Fishing

Fishing challenges await in all directions. The Eastern Bay of Plenty is famed for deep sea and big game fishing. Whakatāne has plenty of charter boats, a very active fishing club and regular competitions. Local anglers hold numerous national and world records.

Many people own their own boats and launch from one of the boat ramps along the coast. There’s also some of the best land-based fishing in New Zealand. The long sandy beaches of Matatā are a very popular surfcasting destination. Many surfcasters also travel up the east coast.

The Whakatāne District also has excellent trout fisheries, and fishing guides if you need a hand. Legendary locations include the Whakatāne, Waimana, Whaeo, Whirinaki and Rangitāiki Rivers, Horomanga Stream and Lake Aniwaniwa. Trout fishing along the Tarawera River from Tarawera Falls to Kawerau is outstanding, with rainbow trout present in high numbers.