Open coastal waters of New Zealand (general)

Free-diving spearfishing for finfish and rock lobster is generally permitted in open coastal sea waters outside marine reserves and other no-take protected areas, subject to the same daily bag limits, minimum size limits, protected-species rules and method restrictions as other recreational fishing. No saltwater fishing licence is required.

Rock lobster may not be speared (reg 29); paua may not be taken with scuba/UBA (reg 48); marine reserves and many regional closures/bylaws apply; size and bag limits apply per Fisheries Management Area.

Generally open year-round for finfish; some species/areas have closed seasons.