Fishing rules
If you want to fish recreationally in New Zealand, you're legally required to follow the fishing rules. These change often and are different around the country. Check your local rules each time before you go fishing.
Download the NZ Fishing Rules app
NZ Fishing Rules app – Apple Store
NZ Fishing Rules app – Google Play
Find out more about the NZ Fishing Rules app
Other ways to check the fishing rules
You can also:
- check the fishing rules for your area on this website and download a brochure
- get a brochure from your local fisheries office
- free text 9889
- follow MPI Fisheries on Facebook
- check the signs at popular fishing spots
Choose your fishing area
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Get a brochure from your local fisheries office
Free text 9889 with the name of a species
Send a free text to 9889 with the name of a species. For example, text "blue cod" or "pāua". You’ll receive a text with minimum size limits and bag/catch limits for that species.
Follow MPI Fisheries on Facebook
We have some regional fishing pages you can get information from. You can check them for fishing rules and updates on how we manage and protect local fisheries.
Follow the Facebook page for:
Check the signs at popular fishing spots
You'll also see information signs with rules at many fishing spots.
Freshwater fishing rules and licence
You do not need a licence to fish in the sea around New Zealand. However, you do need a licence for freshwater fishing (in lakes and rivers). Licenses for freshwater fishing are issued by NZ Fish and Game.
Find out about freshwater fishing rules and licenses – NZ Fish and Game
General information about fishing rules
Each of the 7 fishing areas has different rules. They always cover these common features:
- minimum size limits
- catch limits
- areas where you cannot fish
- special restrictions (like bans on using nets or gear)
For example, the size limit for scallops might be different in 2 different fishing areas.
It is also always illegal to sell or trade what you catch.
Check to see what these rules are in your local fishing area. Fines and penalties apply for breaking the rules.
1. It is illegal to sell or trade your catch
It is illegal to buy, sell, or swap recreationally caught seafood. This includes finfish, shellfish, and rock lobster (crayfish). These are offences against the Fisheries Act which can result in fines up to $250,000.
You must have a fishing permit to fish for commercial purposes
Fisheries Act 1996 – New Zealand Legislation
2. Daily catch/bag limits (how many fish you can take)
The "daily catch limit" is how many of a fish, shellfish, or rock lobster (crayfish) one person can take (or possess) each day.
Only people who were there when the fish or shellfish were caught or taken can include them in their daily catch limit.
Any shellfish that you catch and eat during a fishing trip also counts as part of your daily catch limit.
3. Legal size limits (how big the fish need to be)
Fish and shellfish need to be a certain size before you can take them. This is the size limit. We set limits that allow species to breed at least once before they are taken from the sea.
Shellfish (like pāua, scallops, and dredge oysters) must also stay in their shells if uneaten. This allows fishery officers to measure them if they need to.
Stick to the legal size limits for your fishing area. Measure your catch carefully to help keep local fisheries sustainable.
If you catch an undersized fish, remember to release it carefully so that it:
- can survive to reach a larger size
- has a chance to breed.
Don't continue fishing in an area where most of the fish are small. Or, try using a larger hook.
Learn more about measuring and releasing undersized fish
4. Areas may be closed to fishing or restricted
Some areas may be closed to fishing. This includes:
- marine reserves
- Taiapure
- Mātaitai reserves.
Check your local fishing area rules for details.
5. Areas may have special restrictions
In some areas you cannot:
- use certain fishing gear (like nets, set line)
- take certain types of fish or shellfish.
Penalties apply for breaking fishing rules. This includes:
- fines of up to $500
- court fines of up to $10,000 or $250,000
- seizure of any fish, gear, and property (including vessels and vehicles) used to break the rules.
Fines are also called “infringement notices”.
Infringement notices
An infringement notice will be sent to fishers who break recreational fishing rules (unless the offending is judged to be serious, in which case a prosecution will be commenced in court).
Find out how to pay your infringement fee
We have a brochure that explains what to do if you get one. This includes:
- how to pay
- how to request a waiver
- how to request a court hearing
- what to do when the infringement is referred to the district court for collection.
Fishing rules brochure: What you need to know about your infringement/fine
Rules are based on the Fisheries (Amateur Fishing) Regulations 2013. We set them in consultation with local communities.
Fisheries (Amateur Fishing) Regulations 2013 – New Zealand Legislation
Report poaching
Report poaching, suspicious, or illegal activity.
- Call 0800 4 POACHER (0800 47 62 24)
- Or, email poacher@mpi.govt.nz
You can help us by providing:
- the location
- vehicle/trailer registration number
- boat name
- description of the person.
Put your personal safety first when reporting any suspected poaching.
All calls and personal details are treated as confidential.
Who to contact
If you have questions about recreational fishing rules, email info@mpi.govt.nz