About this itinerary
Most of the world is covered by water so a fisherman's job is simple — pick out the best parts
Journey across New Zealand’s North Island with your casting line and waders in tow — ready to reel in remarkable new fishing memories.
A dream angling destination with abundant oceans, crystal clear lakes and lively rivers, Aotearoa New Zealand offers some of the best fishing experiences on Earth. This road trip itinerary focuses on the country’s most renowned fishing spots up north.
From the game-rich waters of the Bay of Islands to trout-filled Lake Taupō, we highlight the finest watering holes for pulling up snapper, cod and everything in between.
Whether you decide to fish from chartered boats, dangle rods from rocks, surfcast from beaches, bait catch from wharves or longline from a kayak — a variety of seafood live in North Island waters.
But your motorhome adventure promises more than just a bountiful catch. It's a chance for you to indulge in the diverse natural beauty of New Zealand. So dust off your fishing rod, prepare your favourite sinkers, hooks and lures — and plan your epic North Island fishing expedition.
Highlights
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Bay of Islands — Northland
-
Hauraki Gulf — Auckland
-
Whitianga — Waikato
-
Whakatāne — Bay of Plenty
-
Gisborne — Gisborne
-
Lake Taupō — Waikato
-
Wellington Harbour — Wellington
The fish won’t wait so fill out the form to see your North Island fishing itinerary. Then, decide whether a motorhome is your best option for getting to your target spots and cooking up your catch.
1. Bay of Islands
The place where giants roam
Enhance your motorhome adventure by spending a day or half day fishing in the stunning Bay of Islands. Located in Northland, it’s celebrated globally as a paradise for fishing enthusiasts.
The region’s pristine waters offer diverse experiences for anglers of all levels. With an abundance of marine life, you might consider taking on the challenge of engaging in an exhilarating battle with majestic marlin — the prized catch of this renowned region.
Alternatively, delectable snapper and spirited kingfish await your inshore fishing pursuits. With an array of species and breathtaking landscapes, the Bay of Islands provides unforgettable fishing adventures that will linger long in your travel memories.
|
I’d recommend heading out from Russell on a charter boat for the day to catch kingfish or snapper. Tim Kenny — Wilderness Motorhome Technician & passionate fisherman |
Where to fish in and around Bay of Islands
-
The hole in the rock — combine a sightseeing cruise with some kingfish and snapper fishing on a charter boat to this iconic geographic location
-
Beach fishing — early mornings or evenings are the best times to fish off the beach or rocks in the Bay of Islands, especially on a rising high tide
-
Fishing charters — this premium fishing destination has plenty of deep sea, big game fish like 100kg Marlin ready for you to take on
-
Kerikeri inlet — where kayak fishing is an option for catching kahawai and snapper
-
Russell Wharf — stick closer to shore and you may catch john dory, trevally and parore
Read our blog on travelling Northland in a campervan hire.
Environment: Seawater
Catch: Marlin, snapper, kingfish, kahawai, john dory, trevally and parore
Resource: Guide to fishing in the Bay of Islands
|
The luck of the locals |
2. Hauraki Gulf
Home of snapper
For a leading fishing spot on the steps of Auckland City, the popular Hauraki Gulf offers a variety of fish — such as trevally, snapper and kingfish.
An intricate blend of reefs, islands and underwater sea life make the Gulf a utopia for anyone with a fishing rod. Whether you decide to cast your line from a chartered boat or explore the shallows near the islands, the snapper population is plentiful and promises an unforgettable experience.
With Auckland’s subtropical climate and idyllic on-the-water scenery, year round fishing opportunities are available in the sheltered waters of the Hauraki Gulf.
|
Declare your fishing gear If you’re flying into New Zealand for a spot of fly fishing, or any other type of freshwater angling, be sure to let customs know that you’re carrying fishing gear. It’s best to clean and dry your fishing equipment before leaving home — to avoid customs treating it which can take time and be inconvenient. |
Where to fish in and around the Hauraki Gulf
-
Battleship — drift with bait along the banks of Auckland Harbour during the summer months for snapper that come in close either side of high or low tide
-
Rangitoto Channel — bigger snapper are regularly caught here in autumn with the zone around Rangitoto Lighthouse especially productive in the evening
-
Fishing charters — to the inner Hauraki Gulf where kingfish and snapper rule the water
-
Waiheke Island — lots of productive fishing around the Waiheke for snapper, kingfish, john dory, kahawai and trevally
Take a look at our Auckland motorhome holiday guide if you plan to fish in the Hauraki Gulf.
Environment: Seawater
Catch: Snapper, kingfish, kahawai, john dory and trevally
Resource: Tide times NZ app from the App Store and Google Play
|
Full moon fever Locals say that the full moon brings a frenzy of feeding for many fish species. Some even believe that the brighter light disrupts the usual patterns of fish in the Hauraki Gulf — while others insist it enhances their ability to find food. |
3. Whitianga
Where memories are caught
Image by www.thecoromandel.com | The Coromandel
New Zealand’s thousands of kilometres of easily accessible coastline is home to many saltwater fishing opportunities — and Whitianga on The Coromandel Peninsula is no different.
Whether you choose to fish from sea or land, you can haul up some fairly large kingfish and snapper in the waters around Whitianga. Also consider jumping aboard a charter boat with high hopes of hooking some trophy-size fish.
With a lot of rocky reefs in the area you’ll be able to find a spot (perhaps with some tips from a local) where you can let your fishing rod go exploring. Shoreline trevally and kahawai are also about — along with game fish like marlin, tuna and shark out in the deeper ocean near the Mercury Islands.
Where to fish in and around Whitianga
- Fantail Bay — a popular wharf fishing spot with occasional kingfish and snapper
- Fishing charters — far out to the Mercury Islands where big game fish await
- Whitianga Wharf — worth a try if you don’t want to hire a charter boat but often crowded, with john dory and kahawai lingering down below
- Ferry landing — located in Whitianga Harbour, it’s tide dependent with kingfish, kahawai and trevally around
- Opito Bay — the rocks around this stunning beach have been known to have a few good fishing spots.
See our Auckland to Waitomo Caves campervan itinerary which circumnavigates The Coromandel.
Environment: Seawater
Catch: Kingfish, snapper, trevally, kahawai, marlin, tuna and shark
Resource: Metservice marine tides
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The deep waters of Mercury Bay
|
Whakatāne
Reel in paradise
Consistently ranked among New Zealand's best all-around fishing spots, Whakatāne will have something for you — whether that’s casting a line from shore or joining a chartered boat.
The rolling waves and white sand beaches of the town’s stunning coastline make surfcasting super enjoyable — especially when snapper and kingfish are prominent.
The summer and early autumn seasons bring big game fish like marlin and shark out in the deep waters. As a year-round charter boat location, you can also reel in albacore tuna, yellowfin and skipjack off the shores of Whakatāne.
Where to fish in and around Whakatāne
- Whakatāne Heads — a place where the river meets the ocean attracting a variety of fish to try and catch
- Matatā Beach — long stretches of sandy coastline with consistent surf breaks makes Matatā a favourite amongst surfcasters
- Port Ohope Wharf — this is a popular calm fishing spot for both kids and adults alike
- Ōtarawairere Bay — you can only get to this secluded area by hiking or kayaking but it’s a superb surfcasting environment.
Take a winter road trip to the Bay of Plenty to explore Whakatāne and its many other beachside gems in your campervan rental.
Environment: Seawater
Catch: Snapper, kingfish, kahawai, gurnard, trevally, albacore tuna, yellowfin, skipjack, marlin and shark
Resource: Fishing in Whakatāne
|
The guardian of Whakatāne waters
|
5. Gisborne
Magic under the east coast
Regardless of your level of angling skill, Gisborne offers a smorgasboard of fishing opportunities. With an array of diverse fishing spots that contain different species of fish, it’s no wonder you can pull in snapper, cod, trout and plenty more by sea or land.
Regarded as a world class fishing location, there are opportunities for you to go surfcasting, fly fishing, bait fishing and lure fishing in Gisborne’s rivers and seawater.
Where to fish in and around Gisborne
- Wainui Beach — the rocks at the Tuahine end of Wainui Beach are a worthy fishing spot for snapper, gurnard and kahawai
- Gisborne Wharf — an historic landmark where the Esplanade has great family fishing and you could catch snapper, trevally and mackerel
- Okitu — a long beach that’s ideal for surfcasting for snapper with the best chances around the rocky outcrops
- Whangara Island — with many species of fish available here and access from the shore at low tide, it’s an excellent option
- Waimata River — if you’re keen on trout fishing and you have a freshwater fishing licence, ask the locals or the Gisborne isite for the best spots on this river.
Drive your motorhome rental north of Gisborne to one of our top five beaches for a New Zealand campervan holiday — Anaura Bay.
|
The story of the North Island
A famous legend tells the story of Maui the demigod. Maui had a few older brothers who wouldn’t let him go on their fishing trips — so one night he crept aboard their canoe.
Maui bravely outlasted the huge fish’s strength, pulling it up from the depths of the sea — to become the North Island. |
Environment: Freshwater and seawater
Catch: Trout, eel, snapper, kahawai, trevally, yellowfin tuna, kingfish and mackerel
Resource: Gisborne Hawkes Bay fishing
|
The stingray whisperers The tribe used this unique skill to find schools of fish by following stingrays, eventually leading them to plentiful fishing grounds. So if you see a few stingrays glide by, remember this local folklore and check where they’re heading — they may just lead you to a bounty. |
6. Lake Taupō
Cast a line — catch a story
Image by Destination Great Lake Taupō
New Zealand's largest freshwater body of water, Lake Taupō, is home to brown and rainbow trout — and is considered one of the best trout fishing locations in the country.
Trophy-size fish are possible if you join a fishing charter geared up to catch them. Be sure to choose one that has great reviews and experienced guides.
The nearby Tongariro River is also an internationally-acclaimed spot for fly fishing. Aside from enjoying the serenity of nature in this area, you’ll also have the opportunity to catch a delicious dinner.
|
I was born in Taupō and I’m a fanatical fly fisherman. What I love about Taupō is if you like trout fishing, or fishing in general, it provides opportunities to catch trout at almost all levels of competence and budget. You can buy a licence and charter a boat or hire a guide at the top end — or hire gear and solo fish in a boat or on a river at the bottom end. All the fishing stores in Taupō and Turangi offer very good advice on techniques and where to go. At the end of the day, the environment will be amazing from upper river to lake edge — and on the lake itself. After sixty years of fishing, I still love it.
John Bradley — local fly fisherman |
Where to fish in and around Lake Taupō
- Turangi — designated the trout capital of New Zealand, this is where the Tongariro River enters Lake Taupō along with an abundance of rainbow and brown trout
- Kuratau — fly fishing opportunities abound in the shallow bays and rocky outcrops on the southern shores of the lake with excellent feeding grounds to attract trout
- Fishing charters — if it’s trophy trout you’re after, best to jump aboard a charter and cruise offshore to deeper waters
- Wharewaka Point — trout can gather here near the drop-offs making for great shoreline fishing.
Check out our epic winter road trip from Auckland to National Park which includes Lake Taupō.
Environment: Freshwater
Catch: Brown trout, rainbow trout, lake trout and steelhead trout
Resources: How to fish for trout in Lake Taupō, trout fishing Taupō
|
No licence — no prize
Check the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) fishing rules — including those around licences. |
7. Wellington Harbour
The wind won’t keep the fish away
Image by Johnny Hendrikus
Wellington City and the harbour may have a reputation for wind but they’re also popular for fishing. A deep water harbour, it boasts many outstanding rock and wharf fishing spots.
The wharves are especially popular for introducing fishing to kids — though some are now temporarily closed with Miramar Wharf still open for fishing.
You’ll usually be able to find sheltered water somewhere if you plan to go out fishing on a boat. Red cod and kahawai are common catches while trevally and elephant fish are two species worth targeting in the harbour. If you book a charter in summer, expect to taste tarakihi, snapper and blue cod — with kingfish also usually about.
Where to fish in and around Wellington Harbour
- Miramar Wharf — offers a relaxed platform if you’re a family (or new to fishing) to target snapper, trevally and mackerel
- Scorching Bay — super options for fishing off the rocks with snapper, blue cod and gurnard biting nearby
- Fishing charters — to hidden reefs and even shipwrecks where you’ll have a chance to catch blue cod, tarakihi and kingfish
- Red Rocks — casting here should bring rewards like snapper and kahawai but just be careful to avoid the nearby seals and the marine reserve.
Look at our blog on travelling with a motorhome on the inter island ferry if you intend to go further south, or check out our Wellington motorhome holiday guide if you're staying a few days.
Environment: Seawater
Catch: Kingfish, snapper, red cod, blue cod, kahawai, elephant fish, tarakihi and sea trout
Resources: Best shore fishing spots in Wellington
|
Bill Hooks Johnson In the early 20th century, there was a Wellington Cable Car operator who had a strange ability to predict successful fishing days in Wellington Harbour. Known as Bill Hooks Johnson, he claimed to feel vibrations in the cable car tracks that indicated when the harbour was packed with fish — specifically cod. Bill was very popular amongst local fishermen who experienced large catches on the days he shared his cod whispers. |
By choosing to travel in a motorhome you’ll have an onboard kitchen and outdoor barbecue — just remember to bring your fishing gear and tasty meals are only a catch away.
Download the New Zealand fishing rules app from the App Store or Google Play.
Be sure to hire a barbecue for cooking up your catches — or select our VIP liability reduction insurance and get one included with your hire.
-
About this itinerary
Most of the world is covered by water so a fisherman's job is simple — pick out the best parts
Journey across New Zealand’s North Island with your casting line and waders in tow — ready to reel in remarkable new fishing memories.
A dream angling destination with abundant oceans, crystal clear lakes and lively rivers, Aotearoa New Zealand offers some of the best fishing experiences on Earth. This road trip itinerary focuses on the country’s most renowned fishing spots up north.
From the game-rich waters of the Bay of Islands to trout-filled Lake Taupō, we highlight the finest watering holes for pulling up snapper, cod and everything in between.
Whether you decide to fish from chartered boats, dangle rods from rocks, surfcast from beaches, bait catch from wharves or longline from a kayak — a variety of seafood live in North Island waters.
But your motorhome adventure promises more than just a bountiful catch. It's a chance for you to indulge in the diverse natural beauty of New Zealand. So dust off your fishing rod, prepare your favourite sinkers, hooks and lures — and plan your epic North Island fishing expedition.
Highlights-
Bay of Islands — Northland
-
Hauraki Gulf — Auckland
-
Whitianga — Waikato
-
Whakatāne — Bay of Plenty
-
Gisborne — Gisborne
-
Lake Taupō — Waikato
-
Wellington Harbour — Wellington
The fish won’t wait so fill out the form to see your North Island fishing itinerary. Then, decide whether a motorhome is your best option for getting to your target spots and cooking up your catch.
-
-
1. Bay of Islands
The place where giants roam
Enhance your motorhome adventure by spending a day or half day fishing in the stunning Bay of Islands. Located in Northland, it’s celebrated globally as a paradise for fishing enthusiasts.
The region’s pristine waters offer diverse experiences for anglers of all levels. With an abundance of marine life, you might consider taking on the challenge of engaging in an exhilarating battle with majestic marlin — the prized catch of this renowned region.
Alternatively, delectable snapper and spirited kingfish await your inshore fishing pursuits. With an array of species and breathtaking landscapes, the Bay of Islands provides unforgettable fishing adventures that will linger long in your travel memories.
I’d recommend heading out from Russell on a charter boat for the day to catch kingfish or snapper.
Tim Kenny — Wilderness Motorhome Technician & passionate fisherman
Where to fish in and around Bay of Islands
-
The hole in the rock — combine a sightseeing cruise with some kingfish and snapper fishing on a charter boat to this iconic geographic location
-
Beach fishing — early mornings or evenings are the best times to fish off the beach or rocks in the Bay of Islands, especially on a rising high tide
-
Fishing charters — this premium fishing destination has plenty of deep sea, big game fish like 100kg Marlin ready for you to take on
-
Kerikeri inlet — where kayak fishing is an option for catching kahawai and snapper
-
Russell Wharf — stick closer to shore and you may catch john dory, trevally and parore
Read our blog on travelling Northland in a campervan hire.
Environment: Seawater
Catch: Marlin, snapper, kingfish, kahawai, john dory, trevally and parore
Resource: Guide to fishing in the Bay of Islands
The luck of the locals
According to Māori legend, some of the islands within the Bay hold a special greenstone that brings fishing luck when it’s carved into a lure. Seasoned anglers in the area claim to possess such a lure — crediting it for their biggest catches. -
-
2. Hauraki Gulf
Home of snapper
For a leading fishing spot on the steps of Auckland City, the popular Hauraki Gulf offers a variety of fish — such as trevally, snapper and kingfish.An intricate blend of reefs, islands and underwater sea life make the Gulf a utopia for anyone with a fishing rod. Whether you decide to cast your line from a chartered boat or explore the shallows near the islands, the snapper population is plentiful and promises an unforgettable experience.
With Auckland’s subtropical climate and idyllic on-the-water scenery, year round fishing opportunities are available in the sheltered waters of the Hauraki Gulf.
Declare your fishing gear
If you’re flying into New Zealand for a spot of fly fishing, or any other type of freshwater angling, be sure to let customs know that you’re carrying fishing gear.
It’s best to clean and dry your fishing equipment before leaving home — to avoid customs treating it which can take time and be inconvenient.
Where to fish in and around the Hauraki Gulf
-
Battleship — drift with bait along the banks of Auckland Harbour during the summer months for snapper that come in close either side of high or low tide
-
Rangitoto Channel — bigger snapper are regularly caught here in autumn with the zone around Rangitoto Lighthouse especially productive in the evening
-
Fishing charters — to the inner Hauraki Gulf where kingfish and snapper rule the water
-
Waiheke Island — lots of productive fishing around the Waiheke for snapper, kingfish, john dory, kahawai and trevally
Take a look at our Auckland motorhome holiday guide if you plan to fish in the Hauraki Gulf.
Environment: Seawater
Catch: Snapper, kingfish, kahawai, john dory and trevally
Resource: Tide times NZ app from the App Store and Google Play
Full moon fever
Locals say that the full moon brings a frenzy of feeding for many fish species. Some even believe that the brighter light disrupts the usual patterns of fish in the Hauraki Gulf — while others insist it enhances their ability to find food.
-
-
3. Whitianga
Where memories are caught
Image by www.thecoromandel.com | The Coromandel
New Zealand’s thousands of kilometres of easily accessible coastline is home to many saltwater fishing opportunities — and Whitianga on The Coromandel Peninsula is no different.Whether you choose to fish from sea or land, you can haul up some fairly large kingfish and snapper in the waters around Whitianga. Also consider jumping aboard a charter boat with high hopes of hooking some trophy-size fish.
With a lot of rocky reefs in the area you’ll be able to find a spot (perhaps with some tips from a local) where you can let your fishing rod go exploring. Shoreline trevally and kahawai are also about — along with game fish like marlin, tuna and shark out in the deeper ocean near the Mercury Islands.
Where to fish in and around Whitianga- Fantail Bay — a popular wharf fishing spot with occasional kingfish and snapper
- Fishing charters — far out to the Mercury Islands where big game fish await
- Whitianga Wharf — worth a try if you don’t want to hire a charter boat but often crowded, with john dory and kahawai lingering down below
- Ferry landing — located in Whitianga Harbour, it’s tide dependent with kingfish, kahawai and trevally around
- Opito Bay — the rocks around this stunning beach have been known to have a few good fishing spots.
See our Auckland to Waitomo Caves campervan itinerary which circumnavigates The Coromandel.
Environment: Seawater
Catch: Kingfish, snapper, trevally, kahawai, marlin, tuna and shark
Resource: Metservice marine tides
The deep waters of Mercury Bay
The town of Whitianga sits beside the once mysterious Mercury Bay. Māori legend says that a long time ago, a taniwha (supernatural creature) lived in the bay’s deep waters.
This particular taniwha possessed a glowing stone — one that brought much good fortune to anyone who saw it. Local Māori decided to craft special lures infused with the spirit of the taniwha to bring luck to fishermen. - Fantail Bay — a popular wharf fishing spot with occasional kingfish and snapper
-
Whakatāne
Reel in paradise
Consistently ranked among New Zealand's best all-around fishing spots, Whakatāne will have something for you — whether that’s casting a line from shore or joining a chartered boat.
The rolling waves and white sand beaches of the town’s stunning coastline make surfcasting super enjoyable — especially when snapper and kingfish are prominent.
The summer and early autumn seasons bring big game fish like marlin and shark out in the deep waters. As a year-round charter boat location, you can also reel in albacore tuna, yellowfin and skipjack off the shores of Whakatāne.Where to fish in and around Whakatāne
- Whakatāne Heads — a place where the river meets the ocean attracting a variety of fish to try and catch
- Matatā Beach — long stretches of sandy coastline with consistent surf breaks makes Matatā a favourite amongst surfcasters
- Port Ohope Wharf — this is a popular calm fishing spot for both kids and adults alike
- Ōtarawairere Bay — you can only get to this secluded area by hiking or kayaking but it’s a superb surfcasting environment.
Take a winter road trip to the Bay of Plenty to explore Whakatāne and its many other beachside gems in your campervan rental.
Environment: Seawater
Catch: Snapper, kingfish, kahawai, gurnard, trevally, albacore tuna, yellowfin, skipjack, marlin and shark
Resource: Fishing in Whakatāne
The guardian of Whakatāne waters
Resident Māori may tell you a tale about the giant red snapper — the legend of Te Aumati. This guardian of Whakatāne’s seashore was responsible for ensuring plenty of fish was available for the local people.
On rare occasions, it was thought that Te Aumati itself was caught on the end of a fishing line. If this happened, it would be carefully released back into the ocean.
So keep in mind the legend of Te Aumati if you catch a large red snapper off the coast of Whakatāne — then consider letting this particular guardian return to the sea. - Whakatāne Heads — a place where the river meets the ocean attracting a variety of fish to try and catch
-
5. Gisborne
Magic under the east coast
Regardless of your level of angling skill, Gisborne offers a smorgasboard of fishing opportunities. With an array of diverse fishing spots that contain different species of fish, it’s no wonder you can pull in snapper, cod, trout and plenty more by sea or land.
Regarded as a world class fishing location, there are opportunities for you to go surfcasting, fly fishing, bait fishing and lure fishing in Gisborne’s rivers and seawater.Where to fish in and around Gisborne
- Wainui Beach — the rocks at the Tuahine end of Wainui Beach are a worthy fishing spot for snapper, gurnard and kahawai
- Gisborne Wharf — an historic landmark where the Esplanade has great family fishing and you could catch snapper, trevally and mackerel
- Okitu — a long beach that’s ideal for surfcasting for snapper with the best chances around the rocky outcrops
- Whangara Island — with many species of fish available here and access from the shore at low tide, it’s an excellent option
- Waimata River — if you’re keen on trout fishing and you have a freshwater fishing licence, ask the locals or the Gisborne isite for the best spots on this river.
Drive your motorhome rental north of Gisborne to one of our top five beaches for a New Zealand campervan holiday — Anaura Bay.
The story of the North Island
The North Island, known as Te Ika-a-Māui in Māori, has its origins linked to fishing.A famous legend tells the story of Maui the demigod. Maui had a few older brothers who wouldn’t let him go on their fishing trips — so one night he crept aboard their canoe.
Although his brothers discovered him and protested, Maui cast his magical fish hook into the ocean. He hooked a gigantic fish which thrashed and fought all night to get free.Maui bravely outlasted the huge fish’s strength, pulling it up from the depths of the sea — to become the North Island.
Environment: Freshwater and seawaterCatch: Trout, eel, snapper, kahawai, trevally, yellowfin tuna, kingfish and mackerel
Resource: Gisborne Hawkes Bay fishing
The stingray whisperers
One local Māori legend tells of a tribe who had the ability to communicate with stingrays — via whistles and clicks.The tribe used this unique skill to find schools of fish by following stingrays, eventually leading them to plentiful fishing grounds. So if you see a few stingrays glide by, remember this local folklore and check where they’re heading — they may just lead you to a bounty.
- Wainui Beach — the rocks at the Tuahine end of Wainui Beach are a worthy fishing spot for snapper, gurnard and kahawai
-
6. Lake Taupō
Cast a line — catch a story
Image by Destination Great Lake Taupō
New Zealand's largest freshwater body of water, Lake Taupō, is home to brown and rainbow trout — and is considered one of the best trout fishing locations in the country.
Trophy-size fish are possible if you join a fishing charter geared up to catch them. Be sure to choose one that has great reviews and experienced guides.
The nearby Tongariro River is also an internationally-acclaimed spot for fly fishing. Aside from enjoying the serenity of nature in this area, you’ll also have the opportunity to catch a delicious dinner.
I was born in Taupō and I’m a fanatical fly fisherman. What I love about Taupō is if you like trout fishing, or fishing in general, it provides opportunities to catch trout at almost all levels of competence and budget.
You can buy a licence and charter a boat or hire a guide at the top end — or hire gear and solo fish in a boat or on a river at the bottom end. All the fishing stores in Taupō and Turangi offer very good advice on techniques and where to go.
At the end of the day, the environment will be amazing from upper river to lake edge — and on the lake itself. After sixty years of fishing, I still love it.
You’ll be amazed how happy other fishermen and fisherwomen will be to give you some advice — as we say on the water, ‘tight lines’.
John Bradley — local fly fisherman
Where to fish in and around Lake Taupō
- Turangi — designated the trout capital of New Zealand, this is where the Tongariro River enters Lake Taupō along with an abundance of rainbow and brown trout
- Kuratau — fly fishing opportunities abound in the shallow bays and rocky outcrops on the southern shores of the lake with excellent feeding grounds to attract trout
- Fishing charters — if it’s trophy trout you’re after, best to jump aboard a charter and cruise offshore to deeper waters
- Wharewaka Point — trout can gather here near the drop-offs making for great shoreline fishing.
Check out our epic winter road trip from Auckland to National Park which includes Lake Taupō.
Environment: FreshwaterCatch: Brown trout, rainbow trout, lake trout and steelhead trout
Resources: How to fish for trout in Lake Taupō, trout fishing Taupō
No licence — no prize
You’ll need a valid freshwater fishing licence to legally pull up trout and other freshwater species on your campervan hire holiday.
Essentially, if you’re over 12 years old, you must have a licence. The range of licence choices are one day (for 24 hours), non-resident (for a set time like four weeks), family (covering a couple and up to four kids) and annual.Check the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) fishing rules — including those around licences.
- Turangi — designated the trout capital of New Zealand, this is where the Tongariro River enters Lake Taupō along with an abundance of rainbow and brown trout
-
7. Wellington Harbour
The wind won’t keep the fish away
Image by Johnny Hendrikus
Wellington City and the harbour may have a reputation for wind but they’re also popular for fishing. A deep water harbour, it boasts many outstanding rock and wharf fishing spots.
The wharves are especially popular for introducing fishing to kids — though some are now temporarily closed with Miramar Wharf still open for fishing.
You’ll usually be able to find sheltered water somewhere if you plan to go out fishing on a boat. Red cod and kahawai are common catches while trevally and elephant fish are two species worth targeting in the harbour. If you book a charter in summer, expect to taste tarakihi, snapper and blue cod — with kingfish also usually about.
Where to fish in and around Wellington Harbour- Miramar Wharf — offers a relaxed platform if you’re a family (or new to fishing) to target snapper, trevally and mackerel
- Scorching Bay — super options for fishing off the rocks with snapper, blue cod and gurnard biting nearby
- Fishing charters — to hidden reefs and even shipwrecks where you’ll have a chance to catch blue cod, tarakihi and kingfish
- Red Rocks — casting here should bring rewards like snapper and kahawai but just be careful to avoid the nearby seals and the marine reserve.
Look at our blog on travelling with a motorhome on the inter island ferry if you intend to go further south, or check out our Wellington motorhome holiday guide if you're staying a few days.
Environment: Seawater
Catch: Kingfish, snapper, red cod, blue cod, kahawai, elephant fish, tarakihi and sea trout
Resources: Best shore fishing spots in Wellington
Bill Hooks Johnson
In the early 20th century, there was a Wellington Cable Car operator who had a strange ability to predict successful fishing days in Wellington Harbour.
Known as Bill Hooks Johnson, he claimed to feel vibrations in the cable car tracks that indicated when the harbour was packed with fish — specifically cod.
Bill was very popular amongst local fishermen who experienced large catches on the days he shared his cod whispers.
By choosing to travel in a motorhome you’ll have an onboard kitchen and outdoor barbecue — just remember to bring your fishing gear and tasty meals are only a catch away.
Download the New Zealand fishing rules app from the App Store or Google Play.
Be sure to hire a barbecue for cooking up your catches — or select our VIP liability reduction insurance and get one included with your hire.
- Miramar Wharf — offers a relaxed platform if you’re a family (or new to fishing) to target snapper, trevally and mackerel
