The so-called trophy lakes – Tarawera, Okataina and Rotoiti – can all produce fish of prize-winning size.

The biggest, Lake Rotorua, has one of the best catch rates in the district due to high natural spawning and it’s open year round. But some of the smaller lakes with their own, more secluded charm include Rotoma, Rotomahana and Rerewhakaaitu.

Rainbow trout are most common in Rotorua’s lakes, but there are also brown trout, tiger trout (lake Rotoma only), and brook trout.

The Eastern region, which runs out to and includes East Cape, has lots to offer the keen game bird hunter as well, with an abundance of lakes, estuaries, rivers, and wetlands - providing habitat for mallard, Paradise shelduck and other species. The season for upland game birds including pheasants and quail, runs right through until almost the end of August.

Pest control operations are underway in many hunting areas – for the latest on where this is happening click here.