Fishing & Hunting

Reefton is famous for some of the best brown trout fishing in the South Island – and no wonder, as there’s 12 pristine river systems to choose from within a 40-minute drive. These include the Inangahua, Waitahu and Larry’s Creek. For insider knowledge on Reefton’s top secret spots, check in with local fishing guide Bryan Wilson. Fishing licences can be bought at Reefton Sports Centre, and while you’re there have a chat to the owner who is a keen fisher.

If hunting’s more your thing, red deer, fallow deer, pigs and chaomis can be hunted in the wild throughout the Reefton area. Hunting anywhere in New Zealand requires the permission of the landowner, and on public conservation land this is through a hunting permit from the Department of Conservation (DOC). You can do this online, or the Reefton Visitor and Service Centre can help you with this process.