The sea around New Zealand is abundant with fish and shellfish. There are also numerous sea birds, some of which are native to New Zealand. There are also numerous lakes, rivers and streams which are a fresh water angler's paradise. The sea is host to numerous species of fish and shellfish.
Seafood is a major food source in New Zealand and is popular with most of the population.
The most popular fish for eating are the snapper, gurnard, red cod, blue cod, flounder and hoki. The red and blue cod are mainly caught around the South Island. The snapper is most prolific in the Hauraki Gulf mainly because it is their spawning ground. Gurnard can be caught mainly on the East Coast. Flounder is mainly fished at low tide on mud flats in estuaries.