Kingfish
Kingfish (haku) are big, fast and extremely strong, growing to about 1.6 m (NIWA). They are a prize from wharves and rocks in the north, but need heavy gear and some experience. Many are released.
Where they live
- From the Kermadecs to Foveaux Strait, but most records are from the North Island (NIWA).
- Around reefs, headlands, deep wharves and channels where baitfish gather.
When
- Mostly the warmer months, when they come close to shore.
- Early morning and the change of tide.
Size and daily limits for each area: MPI’s NZ Fishing Rules app
How
- Live bait
- A live baitfish (such as a jack mackerel or piper) under a float or on a running rig, near structure.
- Lures
- Large stickbaits, poppers or jigs. A long, tiring style of fishing best learned from someone who does it.
- Gear
- Strong rod, reel and line: lighter gear means a lost fish and a lot of line left in the water.
Your first trip
- Learn on snapper and kahawai first; go for kingfish with someone experienced.
- Kingfish have a high minimum size: check MPI’s rules, and release undersized fish quickly.
- From rocks, the same rules as always: lifejacket, watch the sea, never alone.
From rocks: wear a lifejacket, watch the sea for ten minutes before you go near the edge, never turn your back on it, and fish with someone. Rock fishing safety
Places to start
Each region page lists wharves, boat ramps and shore you can reach on a legal road or public land, with whether today’s swell reaches each one.
Sources: NIWA for Fisheries NZ: New Zealand fishes, a field guide to common species · MPI: recreational fishing rules by area.