Inland rivers and lakes are considered to be the best fishing spots. Fishing tours are uncommon, however locals residing near the upper reaches of rivers such as Hautapu, Rangitikei and Manawatu, are sure to point you in the right direction.

Wairarapa’s main fishing river is the Ruamahanga, which empties into Lake Onoke, a coastal lagoon. Brown trout, rainbow trout and perch are abundant catches, while whitebait and occasionally flounder can be encountered near the river’s mouth. The beautiful Waiohine River is a remote angling spot among locals.

Angling rivers in Wellington are not plentiful, however the Wainuiomata River accessed from the eastern side of the city’s harbour (near the township of Wainuiomata), yields brown trout.