Eastern Fish & Game

25/05/2026

If you were recently at the Kaituna wetland and are missing a lanyard with duck callers, please phone our office (07 357 5501) and John will help you out. 👍

22/05/2026

We are pleased to again host and support Malcom and Linda, running the Kiwi Avoidance Training at our site at Rotorua on the weekend of 6th & 7th of June. 🌳🐕

This training is a great way to teach our dogs to avoid kiwi when we are in areas where they live.

If you would like to run your dog through this training, click the link below to check for vacancies and book in!

https://app.kiwiavoidancetraining.nz/booking

20/05/2026

Scott Tamblin makes the most of some great weather and the Rotorua lakes producing some excellent rainbow trout...

14/05/2026

We are in the midst a wonderful patch of weather, ideal for spending to quality time on local lakes.
Hope you're able to make the most of it...

14/05/2026

GAME DAY LICENCES NOW ON SALE

We may be halfway through the mallard season – but there’s still time to have a go at ‘em.

But it doesn't end there; upland game continues on for you to get out and enjoy a few hunts, and hopefully enjoying wild game for dinner! *Pssst* Make sure you check your regional regulations as different areas have different end dates and bag limits - https://www.fishandgame.org.nz/game-bird-hunting-in-new-zealand/hunting-licences-and-regulations/hunting-regulations/regional-regulations/eastern/

The weather has been fine so far – but it’s bound to change – and regardless – a poor day hunting is better than a good day at work (or doing domestics at home) !!

~Remember to check, clean and dry all your gear to prevent the spread!!! Lets keep these beautiful waterways and wetlands clean and pest free~

You’ve got the gear – time to get out there.

12/05/2026

Go on! Give it a shot or two! With a Day Licence, you can introduce a mate into Gamebird Hunting!

Game bird day licences are now on sale. Grab a mate and get out there.

Opening Weekend is a fantastic occasion, but the better waterfowl hunting often comes later in the season when the weather turns.
Cold fronts move birds, and there is nothing quite like heading out into the wild with people you care about and coming home with wild kai for the table.

There is a lot of season left and plenty of opportunity ahead.

Adults can pick one up for $27, or $10 for juniors (12–17). Day licences entitle the holder to hunt or kill game during one day in the open season across all regions.

07/05/2026

We have some wind and rain expected over the coming days which will bring a lot of the mallard back inland, so if you're keen to get out for a hunt, this weekend is looking good for Eastern hunters!

06/05/2026

While the 2026 game bird season is off to great start, there's still plenty of incredible opportunities like this to get out for a fish!

Eb, an avid lover of trout fishing, showing his buddy what's what!

02/05/2026

Eastern Region Hunters Make the Most of Opening Weekend.

Fish & Game staff, ably assisted by the Police and the Fi****ms Safety Authority, have been delighted to see teams of hunters, including some large family groups making the most of the opening weekend of the game bird hunting season.

The weather was very much on the side of the birds, with clear blue skies and little wind falling across most of the North Island.

Despite the conditions, birds were harvested and will be turned into delicious family meals as the stories of the hunt are re-lived. The traditions of hunting and harvesting honest meat go back many generations for Kiwis and are celebrated as the very best time to catch up with friends and family.

Keep safe and enjoy the rest of your season...

01/05/2026

Kaingaroa Tipu (formerly Timberlands) forests open for recreational access this weekend on 2 May. This provides weekend access to end of September. This week we got out and tidied up some access tracks to the Rangitaiki River in Kaingaroa Forest; the river is looking pretty good for a fish at the moment, as well as the Flaxy Lakes and canals. There is also hunter access available, we’ve been seeing quail and the odd pheasant.🌳

For permits get in touch with First Security in Rotorua.

https://www.firstsecurity.co.nz/forestry-permit/

Permits also available for hunting in Rotoehu Forest, and angler access through Waimangu Forest to Lake Rotomahana.