In addition, literally hundreds of pristine lakes are all worth visiting. Ninety percent of the North American fly-fishers visiting New Zealand practice this too. Regulations vary throughout the 26 different fishing districts, but basically, fishing starts 5 am and finishes midnight on any day. As a guideline, treat all rivers and streams flowing into lakes as fly only, this precludes use of spin rod, fly and bubble. Also fly only includes the area within 300 m radius from the point where a stream joins a lake.
Streams flowing from lakes or mountains to the sea are generally open to all methods.
Equipment, such as waders, rods, reels, lines, tackles and lures, as well as some cold and wet weather gear, is provided when hiring a guide. Licenses, including whole season licenses, winter licenses and day licenses may be purchased for use in any area of New Zealand with the exception of Taupo. To fish in Taupo you must pick up a local license. Licenses can be bought at gas stations, sports stores, fishing shops or local fishing and game councils. Reputable fishing guides also have licenses for sale.