New Zealand – the land of awe-inspiring beauty, Haka dance, and incredible angling opportunities. With hundreds of miles of streams, rivers, and lakes which offer some of the best big game fishing on the planet, a Northland fishing experience should be at the top of every passionate angler’s bucket list!
What to Expect
With so many different bodies of water to discover and explore, you can spend a lifetime fishing the northernmost part of New Zealand. Your fishing path will depend on your angling ambitions, and if you’re not sure where to start, there are plenty Northland fishing charters that can help you find your way.
Freshwater Fishing
If you’re not sure what all the fuss is about concerning New Zealand’s striking nature and views, all you have to do is book a freshwater fishing expedition. Between the striking scenery and premier fishing, what’s not to love?
Trout fishing is all the rage here, and for all the right reasons. Lakes are diligently re-stocked every year, which allows Rainbow and Brown Trout to thrive and grow, so you can easily land a 10-pounder on a good day.
Lake Manuwai and Kai Iwi Lakes are some of the most productive spots for Rainbow Trout, especially because the fishery is active year-round. These lakes are also a fun family destination, so your kids can still have a great time while you enjoy excellent fishing.
If you’re a fly fishing aficionado, then Wilson’s Dam, Whau Valley Dam, and the Wairoa River are the places to be. Resident Rainbow Trout can’t resist wet flies, but river fishing is recommended for seasoned fly fishermen.
Saltwater Fishing
It’s no secret that New Zealand is one of the most prominent fisheries in the world, and that trophy chasers come here to face off against the monsters of the deep. A wide array of species is only countered by the sheer quantity of beautiful and hard-fighting fish.
The east coast of Northland is a Striped Marlin paradise, and one of the best available spots to target these billed predators. Not to much surprise, most of the world-record-sized catches have been landed right here.
Whangaroa Harbour and the Bay of Islands are the Marlin El Dorado, where you can land some real Striped, Black, and Blue monsters. The best time to head out is in the summer months (December–April). The Three Kings Islands are the Striped Marlin hub from March–June.
While Marlin are the most coveted fish here, Yellowfin Tuna, Giant Trevally, Yellowtail Amberjack (Kingfish), Pink Snapper, and Swordfish are a close second. All these fish are offshore favourites and going after each of them is a different challenge in itself.
While Tuna fishing is best from January–July, the best time to go after Yellowtail is anytime between March and July. Sharks like Blue, Mako, Thresher, and Bronze Whaler are also game, especially in the Bay of Islands from December–April. This is also the place to chase massive Broadbill Swordfish that can weigh 500 pounds and more.
Spirits Bay is excellent for targeting anything from Kahawai and Giant Trevally to Snapper and Grouper (Hapuku). All you have to do is choose your prey, and there will be a fishing guide to take you to the next-level fishing action.
What to Bring
If you’re looking to experience the full potential of Northland fishing, hitting the water with a guide is a foolproof choice.
That way, you can relax and bring only drinks, snacks, food, sunscreen, and appropriate clothing and the skipper will take care of everything else. Bear in mind that sometimes you should buy your fishing licence and sometimes the charter will take care of it for you. Discuss this with the crew before you come aboard.
After that, you’re but one cast away from your New Zealand fishing adventure!