With more than 15,000 kilometres of coastline, New Zealand promises salt water fishing challenges of every kind from catching big-game marlin and kingfish to light tackle snapper.
According to local legend, the North Island is the result of a spectacularly successful game fishing expedition. In Maori it is known as Te Ika a Māui - the fish of Māui.
From the land you can try surfcasting and rock fishing. From the comfort of a charter boat the ocean is your oyster during a deep water fishing, saltwater fly fishing or game fishing expedition.
In places like the Marlborough Sounds, Auckland, Doubtless Bay, the Bay of Plenty the Bay of Islands and Southland, there are keen locals ready to take you to their favourite salt water fishing spots.
In the north, you’re aiming to catch a nice snapper, kingfish or tarakihi for your dinner. In the far south, blue cod, trumpeter and grouper are the hot prospects.
Each year from December until June, marlin and other types of billfish swarm along the North Island’s eastern coast from North Cape to East Cape. Yellowfin tuna, sharks and kingfish are other game fishing targets. From game fishing bases in Whangaroa, Russell, Tutukaka and Tauranga, you can hook into a day of high excitement on the high seas.