Picture this: You’re standing by the river, rod in hand, and a fish just jumps in front of you. You know it will be a good day on the water, but as you reach for your tackle box, you see a sign telling you that you need a fishing licence. 

Hey, we’ve all been there. But fear not! Getting a fishing licence in New Zealand is easy and straightforward, as you’ll see below.

What are the ways you can get a fishing licence in New Zealand?

So, what are the main ways you can get a fishing licence in New Zealand? 

The main ways to obtain a fishing licence in New Zealand are through the Fish & Game website, the DOC website, or in person at a local Fish & Game office. Getting a fishing licence by calling either Fish & Game or the DOC over the phone is also possible.

How to Get a Fishing Licence in New Zealand 

Step 1: Determine the type of licence you need.

Before purchasing a fishing licence, you’ll need to determine what type of licence you need. 

There are many different types of licences available in New Zealand. To make it easy for you, we’ve listed some of the ones you can get below!

Residents	Non-Residents
• Adult freshwater fishing licence: 145 NZD • Junior freshwater fishing licence (under 18 years): 29 NZD • 24-hour freshwater fishing licence: 23 NZD	• Non-resident adult freshwater fishing licence: 250 NZD • Non-resident junior freshwater fishing licence: 47 NZD • Non-resident 24-hour freshwater fishing licence: 35 NZD

Please note that these prices are estimates because the price can change depending on where you buy your fishing licence.

Step 2: Choose where to buy your licence. 

There are three options for purchasing a fishing licence in New Zealand: online, in person, or over the phone. 

Option 1: Buy your fishing licence online.

You can buy your fishing licence online on the DOC website if it’s for the Lake Taupo District. For everywhere else, though, you should go to the Fish & Game New Zealand website instead. 

Scroll down to find the steps for the appropriate option in your case.

Buying from the DOC website 

Difficulty	Very Easy ●○○○○
Number of steps	13
Time to purchase licence	5 minutes
Things you need	A mobile phone with data or WiFi/computer and a valid credit card

1. Go to the DOC website and click on “Permits”. 

2. After clicking on “Permits”, scroll to the very bottom of the page. Under the “Related” section, you’ll see fishing licence options. 

3. Click on “Taupo fishing licence options” and click the yellow button: “Buy a Taupo fishing licence.” 

4. If you’re a resident, you’ll buy a resident’s licence. If you’re only visiting New Zealand, grab a non-resident licence. 

5. If you are purchasing a family pack of licences you can scroll down below underneath the box labeled: child, senior, and family definitions. If not, click the hyperlink, “Buy a Lake Rotoaira licence.” 

6. Now that you’ve come across this page, you can choose which licence you want to buy. 

7. After choosing the type of fishing licence you want to buy, you will see the page below and be prompted to fill out your personal information. 

8. Click add to booking.

9. Now scroll to the very bottom of the page and you will see “Your Cart”. Make sure everything here is exactly what you want before continuing onto the next step! 

10. After clicking on “proceed”, you’ll have to add some extra personal info, before you can make the final payment. By the way, make sure to agree to the terms and conditions! 

11. Click on “proceed” again and this time you’ll see the payment checkout page pop up in another tab. 

12. Once you fill out your payment info, you’ll be all set to go with your fishing licence, and you’ll receive an emailed confirmation of your purchase. 

13. Save a copy of your licence to your phone or print it out to take with you on your fishing trip! 

Buying from the Fish & Game New Zealand website

Difficulty	Very Easy ●○○○○
Number of steps	11
Time to purchase licence	7 minutes
Things you need	A mobile phone with data or WiFi/computer and a valid credit card

1. Go to the Fish & Game New Zealand website.

2. Click on the “Buy a Licence” tab in the navigation menu.

3. Click “purchase licence.”

4. You’ll see the below page displayed on your screen in a new tab. Now click the tab at the top: “Buy a Licence.”

5. Select Fishing 2022/2023, and choose whether you are purchasing a resident or non resident licence. Next, choose the type of fishing licence you wish to purchase. 

6. Add the licence you want to your cart! 

7. Click on “new customer” and fill out your personal information.

8. Decide on whether you need to endorse your licence or not. 

9. Review your order. 

10. Confirm the region you’ll be using your fishing licence for. 

11. Make your payment, and wait for confirmation! 

Option 2: Purchase your fishing licence in person at a local Fish & Game office. 

Difficulty	Easy ○○○●●
Number of steps	Eight
Time to purchase licence	Time will vary due to driving distances
Things you need	Form of identification, cash/card

1. Check which licensing agents are closest to you by visiting the Fish & Game New Zealand website. Scroll down to the very bottom and click on contact your nearest region. 

2. On the map, choose the region in New Zealand that’s closest to you. For example, we chose the Wellington region, as shown below. 

3. Now that you have the address for the office closest to you, you can visit and get your licence. 

4. When you go to the Fish & Game office in your area, make sure to bring a valid form of identification (e.g. driver’s licence or passport) and payment method (cash or card). 

5. Upon getting there, specify which type of licence you need. They will then hand you the proper form. 

6. Fill out your required personal information on the application form. 

7. Pay the fee for your selected licence. 

8. You did it! You just bought your fishing licence.

Option 3: Buy your fishing licence over the phone. 

Difficulty	Easy ○○○●●
Number of steps	6
Time to purchase licence	Time varies
Things you need	Phone and credit/debit card

1. Call Fish & Game New Zealand (04 499 4767) or DOC (07-386 8607). 

2. If you’re lucky not to be put on hold, inform the person on the other line that you want to purchase a fishing licence. 

3. Clarify the type of licence that you would like to buy so you don’t get the wrong one. 

4. When prompted, tell them your personal information, such as name, address, email, and phone number. 

5. Provide payment information over the phone (credit/debit card). 

6. Receive confirmation of your purchase via email, which will act as your licence.