Anglers and hunters are often in search of the perfect setting for their sport. It’s not just the game they are after but the peace and solitude of the location that makes all the difference. The readily accessible wilderness areas of the West Coast offer landscapes, quiet and remoteness in abundance.
Fishing - our ocean, lakes and streams
From deep sea sports fishing, surfcasting and fly fishing to our famous whitebaiting. The West Coast is a fishing paradise!
Discover New Zealand’s pristine waterways, great fishing and spectacular scenery. Fly fish the 'trophy' producing rivers around Reefton. Visit Lake Brunner and its surrounding rivers and streams for some of the best year round brown trout fishing in the South Island.
West Coast Whitebait
The Whitebait season on the West Coast runs from 1 September to 14 November and Coasters and visitors alike flock to the waterways with nets and buckets to try their luck for the celebrated catch. Turned in to delicious fritters made with egg and flour, these tiny fish are considered a delicacy.
Check out our West Coast Whitebait festival in 2011!
Hunting
The West Coast offers hunting of all types from Tahr, deer, pigs and goats to gamebirds such as the Grey and mallard duck, shoveler, Paradise shelduck and Pukeko. The New Zealand Department of Conservation can help you with issuing permits, seasons and suitable locations for big game hunting, on the conservation estate including advice.
Fishing and hunting licences and regulations
Purchase your fishing licenses on line from NZ Fish & Game or at one of the many sporting and hunting stores.
Please be aware of and respect the local regulations which are designed to ensure sustainable hunting and fishing.
(Fishing for sports fish e.g trout, salmon and perch requires a licence. Hunting for game birds also requires a licence. For information and to purchase your licence on line visit NZ http://www.fishandgame.org.nz/ or any one of the many sporting and hunting stores. The licence is valid for all of New Zealand except for the Lake Taupo district. Please be aware of and respect the local regulations which are designed to ensure sustainable hunting and fishing.)
