Few urban destinations offer as much fishing variety as Wellington, NZ, which has access to remote rivers, the coast, and the deep sea. Even with only a few hours to spare, Wellington fishing charters can put you on dozens of species, ranging from trophy Trout to Kingfish (Yellowtail Amberjack), Snapper, and Tarakihi. There may be no better place on the Northern Island for a quick introduction to the waters of New Zealand.
Wellington Fishing Spots
Saltwater Fishing
Wellington Harbour
Don’t overlook this diverse fishery just half an hour from Wellington International Airport. Wellington Harbour is home to Cod, Kahawai, Tarakihi, Kingfish, Elephant Fish, Snapper, and much more. It’s not uncommon to hook into 10 different species while fishing here! Even a trip as short as 4 hours can be very productive, which makes this the go-to destination for family fishing trips.
Coastal Fishing
Ready to step it up a notch? Opt in for a 5-6 hour trip and see what’s biting just off the coast! By spending a couple more hours on the water and venturing beyond the harbor, you’ll have a chance to add a few more species to your target list. Many charter boats will travel for 30-40 minutes before dropping a few lines for Kingfish, Hapuka (Grouper), Trevally, Black Seabass, Tarakihi, Cod, Pink Snapper, and more.
Cook Strait and Beyond
For some serious bragging rights, set your sights on the deep sea. You'll have to book a 9-10 hour trip if you want to head out here and hook into large Hapuka, Trevallies, and Sharks, with the journey offshore taking up to an hour. Give yourself time to explore nearshore reefs for some good eating fish on the way, such as Cod, Kingfish, and Tarakihi. If you’re in the market for New Zealand’s finest big game fishing, consider booking a multi-day charter so you can head farther offshore.
Getting There: You’ll find plenty of fishing charters in Wellington that are ready to take you anywhere from the harbour to the deep sea. Many boats are docked at the Seaview Marina in lower Hutt and the Mana Cruising Club in Porirua, both just 30-40 minutes from the Wellington International Airport.
Freshwater Fishing
Hutt River
There’s much more to the fishing Wellington has in store than meets the eye. The Hutt is the largest local river and a longstanding favorite among anglers. Brown Trout dominate these waters, most of them averaging 1kg in size. A few Rainbow Trout also make their way into the lower reaches of the river at times. The Hutt is open to anglers year-round.
Getting There: Easily accessible, the Hutt River flows straight through the Lower Hutt neighborhood and into Wellington Harbour. You can access various points of the river via a number of riverside parks and walkways.
Rangitikei River
Look no further than Rangitikei River for some of the best Trout fishing NZ has to offer. Rainbow and Brown Trout inhabit the entire river system, but your effort is best spent in the upper reaches if you’re aiming for a trophy catch (over 4.5 kg). Just be sure to bring a backcountry license (free of charge) if you plan on fishing the upper portion of the Rangitikei River and the Whakaurekou tributary. Waters downstream from the Matawhero Road Bridge are open year-round, but most parts of this river are only open from October through April.
Getting There: You can reach the lower and middle portions of the river from a number of roads, parks, and picnic areas. The upper reaches of the Rangitikei can only be reached by helicopter or a two-day trek on foot. A number of fishing lodges and retreats cater to anglers who are looking to experience this remote fishery to the fullest.
Need to Know
Regulations
Recreational anglers do not need to purchase a license for saltwater fishing in Wellington. However, you will need a NZ Fish and Game license if you plan on casting a line in any of the local lakes or rivers. You can buy a license at local tackle shops, visitor information centers, and online.
Some species have size and bag limits. Make sure you check local regulations ahead of time, as they can change from year to year. Hiring a local guide is the best way to enjoy the fishing Wellington is known for without worrying about the rules.
Budget
Wellington has a variety of fishing charters to choose from, whether you plan to hop on board a shared trip or book a whole boat for yourself. A quick trip around the harbour (4 hours) typically costs about 600 NZD, depending on the size of the boat. If you’re worried about flexing your wallet, you can join a shared charter for just 60-140 NZD per person.
Five to six-hour coastal trips usually cost 700-750 NZD. Shared trips run from 120-180 NZD per person.
If you’re looking at trips to the deepwater, prepare to pay 1,000 NZD and upwards. Boats burn more fuel on these trips and you’re likely to be supplied with some serious tackle. You can find shared trips for about 250 NZD per person.
Some charters include rods, reels, and tackle while others give you the option to rent these at an additional cost (20-40 NZD per person). Be sure to check with the captain ahead of time so you come prepared to reel in all the fish these waters have to offer!