New Zealand is Reopening for Fishing Travelers

It’s just over two years now since the New Zealand border creaked shut to international fishing travellers. 

Now, finally, it has reopened. There are a few holds still, particularly for people coming from countries that require a full visa or who are unvaccinated. But for those arriving from Australia or the long list of visa-waiver countries, which includes the UK, the US and much of Europe it’s just got a whole lot easier.

From 13 April, for Australians, and 2 May for other visa-waiver countries, vaccinated travellers are welcome into the country without need for isolation or quarantine (in most cases). You’ll still need to complete a few covid-19 requirements (constantly being updated – check here) and provide a New Zealand Travel Declaration and an NZeTAvisa-waiver authority. But these are simple steps, well explained on the links. And you will also need to comply with any airline-specific requirements as well, depending on your booked flights. Unvaccinated travellers from any country need to check here for the latest requirements.

Once through those necessities you’ll be able travel around New Zealand without problem. The timing is a bit rough if you’re planning to fish in the South Island as the fly fishing season ends there on 30 April, reopening again on 1 October 2022. However, there is good trout fishing in the central North Island through the intervening wintery months, with local restrictions on keeping fishing to the lower tributaries of the rivers, and in certain lakes.

Come October and the season will be wide open again throughout the country. With just local fishermen having fished the rivers in the two years that borders were closed there are a lot of big fish around. Best to book now for the coming seasons as there will be high demand for both accommodation and fishing guides once travel has become more settled. 

Check out our page on New Zealand Fishing Lodges for lots of info on where to stay and fish. We’ll handle your bookings, give good advice and make sure your arrangements are carefully provided. 

Or email enquiries@nzfishinglodges.com with your queries.