뉴질랜드 바다낚시 규정 총정리: 체장·마릿수와 NZ Fishing Rules 앱 쓰는 법

Anyone can fish in New Zealand's sea without a licence, but that does not mean there are no rules. This guide covers the rules that apply to saltwater fishing everywhere (no selling, daily catch limits, minimum sizes and closed areas), how to measure a fish correctly, and the hook limit for set lines such as kontikis and longlines. It also walks through the free official NZ Fishing Rules app and includes a snapper comparison table showing how much the rules vary by area.

> This is general information, not legal advice. Rules change often, so check the NZ Fishing Rules app or the MPI website before every trip. Official sources were checked on 30 September 2026.

1. No licence for the sea, a licence for freshwater

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI, through Fisheries New Zealand) states that you do not need a licence to fish in the sea around New Zealand. You do need one for freshwater fishing in lakes and rivers. Fish & Game NZ issues licences for sports fish such as trout and salmon, while the Taupō fishery is administered separately by the Department of Conservation (DOC). MPI fishing rules, Fish & Game licence information

In short, you can start sea fishing without a licence, but you are still legally required to follow the rules. MPI says rules change regularly, differ around the country and should be checked each time you go fishing.

2. Four rules that apply in every area

MPI divides recreational fishing into several areas, each with its own rules. Every area's rules cover minimum sizes, catch limits, closed areas and special restrictions (such as bans on nets or certain gear). On top of that, selling is always prohibited.

Two common misunderstandings: you cannot catch extra for family or friends who are not with you, because only people present can count the catch. And selling your surplus is illegal; swapping it for goods is also covered.

Penalties are real. According to MPI, infringement fines go up to $500, court fines can reach $10,000 or $250,000, and fish, gear and property used in the offence (including boats and vehicles) can be seized. MPI penalties

3. How to measure a fish

MPI measures finfish from the tip of the nose to the middle ray, or 'V', of the tail, not to the longest tip of the tail. A fish close to the limit may measure shorter than you expect. MPI measuring and releasing guide

1. Lay the fish flat on a ruler with its nose against the zero end.
2. Keep it in a natural position without opening the mouth or stretching the body.
3. Read the length at the centre 'V' of the tail.
4. If it is under your area's minimum size, release it straight away.

A hand-span check is only a rough guide. The app includes a hand-measuring video, but for fish near the limit a ruler is safer. When available, MPI fisheries offices hand out fish rulers and pāua measures. Shellfish and crayfish are measured differently: pāua along the flat face in a straight line rather than over the curve, and crayfish by tail width.

When releasing undersized fish, only take them out of the water if you need to, keep the time short, handle them with wet hands and place them on a soft, wet surface if necessary. Remove the hook carefully from a lip-hooked fish, cut the line for a gut-hooked fish and return it gently close to where it was caught. If you keep catching small fish, MPI suggests a larger hook or a new spot.

4. Set lines (kontikis, longlines): 25 hooks maximum

A set line is a main line carrying several short hooked lines; this includes drop lines, longlines and kontikis, but not rod-and-reel or hand lines. MPI's rules:

• No person may use or possess more than one set line.
• A set line may carry no more than 25 hooks.
• Where more than one person uses set lines from a vessel, no more than two may be used, set or held on board.
• Surface floats must be marked clearly, legibly and permanently with the fisher's initials and surname; a phone number is also useful.
• Set lines are banned in marine reserves and areas protected under the Conservation Act 1987.

The Bbadomi channel has also explained that kontiki and longline hooks are limited to 25 and that it fishes outside marine reserve boundaries, not inside them. Sending a rig out by drone does not change the hook limit or closed areas. Set nets have separate rules and are banned in some places, so check them in the app.

5. Using the NZ Fishing Rules app

MPI's NZ Fishing Rules app is free for Apple and Android devices. App Store, Google Play, MPI app page

With the app you can:

• check local rules, including minimum sizes and catch limits
• see areas closed to fishing
• check where it is safe to collect shellfish
• identify fish species and whether they are common in your area
• report poachers
• watch videos on releasing undersized fish, hand measuring and sexing crayfish

A suggested routine:

1. Install the app at home and turn on automatic updates, as MPI recommends.
2. Choose the fishing area that covers your spot. Rules can differ between coasts even near the same city.
3. Check the minimum size, daily limit and combined limit for your target species.
4. Check marine reserves and temporary closures on the closed-area map.
5. Open the app before heading out of coverage so it downloads the latest updates. It works without a network.
6. Read any signs at the fishing spot as well.

You can also check the regional pages on the MPI website, regional MPI fisheries Facebook pages, the recreational fisheries mailing list, or a fisheries office.

6. Regional differences: snapper comparison

Snapper limits vary widely between areas. The table below is an example checked on MPI regional pages on 30 September 2026. Recheck every figure before publication and before fishing, and use the app for the final word.

In all three areas, species limits sit within a combined daily limit of 20 finfish per person (excluding specified baitfish and freshwater eels). Some mātaitai reserves in the Challenger area have a lower combined limit of 10. Sources: Auckland and Kermadec rules, Central rules, Challenger rules

The rules really do change. The Auckland and Kermadec page lists recent changes including a two-year closure at Ōmaha Bay, Kawau Bay and the Whangaparāoa Peninsula from 12 March 2026, a spiny rock lobster closure from Pārengarenga Harbour to Cape Rodney from 1 April 2026, and a two-year pāua closure at Tauroa Peninsula, Ahipara, from 15 October 2026 (checked 30 September 2026; recheck before publishing).

7. A Korean-language brochure is available

MPI offers a Korean translation of its brochure on the northern Hauraki Gulf rock pool and coastline closure. It covers the Ōmaha Bay, Kawau Bay and Whangaparāoa Peninsula closure (no taking of invertebrates or seaweed from the rock pools out to 200 metres offshore, with kina excluded). Read it before gathering shellfish or seaweed on the coast north of Auckland. MPI Korean brochure (PDF)

8. Useful English terms

9. Reporting illegal fishing

Report poaching or suspicious activity to MPI: freephone 0800 4 POACHER (0800 47 62 24), email [email protected], or the online report form. Location, vehicle or trailer registration and boat name all help. Put your own safety first rather than confronting anyone.

Pre-trip checklist

• Is your NZ Fishing Rules app up to date?
• Have you checked the fishing area and closed areas for today's spot?
• Do you know the minimum size and daily limit for your target species?
• Have you packed a fish ruler?
• If using a set line, is it 25 hooks or fewer with a marked float?
• Remember: never sell or swap your catch.

Photo credits

• Nholtzha (상단 로고 부분 잘라냄), CC BY-SA 3.0, source — resized and converted to WebP
• Anna Barnett, CC BY 2.0, source — resized and converted to WebP