Access to the Waikaia River for trout fishing operates under a Voluntary Beat System.
This is to spread anglers across the entire length of the river and better direct anglers regarding parking and walking access. No tributaries are included.
How it works
Each beat has its own beat signpost with a specified car park. Simply, park at your chosen beat and then fish within the boundaries of that beat. The presence of a vehicle at a beat sign indicates to other anglers which beats are occupied.
If you are not leaving a vehicle (ie. getting dropped off or accessing the river via a different point), then please attach a note to the beat sign that states the date, time and your intentions. This small courtesy will ensure that everyone enjoys their day fishing.
You may fish an occupied beat downstream of (i.e., behind) other anglers.
Open reaches
There are four ‘Open Reaches’ that are not subject to beat controls - normal angler etiquette applies.
These are located downstream of Waipounamu Bridge, at Mahers Beach, the township of Waikaia and at the popular Piano Flat camping area.
Anglers fishing the adjoining beats may fish into these reaches.
Local anglers
Most premier fisheries are remote, whereas the Waikaia River provides world class fishing through a populated area. Local residents have a strong affinity with the river, and for some it flows through their backyard. Fish & Game respects their right to access the river in their usual manner, especially anglers who are elderly, infirm or injured and may not be able to fish the beats in the usual manner. Please respect their rights here and be cordial. Angler etiquette still and will always apply.
As a courtesy to fellow anglers, please respect this Beat System.
If you have any questions, please contact Southland Fish and Game at (03) 215 9117 or southland@fishandgame.org.nz
The Waikaia River fishing beats:
Individual beats are listed below, click on the image to display a larger map.
For a map showing all beats, click here
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Piano Flat Open Reach An Open Reach is not subject to beat controls - normal angler etiquette applies. Simply find an appropriate parking spot and fish between the yellow markers indicated on the map. |
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18 - Lower Piano Flat Beat – 2.6km To fish the Lower Piano Flat Beat, park next to the Fish & Game Beat sign and fish between the red markers indicated on the map. Click on the map for fishing boundary details. |
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17 - The Glenaray Beat – 4.6km To fish The Glenaray Beat, park next to the Fish & Game Beat sign and fish between the blue markers indicated on the map. Click on the map for fishing boundary details. |
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16 - Above the Gow Beat – 3.2km To fish Above the Gow Beat, park next to the Fish & Game Beat sign and fish between the red markers indicated on the map. Click on the map for fishing boundary details. |
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15 - The Argyle Beat – 3km To fish The Argyle Beat, park next to the Fish & Game Beat sign and fish between the blue markers indicated on the map. Click on the map for fishing boundary details. |
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14 - The Steven Burn Beat – 4.3km To fish The Steven Burn Beat, park next to the Fish & Game Beat sign and fish between the red markers indicated on the map. Click on the map for fishing boundary details. |
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13 - Lower Argyle Beat – 1.3km To fish the Lower Argyle Beat, park next to the Fish & Game Beat sign and fish between the blue markers indicated on the map. Click on the map for fishing boundary details. |
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12 - Block Road Bridge Beat – 2.8km To fish the Block Road Bridge Beat, park next to the Fish & Game Beat sign and fish between the red markers indicated on the map. Click on the map for fishing boundary details. |
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11 - Above the Steeple Beat – 2km To fish Above the Steeple Beat, park next to the Fish & Game Beat sign and fish between the blue markers indicated on the map. Click on the map for fishing boundary details. |
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10 - Rathfriland Beat – 2.7km To fish the Rathfriland Beat, park next to the Fish & Game Beat sign and fish between the red markers indicated on the map. Click on the map for fishing boundary details. |
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9 - Happy Valley Beat – 2.25km To fish the Happy Valley Beat, park next to the Fish & Game Beat sign and fish between the blue markers indicated on the map. Click on the map for fishing boundary details. |
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Waikaia Township Open Reach - 5.4km An Open Reach is not subject to beat controls - normal angler etiquette applies. Simply find an appropriate parking spot and fish between the yellow markers indicated on the map. |
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8 - Above the Dome Beat – 2.3km To fish Above the Dome Beat, park next to the Fish & Game Beat sign and fish between the red markers indicated on the map. Click on the map for fishing boundary details. |
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Mahers Beach Open Reach – 3.4km An Open Reach is not subject to beat controls - normal angler etiquette applies. Simply find an appropriate parking spot and fish between the yellow markers indicated on the map. |
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7 - Round Downs Beat – 1.7km To fish the Round Downs Beat, park next to the Fish & Game Beat sign and fish between the blue markers indicated on the map. Click on the map for fishing boundary details. |
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6 - Freshford Beat – 2.4km To fish the FreshfordBeat, park next to the Fish & Game Beat sign and fish between the red markers indicated on the map. Click on the map for fishing boundary details. |
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5 - Waiparu Beat – 1.7km To fish the Waiparu Beat, park next to the Fish & Game Beat sign and fish between the blue markers indicated on the map. Click on the map for fishing boundary details. |
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4 - Above Boundary Creek Beat – 4.1km To fish Above Boundary Cree Beat, park next to the Fish & Game Beat sign and fish between the red markers indicated on the map. Click on the map for fishing boundary details. |
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3 - The Hard-to-Reach Beat – 3.3km To fish The Hard-to-Reach Beat, park next to the Fish & Game Beat sign and fish between the blue markers indicated on the map. Click on the map for fishing boundary details. |
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2 - Waipounamu Beat – 4.8km To fish the Waipounamu Beat, park next to the Fish & Game Beat sign and fish between the red markers indicated on the map. Click on the map for fishing boundary details. |
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Waipounamu Bridge Open Reach – 0.7km An Open Reach is not subject to beat controls - normal angler etiquette applies. Simply find an appropriate parking spot and fish between the yellow markers indicated on the map. |
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1 - The Wendon Beat – 3.2km To fish The Wendon Beat, park next to the Fish & Game Beat sign and fish between the blue markers indicated on the map. Click on the map for fishing boundary details. |
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