Image: Lake Rotoaira Trust | ©
Fishing rod by lake.
Buy a Lake Rotoaira fishing licence
A licence is required to fish in Lake Rotoaira. Licences are valid from 1 September to 30 June each year.

The Lake Rotoaira fishing season closed 30 June. Licences for the new season go on sale 11 August.

Lake Rotoaira is a separate district from Taupō Fishing District. It has its own licences and regulations.

Mana Whenua Fishing Licence

All owners and their direct descendants can fish for free at Lake Rotoaira, but must carry a Mana Whenua Fishing Licence at all times. To get this licence, contact our Kaitiaki Ranger directly:

Email: ranger@lakerotoaira.com
Phone: +64 27 4433 066

Everyone else who wants to fish Lake Rotoaira must buy a licence from this page. This includes New Zealand residents and non-residents.

Lake Taupō: For the Taupō Fishing District, anglers need a separate Taupō fishing licence.

Lake Rotoaira fishing regulations

  1. Landing is only permitted on Lake Rotoaira Trust land which is at the campground only. There is to be no landing on any other lands adjoining the lake, including Motuopuhi Island (the island on the lake), without the landowners permission.
  2. A Lake Rotoaira Fishing Licence must be obtained if you are accessing the lake to fish. The Lake Rotoaira Licence covers Lake Rotoaira, Wairehu Canal from the lake to the last drop, and Poutu Canal.
  3. A Lake Rotoaira Fishing Licence must be obtained if you are accessing the lake to fish. You must have your fishing permits in your possession when fishing at Lake Rotoaira.
  4. 4 knots (8 km) or less within 200 m from shore or any other vehicle.
  5. Lake Rotoaira is closed for fishing from 1 July to 31 August though closing dates may vary at the discretion of the Lake Rotoaira Trust.
  6. All trout taken from the Lake must exceed 35 cm from nose to “V” of tail.
  7. All those accessing the lake do so at your own risk.
  8. Lake Rotoaira Trust takes no responsibility for damage to property or person.
  9. For emergency assistance, please contact 111. Note that in an emergency, assistance is approximately 20 minutes away (monitor VHF Channel 62).
  10. Lake Rotoaira is a dynamic mountain environment. Enter at your own risk.
  11. The daily catch limit is ten (10) trout.

Updated February 2025