Tuna Fishing in New Zealand

The Pacific tuna fishing industry is worth about $2 billion annually, and New Zealand is a key part of this market due to its robust tuna stocks. Thanks to the popularity of TV programs such as the Discovery Channel's "Deadliest Catch," interest in the commercial fishing industry is on the rise. Fortunately, recreational anglers living in or visiting New Zealand can experience the thrill of landing one of these huge fish thanks to the availability of charter boats—and experienced charter captains—in many different parts of the country.

  1. West Coast

    • In the Southern Hemisphere winter (July to September), the central west coast of New Zealand's South Island is the place to be for Pacific bluefin tuna fishing. Reaching lengths of three meters (10 feet) and weighing up to 540 kg (1,190 lbs.), the Pacific bluefin tuna presents quite a challenge to anglers fishing out of towns such as Greymouth, Westport and Hokitika. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) lists the Pacific bluefin tuna as an at-risk species due to over-fishing, so be mindful of catch limits if you choose to pursue these fish.

    Bay of Islands

    • Yellowfin tuna is the species most commonly found in the Bay of Islands, a popular recreational boating and fishing area on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island. Weighing up to 70 kg, reaching lengths of up to two meters, and able to swim at speeds approaching 50 kmh (30 mph), the yellowfin tuna is a prize catch for any angler. The Southern Hemisphere summer and early autumn months (late December to early June) is a great time to chase tuna in the Bay of Islands.

    Fiordland

    • Known for the stunning natural beauty of Milford Sound, the isolated southwest South Island region of Fiordland offers some impressive tuna fishing. According to the magazine New Zealand Fishing News, the southern bluefin tuna—not to be confused with the Pacific bluefin—arrive in December, and "the only real recreational fishery for them is in the Fiordland area."

    Other Tuna Species and Locations

    • The other tuna species found in New Zealand are albacore, skipjack and bigeye tuna. Albacore—much sought-after for their delicious taste—are found all around New Zealand in the summer months. The smaller (10 kg and under) skipjack tuna are a more migratory species primarily found in summer around the North Island. Bigeye tuna are more of a deepwater species but can be caught in northern New Zealand waters in summer.

    Warning

    • The larger tuna species can be extremely dangerous if you do not have the proper equipment and safety gear, and some can fight for hours before succumbing. Do not attempt to catch these fish on your own—especially if you are inexperienced at big-game offshore sport fishing.