Yes. Every angler fishing for trout or salmon in New Zealand needs a licence, including children, and it must be bought before the trip. Licences are available from Fish & Game New Zealand through their online system, and cover the whole country except the Taupo and Rotorua regions.

For the 2025-26 season, a non-resident adult full season licence is $270 and a 24 hour licence is $38. A New Zealand resident adult season licence is $156. Children under 12 fish free.

If we are heading into backcountry water, ask me whether you also need a Backcountry Endorsement for the regions we plan to fish. You can add a region to your licence at any time.