In this section:

The whitebait fishing season for most of New Zealand opens on 15 August and runs until November 30. 

On the West Coast the whitebait season runs from 1 September until 14 November.

Read the whitebaiting regulations and find out the physical features and habits of whitebait.


Whitebaiting on the Mokau River.

Whitebait regulations (all NZ except West Coast)

Find out about the whitebait regulations, whitebaiting season and learn about whitebait biology and characteristics.

Whitebaiting on Waita River, South Westland. Photo: Tony Lilleby.

Whitebait regulations (West Coast)

Find out about the whitebait regulations and whitebaiting season for the West Coast, and learn about whitebait biology and characteristics.