Kaikoura, situated on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island, is renowned for its breathtaking landscape and abundance of marine life. The town is surrounded by the Seaward Kaikoura Range and the Pacific Ocean, making it an ideal spot for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Here are some of the top coastal fishing spots in Kaikoura:

South Bay: Located just south of the town center, South Bay is a popular spot for surf casting and beach fishing. The beach is exposed to the south, so it can be quite windy, but this also makes it a good spot for catching kingfish and trevally. You can also book a fishing charter from South Bay and head out to sea to target tuna, marlin, and other pelagic species.

Kaikoura Peninsula: The Kaikoura Peninsula is a rocky outcropping that extends into the ocean, providing a variety of fishing opportunities. Fishers can try their luck at catching snapper, gurnard, and trevally off the rocks, or join a fishing tour that will take you to the Kaikoura Canyon, a deep underwater trench that is home to a wide variety of marine life, including tuna, marlin, and swordfish.

Ohau Point: Ohau Point is a sheltered spot located just north of the town center. The rocks and reefs here provide habitat for a variety of fish, including snapper, gurnard, and trevally. This is a good spot for both shore and boat fishing. You can also enjoy the view of the seals that often lounge on the rocks.

Mangamaunu Beach: Located about 10 kilometers north of Kaikoura, Mangamaunu Beach is a popular spot for surf casting and beach fishing. The beach is exposed to the north, making it a good spot for catching snapper and gurnard. You can also try your hand at fly fishing for trout in the nearby Mangamaunu Stream.

No matter where you choose to fish in Kaikoura, be sure to follow all local regulations and guidelines to ensure a sustainable and responsible fishing experience. The recreational pāua fishing season opens in Kaikoura from 15 April to 15 June, with new rules and daily catch limits to support sustainability. The fishery was closed in 2016 to recover from the effects of a significant earthquake that devastated the coastline.