your local region's pages to find address and contact details for local licence agents – fishing and outdoor stores, etc).

View our Fishing Frequently asked questions in our FAQ's section.

Be aware that fishing with the wrong licence is regarded as fishing with no licence.

Licence Profile Update Request

Have you changed your address/phone number/email recently and would like to update your information on the licencing database? You should have one profile so this would cover both your fish & game (if you have both) licences.

Please select here to fill in the details that are needed to be updated.