This guide breaks down all the fishing licence types — from full season to short breaks, family passes to junior licences — so you can find the one that fits best.

Whole season

For NZ resident anglers only.

This is the option for dedicated anglers who want to fish year-round (valid 1 October to 30 September in multiple Fish & Game regions. 

Adults whole season - $156
  • This option offers great versatility to most anglers.
  • Fish the full season in all Fish & Game regions
  • For adults aged 18 and over on 1 October
Junior whole season - $31
  • For those aged 12-17 on 1 October
  • Fish the full season in all Fish & Game regions
Child whole season - free (Licence is still required):
  • Licence is still required 
  • For children under 12 on 1 October
  • Fish the full season in all Fish & Game regions

 

Family Fishing Licence - $203

The family licence is to encourage families to head out fishing.

  • Includes 2 adults (spouses/partners) + kids/grandkids under 18 (as of 1 October)
  • All can fish full season (valid from 1 October to 30 September)
  • Both adults can fish independently (previously the secondary holder could only fish with the primary holder or children)
  • Family participants (children/grandchildren) may only fish when accompanied by either Adult Licence Holder
  • Read the key changes for 2025/2026 fishing season here.
  • For NZ resident anglers only.

 

Local Area Adult – $125

Perfect for those who only fish close to home.

  • You can fish one specified Fish & Game region only.
  • The licence cannot be used in other regions.
  • Fish the full season in the nominated region only
  • For NZ resident anglers only.

Available regions: Auckland/Waikato, Central South Island, Eastern (incl. Rotorua Lakes), Hawke's Bay, Nelson/Marlborough, North Canterbury, Northland, Otago, Southland, Taranaki, Wellington, West Coast.

 

Loyal Senior – $133

For senior New Zealand anglers aged 65+ on 1 October who have held a whole Season Licence for the last five years consecutively.

  • For anglers 65+ on 1 October
  • Must have held a Whole Season Licence for the past 5 consecutive years
  • Fish the full season in all Fish & Game regions
  • For NZ resident anglers only.

 

Part season licence

For NZ resident anglers only.

Adult Day Licence - $25 

A one day licence for adults - a great way to try trout fishing….have a go! Ideal for beginners or those who want to fish for only a few hours. 

  • Aged 18 and over on 1 October
  • Valid for 24hrs from user-selected start time
Junior Day Licence (12-17) - $6
  • For Juniors between the age of 12 and 17 on 1 October
  • Valid for 24hrs from user-selected start time
Child Day Licence (under 12) - Free (Licence is still required)
  • For children aged 11 and under on 1 October
  • Valid for 24hrs from user-selected start time

 

Short Break Adult (3 days) – $56

Ideal for a getaway holiday or novices – NZ anglers who want to fish three consecutive days or long weekend.

  • Fish for 3 consecutive days
  • User selects start time.
  • This licence is not valid for use with Designated Waters or Sea run salmon licences. 

 

Long Break Adult (9 days) – $109

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).

  • Fish for 9 consecutive days - great for holidays
  • User selects start time
  • This licence is not valid for use with Designated Waters or Sea run salmon licences.

 

Got more questions?

For more information, visit our Fishing FAQ or contact your region.

 

Non Residents

If you are not a citizen or resident of New Zealand, you must buy a Non-Resident Licence (NRL).

"Non-resident" means a person who, on October 1 (in the current season), is NOT ordinarily a resident in New Zealand. A Resident is someone who is:

  • A New Zealand citizen, or:
  • holds a residence class, student, or work visa, and
  • has lived in New Zealand for at least six of the 12 months immediately prior to their licence purchase, and
  • has New Zealand as their primary place of established residence.

A Non-Resident Licence (NRL) entitles the holder to fish for sports fish in all Fish & Game regions. It includes a levy used to contribute to fisheries management and habitat protection.

Planning to visit NZ? Click here to see your Non-Resident Licence options.

 

Special Licence Options 

There are any number of freshwater fishing options that require special licences to provide permission to access and fish. Further details on special licence options can be found here:

 

Please note: Fishing in New Zealand on the wrong licence is equivalent to the offence of fishing with no licence.


All Fish & Game licences exclude the Taupō Fishing District managed by the Department of Conservation.