Spearfishing in New Zealand
Including Bay of Plenty Coast, Coromandel Peninsula Coast, and East Cape and Gisborne Coast. On the map.
The vibe
Hunting beneath the surface here is a rugged, self-reliant pursuit focused on stalking moki and butterfish through surging kelp gutters rather than cruising tropical reefs. Autumn is prime time when the ocean settles into long, clear swells and the coastal water hits its peak warmth. It feels intensely local and fiercely protective of fisheries, requiring you to respect local bag limits and unwritten rules without any hand-holding from commercial tours.
fishing licence rules apply
Bay of Plenty Coast
Bay of Plenty
Photo by Ollie Craig on Pexels
Clear oceanic waters and offshore islands like Mayor Island (Tūhua) create a world-class spearfishing playground. Divers encounter kingfish, snapper, hapuku, and occasionally pelagic species cruising deep blue drop-offs and volcanic reefs.
Access. Charters and boat launches are readily available from Whakatāne, Tauranga, and Waihī Beach to reach offshore islands and productive reef pins.
Notes. Standard New Zealand amateur fishing regulations apply. Certain marine reserves and protected island zones prohibit all fishing, so check current MPI maps before heading out.
Coromandel Peninsula Coast
Waikato
Sonia / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
The Coromandel's east and west coasts offer volcanic rock reef, kelp, and sandy gutters with snapper, kingfish, trevally, and butterfish in subtropical North Island water. Calm summer days bring clear visibility along this long, accessible peninsula.
Access. Strong DIY shore-spearfishing region: entries from Whangamatā, Hot Water Beach, and Mercury Bay headlands. Auckland is 2–3 hours away; local freedive clubs are active—formal charters are rare.
Notes. No saltwater fishing licence required. Observe daily bag and size limits; crayfish cannot be speared. Goat Island Marine Reserve and other no-take zones prohibit all fishing—stay outside reserve boundaries.
East Cape and Gisborne Coast
Gisborne
itravelNZ® - the best smartphone travel app for New Zealand :-) / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Remote, rugged, and richly marine-life dense coastline on New Zealand's easternmost extremity. Warm currents sweep these exposed headlands, creating prime territory for kingfish, snapper, and crayfish among extensive rocky reefs.
Access. Mostly a rugged DIY destination requiring 4WD vehicles or long walks down remote coastal tracks. Charter options are sparse, making local knowledge and self-reliance essential.
Notes. Recreational bag and size limits apply under MPI regulations. Respect local iwi (Māori) customary management areas and any temporary or permanent rahui (fishing bans) in place.
Fiordland Coast
Southland
Bernard Spragg. NZ from Christchurch, New Zealand / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
Dramatic granite walls plunge into deep, cold waters where unique currents create an abundance of crayfish, butterfish, and trumpeter. The sheltered fiords offer world-class, rugged diving amongst deep-water species and unique shallow marine flora.
Access. Access is heavily restricted and remote, requiring specialized live-aboard charters departing from Te Anau or Milford Sound. DIY shore access is virtually non-existent due to sheer cliffs and dense wilderness.
Notes. Strict catch limits apply under New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) regulations, and several internal fiord areas are protected marine reserves where fishing is completely banned. No special license required for recreational spearfishing, but compliance with bag limits and size restrictions is heavily monitored.
Hawke's Bay Coast
Hawke's Bay
Expansive coastline featuring sweeping shingle beaches interspersed with productive limestone reefs and headlands. Divers target snapper, tarakihi, and crayfish in waters influenced by clean Pacific swells.
Access. Shore access is available at various public coastal reserves and rocky points near Napier and Hastings, though boat access via local boat ramps unlocks the better offshore reefs.
Notes. Adhere to national recreational bag limits and minimum size restrictions set by MPI. Watch for shifting sea conditions and poor visibility after heavy rain events.
Kaikoura Coast
Canterbury
Rexness / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Where dramatic snow-capped mountains meet the deep Pacific, Kaikoura offers exceptionally clear water and rich marine biodiversity. Spearfishermen encounter kelp-lined reefs teeming with butterfish, moki, and abundant crayfish.
Access. Accessible via shore-dives along the main highway coast north and south of Kaikoura township, or via local charter operators and boat rentals for offshore spots.
Notes. Recreational fishing rules apply with specific bag and size limits for finfish and rock lobster. Pay close attention to customary fishing closures (Taiapure or Mātaitai reserves) and Marine Mammal Sanctuary restrictions along the peninsula.
Northland East Coast
Northland
Pseudopanax at English Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Northland's east-facing coast from Tutukaka to the Bay of Islands mixes rocky headlands, kelp beds, and reef structure with snapper, kingfish, trevally, and crayfish (by hand, not spear). It is the heartland of New Zealand's shore spearfishing culture.
Access. Excellent DIY shore access at headlands and bays; boat optional for offshore reefs and islands. Dive shops in Whangārei and Paihia support freedivers; no licence needed for saltwater.
Notes. No recreational fishing licence required in NZ saltwater. Rock lobster may not be taken by spear; paua may not be taken on SCUBA. Marine reserves (e.g. Poor Knights, Cape Rodney–Okakari) are strict no-take—check the DOC reserve map before entering the water.
Otago Peninsula Coast
Otago
lumoplank / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
Rugged and exposed cold-water coastline near Dunedin offering incredible kelp forests and rocky reefs. Divers target moki, tarakihi, and the prized New Zealand crayfish (rock lobster) among dramatic underwater topography.
Access. Primarily a DIY shore-diving destination with access points via coastal roads around Dunedin. Boat access is possible from local boat ramps, but ocean conditions can be extremely rough and unpredictable.
Notes. No spearfishing licence is required for recreational fishers, but strict bag limits, minimum size limits, and seasonal closures apply to crayfish and finfish under Ministry for Fisheries (MPI) regulations. Always check local marine reserves and current weather/swell forecasts.
Stewart Island (Rakiura)
Southland
wbnz / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)
Surrounded by wild sub-Antarctic waters, Rakiura offers pristine kelp forests and rocky reefs teeming with blue cod, butterfish, and massive crayfish. The untouched marine environment delivers incredible visibility and rugged, remote hunting conditions.
Access. Accessible via ferry or short flight from Bluff to Halfmoon Bay. Specialized local fishing charters can drop divers at offshore reefs, though local boat skippers experienced in spearfishing are limited.
Notes. Recreational spearfishing is completely legal outside of the Ulva Island marine reserve and local no-take zones. Standard MPI bag limits, minimum size requirements, and seasonal closures apply.
Taranaki Bight Coast
Taranaki
Avenue / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Dominated by ancient volcanic boulder reefs and sweeping black-sand beaches, the Taranaki coast provides excellent shallow-water and reef hunting for snapper, kingfish, and moki. Swells can be high, but settled summer days unlock clear, productive underwater structures.
Access. Primarily a DIY shore-diving destination accessed via coastal roads and walking tracks around New Plymouth and Cape Egmont. Dedicated spearfishing charters are scarce, so most hunters rely on personal or club boats.
Notes. Legal for recreational spearfishers under standard New Zealand amateur fishing regulations. Check local swell forecasts and avoid protected marine sanctuaries.
Tasman and Golden Bay Coast
Tasman
Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit , Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Sheltered coastal waters, golden sand beaches, and intricate rocky headlands provide varied spearfishing grounds at the top of the South Island. Divers explore shallow reef systems and tidal channels holding snapper, blue cod, and kingfish.
Access. Good shore access from various points around Abel Tasman National Park fringes and Golden Bay, with sea kayaks and local water taxis offering access to more remote coastal headlands.
Notes. Subject to standard New Zealand recreational fishing regulations, including size and bag limits set by the MPI. Ensure you are outside of the Abel Tasman National Park marine reserves where all fishing is strictly prohibited.
Wellington South Coast
Wellington
William Brockelsby / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)
Rugged rocky outcrops stretching from Island Bay to Palliser Bay offer surprisingly rich kelp forests right on the capital's doorstep. Divers regularly target butterfish, moki, tarakihi, and the occasional kingfish navigating the Cook Strait currents.
Access. Exceptionally easy DIY shore access via coastal roads and short coastal walks. Local dive shops in Wellington city can provide gear, air fills, and local advice, though guided spearfishing charters are uncommon.
Notes. Recreational spearfishing is permitted subject to standard MPI bag limits and size restrictions. Particular care must be taken to avoid the Taputeranga Marine Reserve where all taking of marine life is strictly prohibited.