TRM have tried to prepare a brief summary of trout fishing licence info in response to questions from visiting tourist anglers, as there is too much confusion locally with different licences required for the Taupo region, a separate licence for Lake Rotoaira, and another Fish & Game licence for the rest of NZ.
The visiting tourist anglers suggest that is ridiculous! Anglers staying in Turangi as a base for any decent period to fish all our lakes now need three licences. The Taupo Fishery survey ten years ago recommended that there should only be one freshwater fishing licence for all of NZ. That report was soon disregarded by the authorities, but not by anglers.
In answer to continued probing questions from tourist anglers, on how popular trout fishing is these days, it is a struggle to provide up-to-date data. The sales records are further confused by all the different categories and types – i.e. Adults whole season, one week, one day, loyalty rates for elderly, kids rates, family rates, etc. From TRM’s research department (?) interpreted from a computer based googled search, there are over 100,000 licence sales from Fish & Game. The F&G adult whole season licence sales from 1984 to 2014 dropped from over 60,000 to around 40,000. Family season tickets increased over the same period to over 20,000 and 24 hour family licences were around 35,000. But these numbers are ten years out of date…
The BIG picture is more important to reflect the popularity or angler pressure in the more productive lakes and rivers, such as the Tongariro River. The sales indicate that trout fishing is one of the most popular hobbies/sports/recreation/addictions/escapes in NZ. Compared to registered rugby players – over 140,000, or soccer about 150,000., the total trout fishing licenses sold may be close behind.
Taupō Fishing District licence fees for the 2023-24 season confirmed by DOC.
Date: 12 June 2023
The new season’s fees marked the first increase in six years, and will affect fishing licences sold for the new 2023/24 season, which began 1 July 2023.
Licences for the 2023/24 season went on sale from 24 June. Fees are:
| Licence category | Licence fees for 2023/24 |
|---|---|
| 24-hour: Adult | $23.00 |
| 24-hour: Child | $5.00 |
| Week: Adult | $49.00 |
| Week: Non-resident | $89.00 |
| Whole season: Adult | $105.00 |
| Whole season: Child | $13.50 |
| Whole season: Senior | $90.00 |
| Whole season: Non-resident | $169.00 |
| Whole season: Family | $159.00 |
All Taupō Fishing District licences can be purchased from the online fishing licence store.
Alternatively, anglers can buy licences from one of the many fishing tackle stores in the region.
Fish & Game Licence Info:
There are ten different types of licence on offer. Please read the short summaries and the chart below to pick the licence that best suits your personal circumstances, lifestyle, age and stage. Then follow the simple directions on how to buy your licence.
2022 / 2023 Season
Everyone, of any age, must carry a valid New Zealand Sports Fishing Licence with them (or be named on a family licence with the primary licence holder present) when fishing for sports fish in New Zealand.
All Fish & Game fishing licences (apart from Local Area) can be used anywhere in New Zealand except the Taupo area, which is administered by the Department of Conservation (DOC). For more information on the regulations for Taupo, visit DOC’s website: www.doc.govt.nz
Please note that if you buy a Local Area Licence you can only fish in the one region you have nominated – so you must be aware of that region’s boundaries.
Please note, fishing licences are non-refundable.
Remember that overseas visitors, must buy a full season or day Non-Resident Licence.
Your licence is a permit to fish for sports fish in accordance with the regulations governing the Fish and Game New Zealand region in which you are fishing. It does not grant any right of access to land. If you want to walk over private land, please first get the permission of the land occupier.
- You must have your licence with you whenever you are fishing or carrying assembled fishing gear.
- You can use a PDF licence emailed to you either printed or on your phone screen but you must carry photo ID as well.
- You must produce your licence when requested to by a Fish & Game ranger.
- Report lost or stolen licences to your local Fish & Game office and they can issue you with a replacement.
- Designated Waters Licence, Sea Run Salmon Endorsement and Controlled Fishery Licence: To fish designated waters rivers or sea run salmon in North Canterbury or Central South Island Regions, you must apply for an Endorsement, to do this you must have already purchased the appropriate Whole Season Licence.
Fishing Licence Costs:
The chart below has details of the ten fishing licence categories, including fees, and terms and conditions.
Whole Season:
Adult (18+) – $145
Junior (12-17) $29
Child (under 12) Free (Licence is still required)
Age above is at 1 October
This is the best licence to fish anywhere (except Taupo) from 1 October – 30 September. For NZ resident anglers only.
Family – $188:
Fishing as a couple, with the kids or grandchildren. A family licence includes a couple and up to 4 children or grandchildren under the age of 18 on 1 October (the first day of that respective fishing season). Valid from 1 October to 30 September. For NZ resident anglers only.
Local Area Adult – $116:
Perfect for those who only fish close to home. You can fish one specified Fish & Game region only. Cannot be used in other regions. Valid from 1 October to 30 September. For NZ resident anglers only.
Loyal Senior – $123:
For senior New Zealand anglers aged over 65 on 1 October (the first day of that respective fishing season) who have held an Adult Whole Season Licence or Family Licence for the last five consecutive years or more. Valid from 1 October to 30 September. For NZ resident anglers only.
One Day – Adult $23 and Junior $5:
A great way to try trout fishing….have a go! For beginners or those who want to fish for only a few hours. Valid for 24hrs from user-selected start time. For NZ residents only.
Short Break Adult – $52:
Ideal for a getaway holiday or novices – NZ anglers who want to fish three consecutive days or long weekend. User selects start time. For NZ resident anglers only.
Long Break Adult – $101:
For holidaymakers or others who plan to fish harder – NZ anglers who want to fish for nine consecutive days (Eg. Two weekends plus days in between). User selects start time. For NZ resident anglers only.
Winter Adult – $87:
For those who fish over the colder months, the second half of the season, from 1 April to 30 September. For NZ resident anglers only.
Non-Resident Whole Season:
Adult (18+) – $250, Junior (under 18) $47 & Child (under 12) $47
Valid from 1 October to 30 September. Welcome to the best fishing in the world. Non-resident means a person who, on October 1, is NOT a NZ resident.
Non-Resident One Day:
Adult (18+) – $35, Junior (under 18) $21 & Child (under 12) $21
Non-Resident means a person who, on that date, is NOT a NZ resident.
Please click on the table above to see a larger image.
Buying Your Licence:
You can purchase your licence in several ways:
Online: by visiting our online licence system
In person: Visit any regional Fish & Game office or licence agent (view your local region’s pages to find address and contact details for local licence agents – fishing and outdoor stores, etc).
Be aware that fishing with the wrong licence is regarded as fishing with no licence.
Lake Rotoaira Fishing Licence 2023/2024
Child Week Licence 2023/2024
Valid from 1 September 2023 until 30 June 2024
From:
$5.00each
Child Season Licence 2023/2024
Valid from 1 September 2023 to 30 June 2024.
From:
$12.00each
Child 24 Hour Licence 2023/2024
Valid from 1 September 2023 until 30 June 2024
From:
$2.00each
Adult Week Licence 2023/2024
Valid from 1 September 2023 until June 2024
From:
$22.50each
Adult Season Licence 2023/2024
Valid from 1 September 2022 to 30 June 2023
From:
$45.00each
Adult 24 hour Licence 2023/2024
Valid from 1 September 2023 until 30 June 2024
From:
$8.00each
