People who visit New Zealand will have an excellent time fishing in Lake Rotorua. It has high stocks of both brown and rainbow trout, and one has merely to think of ways to catch them.
However, Lake Rotorua is not a free-for-all public fishing spot. You need a license to fish here. Today, I will show you how to get a fishing license so you can fish in this lake. I will also provide a lot of information that you will find helpful in your fishing activity.
Who needs a fishing license in Rotorua?
Every person who goes to New Zealand to fish or hunt needs a license. The money you pay for your license is used to sustain the natural environment. Even children under 12 need a license. However, the license is free. All you have to do is to apply for one.
This rule applies to all. So, it does not matter if you are a resident or not—you must apply for a license and make sure you have one before you go fishing in Lake Rotorua.
Are there exemptions to the Rotorua fishing license?
No, there are no fishing exemptions in Lake Rotorua. Every person who goes here needs a license. There are several types of licenses you can choose from.
Keep in mind that this license only grants you permission to fish. You must still follow the rules and regulations. For example, you have no right to access land. You must not walk over on private land.
The fishing license only gives you the privilege to catch specific species of fish. You cannot capture any kind of marine creature you want. Technically, the Fish and Game call these fishes sport fish.
Here are the different types of fish allowed:
- Brown trout
- Rainbow trout
Not all these fish are available in Lake Rotorua. The most common in the lake are the brown and rainbow trout.
What is the cost of a Rotorua fishing license?
Here is the table for the cost of a fishing license for residents:
| Angler | Whole Season | One Day | Short Break | Long Break | Winter |
| Adult | $137 | $22 | $49 | $96 | $82 |
| Junior | $27 | $5 | – | – | – |
| Child Under 12 | FREE | – | – | – | – |
| Family | $178 | – | – | – | – |
| Local Area Adult | $110 | – | – | – | – |
| Loyal Senior | $116 | – | – | – | – |
Below is the table for non-residents.
| Angler | Whole Season |
| Adult | $185 |
| Junior | $35 |
| Child Under 12 | $21 |
The family license is for couples or couples with kids. It can also include grandchildren. The family license only allows you to fish with a maximum of four children, and they must be 18 years old and below. Anyone above 18 is considered an adult.
A local area adult refers to someone who lives close to Lake Rotorua. If you buy this license, you must know that you cannot use it in other regions.
A loyal senior is a resident who is above 65 years old. The loyal senior must have already purchased a Whole Season License or Family License five years before getting a new one to qualify for this discounted price.
The one-day license is only valid for 24 hours from the date of issuance. It is the license that I recommend for tourists. However, it only applies to New Zealand citizens.
What is the validity of a Rotorua fishing license?
The validity of a Rotorua fishing license varies. Below is a summary:
- Whole Season – valid for one year from October 1 to September 30 the following year
- One Day – valid only for 24 hours after the issuance of the license
- Short Break – valid for three consecutive days
- Long Break – valid for nine consecutive days; the license holder can select that start date
- Winter – valid from April 1 to September 30
All these validity periods apply to both residents and non-residents. A non-resident person is not a citizen of New Zealand as of October 1, which is the start of the hunting season.
Fishing licenses are non-refundable. All visitors from overseas must also purchase a full-day or a full-season license.
In addition to all these, you must have your fishing license with you at all times, including a valid photo ID. Some government officers may do a spot check and look for it. If you do not have it, you may get into trouble.
If you want, you can put your license in your fishing rod. Some keep it as PDF file and put it in their pockets. The good news is that you can keep a digital copy of your license on your phone and show that if a ranger asks you to.
If you lost your fishing license, you must report it, and they will replace it. Take note that your license only applied to the region you selected. If you want to fish somewhere else, you must buy another license.
Where can you apply for a Rotorua fishing license?
There are three ways to buy a fishing license to be able to fish in Lake Rotorua. You can do it online or call by phone.
If you want to do it online, just visit the website of the Fish and Gaming Department. If you want to buy the license by phone, call 0800 542 362 during business hours. You will be charged a booking fee of $5.
The last method is in-person. You can visit the regional Fish and Game office. You also have the option to buy a license from a local agent.
Final Words
Fishing in Lake Rotorua is an excellent opportunity for people who want to catch trout. If you are lucky, you can even catch an Atlantic salmon or a chinook salmon.
Schedule your fishing trip accordingly, as Lake Rotorua is a popular tourist spot, especially for anglers. The best thing to do is call a company offering fishing activities and have them secure your licenses early.