Access points are indicative
A marker does not prove that every approach is public or open today. Use current public-access mapping and signs, and obtain permission before crossing private land.
Freshwater fishing access
Find freshwater fishing spots in New Zealand
Search mapped freshwater fishing locations by waterway, road, region or access type, then review the supplied approach notes before planning a trip.
Free outdoor planning tool
New Zealand fishing access finder
Where would you like to fish?
Search an access point, river, lake or available region.
Fishing management region
Access type
Finding fishing access points…
Browse the directory
Selected freshwater fishing access points
Browse useful access locations across New Zealand. Each page includes recorded coordinates, the waterway or access type when supplied, approach notes and links to current fishing guidance.
- Lake WhatihuaLake Whatihua
- Awahokomo CreekLake Waitaki
- Redpath Road endWaioeka River
- Poronui StationMohaka River
- Aorere Valley Road BridgeAorere River
- Hurunui River North BranchDesignated Water
- Pigs Head RoadKaikanui River
- Young & Makarora RiversYoung & Makarora Rivers
- Cinton River - Controlled FisheryClinton River
- Everett ParkManganui River
- Upper Rangitikei River(Designated Water)
- Arnold DamArnold River
- Tapuae RoadMoakurarua Stream
- Below Aviemore Power StationLake Waitaki
- Atiamuri Dam tailwaterWaikato River and Hydro Lakes
- Ripia RiverMohaka River Tributary
- Lake Argyle ParkingHydro Storage Reservoir
- Malings PassDesignated Water
- Mower RoadMangahahuru Stream
- Berwick RoadMeggat Burn
- Talbot Road - WoolhouseWhitestone River
- Everett Park Cave Walk TrackManganui River
- Bluff Road BluffUpper Manawatu River
- BerlinsBuller River
- Kakahu RoadKakahu Stream
- Cass River mouth accessLake Tekapo / Takapō
- Erepiti BridgeRuakituri River
- Te Hoe/Hautapu RiversMohaka River Tributary
- Swamp RoadAorere River
- SH1 Waimakariri confluenceKaiapoi River
- State Highway 1Waiariki Stream
- Diamond LakeCentral Otago
- Athol Open ReachMataura River – Upper Reaches
- King Edward Park/Scout Den poolPatea River
- Aerodrome RoadUpper Manawatu River
- Upper Crooked RiverCrooked River
- Parkinson LakeLake Parkinson
- Cumberland Dairy FarmRangitata River
- Erepiti Gorge and ReserveRuakituri River
- Glenfalls Forest (off Auroa Road)Mohaka River
- Balck RoadWaikoropupu River
- Aitkens RoadIrwell River
- Forest RoadWaipapa River
- Henley-Berwick Road BridgeWaipori River - downstream
- Fairlight Open ReachMataura River – Upper Reaches
- Skeet Road BridgeMangawhero Stream
- Akatarawa ConfluenceHutt River-Upper Reaches
- 10 Mile CreekBuller River
- Start of DOC reserveWaimiha
- Fettercairn stop bankWaitaki River
- Fly FishingLake Rerewhakaaitu
- Jock Sutton RoadMohaka River
- Devils BootsAorere River
- Boyle/Doubtful ConfluenceDesignated Waters
- Golf View RoadPuketotara Stream (lower)
- Hunter RiverHunter River
- Three Kings BeatOreti River
- Taumata ParkWaingongoro River
- Atiwhakatu ConfluenceWaingawa River
- Alcon RoadGrey River
Planning tool: This finder shows indicative freshwater fishing access records, not permission to cross land or fish. Access, ownership, hazards and regulations can change after a record is updated.
Rules depend on the exact water
Freshwater seasons, methods, limits and special-licence requirements can vary by region, river, lake and even a section of water. Check the current regulation for the exact location.
Plan your search
How to use the freshwater fishing-spot finder
Search the mapped access points
Enter a river, lake, road or access-point name, or narrow the results by fishing region and access type.
Read the supplied access notes
Open a result to view its waterway, access type, recorded coordinates, approach details and any private-land warning in the record.
Confirm permission and current rules
Check legal public access or obtain landholder permission, then confirm the current licence, season, methods and limits before fishing.
Browse by region
fishing spot by New Zealand region
Open a regional page for a local shortlist, then compare individual place details or return to this nationwide finder.
Fishing access in NorthlandFishing access in AucklandFishing access in CoromandelFishing access in WaikatoFishing access in Bay of PlentyFishing access in Hawke’s BayFishing access in TaranakiFishing access in Manawatū-WhanganuiFishing access in WairarapaFishing access in WellingtonFishing access in Nelson-TasmanFishing access in MarlboroughFishing access in West CoastFishing access in CanterburyFishing access in OtagoFishing access in FiordlandFishing access in Southland
Sources and further guidance
Fishing locations use authorised national access records. Confirm legal access, current regulations and the correct licence with the relevant authorities before travelling.
Frequently asked questions
Does a listed point mean I can legally access the water?
No. A mapped point is indicative only. Confirm the legal access route using current public-access information and signs, and get the landholder's permission before crossing private land.
Do I need a freshwater fishing licence?
Licence requirements depend on the fishery and your circumstances. Check the current sports-fishing licence information, and note that the Taupō Fishing District is managed separately by DOC.
Are fishing rules shown for each spot?
The finder links to current official guidance but does not reproduce changing seasons, methods or catch limits. Check the rules for the exact region and water before fishing.
Does the finder include saltwater fishing spots?
No. This release is limited to mapped freshwater sports-fishing access points in the available source regions. It does not present a complete national or coastal fishing directory.