Even though it’s the smaller of the two islands, fishing on the North Island of New Zealand is anything but limited. With its diverse fishing potential, the island has something for just about every level of angling expertise.
Looking for an incredible fly fishing expedition? This is the place. Want to catch the biggest Striped Marlin of your fishing career? You’ve found your playground.
Types of Fishing
Freshwater Fishing
To say that the North Island is the hub of freshwater fishing, and especially fly fishing, is an understatement. With so many rivers, streams, and creeks perfect to cast your line, what’s not to love?
Rainbow and Brown Trout steal the show here, both because they’re plentiful and because they can weigh anywhere from four to 10 or more pounds. You get to explore gorgeous stretches of nature with crystal-clear waters that hide massive Trout waiting to gulp down your bait.
Because freshwater fishing is so popular, there are many fishing guides that specialise in taking people to the best Trout of their lives. While half day and full day adventures are excellent to get a taster of the local bite, there are multi-day expeditions for passionate anglers wanting to experience the full potential that freshwater fishing has to offer.
Rotorua, Tongariro River, and Lake Taupo are epicenters of North Island fishing, and if you’re after record-breaking Rainbow Trout, any of these spots will do nicely.
Saltwater Fishing
Now we’re in the “big boy” territory. The North Island is famous for its outstanding saltwater fishing and thousands of miles of productive waters. This a bucket-list-worthy fishery for every angler on the prowl for trophy Marlin (Stripeys are all the craze, but Black and Blue are just as popular), Pink Snapper, Yellowfin Tuna, and Yellowtail (called Kingfish in New Zealand). The Tarakihi, Hapuku, and Trevally bite is excellent as well.
With year-round fishing and skilled charter captains to lead the way, there’s no limit to what you can catch here. The Bay of Plenty and Bay of Islands are the most prominent fishing destinations on the island, with Hauraki Gulf and Waikato following close behind. If you’d like to explore remote bluewater, then head to the Three Kings Islands.
The best time to go fishing is usually from October–April, though some migratory fish like Tuna and Marlin come and go on their own schedule. Local fishing captains will know exactly when and where to take you so that you can land the catch of your life.
The fishing North Island, New Zealand boasts is a source of spectacular angling opportunities that will handsomely reward your fishing skills. So the only question here is – what are you waiting for?