Some areas in Christchurch and Canterbury have fishing restrictions. It may be a specified restriction such as Pohatu Marine Reserve or the Akaroa Marine Reserve, or a restriction for certain species or times of the year you may fish.

Read the Department of Conservation(external link) and Fish and Game rules(external link) around protected areas. Contact the Ministry for Primary Industries(external link) or North Canterbury Fish and Game(external link) for further information.

The following areas are available for fishing but certain restrictions may apply.

Avon and Heathcote Rivers

You can fish in the Avon and Heathcote Rivers although there is a no fishing zone in the Avon River between Armagh Street Bridge and Barbadoes Street Bridge, and within the Botanic Gardens. Anglers fishing for sports fish must have a current sports fishing licence.

Banks Peninsula

Fish all year round off the wharves in areas that are not marked as a no fishing zone or are not closed for maintenance. Please observe all other fishing regulations as required by the Ministry of Fisheries.

Brooklands and Waimakiriri River

Fish all year round. There are a variety of species to catch within season including salmon, trout, kahawai, and whitebait. If you are fishing for trout or salmon, you must have a sports fishing licence. 

Access to the south side of the river mouth is by permit. The key is available from the Spencer Park ranger's office. Phone: (03) 941 7560.

The Groynes

The fishing lakes are open all year round to anglers aged 17 years and under.

Adults can only fish the South Branch/Otukaiakino Creek at the Groynes during trout season (1 October to 30 April).

Fishing licences are required and can be obtained from sports shops. These are free of charge for children 12 years and under.

New Brighton Pier

From 7 February, there will be a trial ban on fishing off the Pier on Sundays between 10am and 5pm.

When fishing outside these hours, you must obey the following rules:

  • no fishing in the marked no fishing zone
  • no over-head casting is allowed, and only one rod and one hand line per fisher is permitted
  • no commercial crab pots are allowed, and only one line with light weight gear per fisher is permitted.

There are a variety of species to catch including crab, red cod, kahawai, dog fish and mullet. Catch limits apply. Read the fishing rules(external link) on the Ministry for Primary Industries website for further information.