Today's Best Fishing & Tide Times for
Christchurch, New Zealand ðŸ‡³ðŸ‡¿

Solunar
Tides
Weather
7-Day
Spots

How to use the Kiwi fishing calendar

Planning your next fishing trip in Christchurch, New Zealand ? Today is a good day for fishing. Our comprehensive fishing almanac combines our popular bite times and moon phases, moon times, sunrise and sunset times, nearby tide timetable, and a 7-day fishing calendar so you always know the best fishing times in your area. We analyse major and minor solunar bite times, rate each day on a five-star scale, and pair it with localized weather forecasts so you can quickly tell whether today is a good day to fish without juggling multiple tabs. Be sure to bookmark this page so you never miss a bite. view bite times...

  • Check our unique Solunar Clock for precise bite times and moon phases and the best moon phases.
  • Use the Tide Clock section to sync bite times with high and low tide timetable.
  • Analyze the forecasted weather conditions, such as wind, barometric pressure and rain to plan your fishing session.
  • Jump to the 7-Day Fishing Calendar for an extended fishing forecast, then explore nearby fishing spots on the interactive map.

Christchurch fishing delivers a mix of freshwater trout and Chinook salmon opportunities plus productive inshore saltwater angling across Pegasus Bay and Banks Peninsula. Local waterways from the Avon and Heathcote to Lyttelton Harbour and the ÅŒpawaho/Waimakariri estuary offer varied habitat and techniques for shore, boat and fly anglers. read more...

Some of the best fishing spots near Christchurch include: Waimakariri River, Rakaia River, Akaroa Harbour, Lake Ellesmere / Te Waihora, Sumner Bay, Pegasus Bay, Birdlings Flat, Taylors Mistake, etc. see full list

Tide Station:

Sun and Moon Times

The sun will be at it's highest point at . Today we have 8:59 hours of daylight. For shallow water fishing the twilight periods are often the most productive fishing times, especially on days when a major or minor time will coincide with twilight. In low light conditions predators have better cover for their ambush and often hunt in shallow water.
  • Nautical Twilight begins:
    Sunrise:
  • Sunset:
    Nautical Twilight ends:
  • Moonrise:
  • Moonset:
  • Moon over:
  • Moon under:
  • Visibility:
    20%
  • Waxing Crescent - 20% illuminated Waxing Crescent
Next Full Moon in ~11 days on 30th June
  • Distance to earth:
    373,148 km
    Proximity:
    76.4 %
We can compare the current moon distance to it's minimum and maximum distance from earth and express that as proximity. A high proximity means the moon is closer to earth. At 50% it would be at it's mean distance. A high proximity causes big tides, currents and has a direct effect on increased bite times. A proximity greater than 90% indicates a super moon.
Moon Phases for Christchurch
New Moon
Mon, 15 Jun
Full Moon
Tue, 30 Jun
New Moon
Tue, 14 Jul
Full Moon
Thu, 30 Jul

Solunar Bite Times

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  • good Day
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Best fishing times:
  • major Time:
    03:19 am - 05:19 am
  • minor Time:
    10:17 am - 12:17 pm
  • major Time:
    03:31 pm - 05:31 pm
  • minor Time:
    08:46 pm - 10:46 pm
All times are displayed in the Pacific/Auckland timezone and are automatically adjusted to daylight savings. The current timezone offset is +12 hours. Green and yellow areas indicate the best fishing times (major and minor). Blue areas indicate high and low tides. The center shows the current moon phase which is a Waxing Crescent at 20% lumination. According to the Solunar Theory, today is a good day for fishing, but you need to cross check this with the current weather forecast for a final decision. Today some bite times coincide with sunrise or sunset. Those will be particularly good times for fishing and are indicated by sun icons. The next best fishing time ( ) starts in -5 hour and -52 minute. The gray time indicator displays the current local time.
Pacific/Auckland • Fri, 19 Jun 05:24 • -43.533, 172.633

Tides Times for Fishing: Fri, 19 Jun

The Tideclock displays the tide status and the hours until the next tide. Currently the tide is rising and the next high tide is in 1 hour and 42 minutes.
Tide Graph
01:01 am 07:07 am 01:18 pm 07:31 pm AM PM 9.58 ft 1.18 ft height hour: 12 2 4 6 8 10 12 2 4 6 8 10 12
Times
Tide Time Height
low 01:01 am 1.35 ft
high 07:07 am 9.28 ft
low 01:18 pm 1.18 ft
high 07:31 pm 9.58 ft
Tide Coefficient at 07:07 am is 89
Tide Coefficient at 07:31 pm is 95
For fishing, stronger tides are often favourable as they cause stronger currents and more motion on the sea bed. The above tidal coefficients give us an indication of how strong the tides are compared to their average. A value over 90 indicates very strong tides, known as spring tides. A low value indicates weak tides, known as neap tides. The tidal coefficient can range from 20 to 120 with a mean value of 70. A higher number usually indicates better fishing.
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Current Fishing Weather

Updating Weather Infos...

7 Day Fishing Weather

The weather plays an important role in fishing. Wind strenght and direction often determine where you can fish and where fish might be holding. Although high pressure is usually good for fishing, steep pressure changes often trigger feeding frenzies and are great times for fishing. Of course temperature has also a strong effect on fishing and comfort on the water. So make sure to cross check the weather forecast with the solunar fishing times to determine the best times to go fishing. The graph below shows you the 3 hourly weather progression over the next 7 days. Scroll the graph left or right to see more.
Selected Weather Station: Christchurch, NZ
Temperature
Wave Height
Swell Height
Wind
Pressure
Humidity
Cloudcover
Rain Precipitation
UV Index
Retrieving Weather...

7 Day Fishing Forecast Calendar
Date Major Bite Times Minor Bite Times Sun Moon Moonphase Tide Times
-
-
-
-
R:
S: 		R:
S: 		Waxing Crescent moon phase
Waxing Crescent
low: , 1.28 ft
high: , 9.42 ft , Coeff: 92
low: , 1.08 ft
high: , 9.94 ft , Coeff: 101
-
-
-
-
R:
S: 		R:
S: 		Waxing Crescent moon phase
Waxing Crescent
low: , 1.35 ft
high: , 9.28 ft , Coeff: 89
low: , 1.18 ft
high: , 9.58 ft , Coeff: 95
-
-
-
-
R:
S: 		R:
S: 		Waxing Crescent moon phase
Waxing Crescent
low: , 1.51 ft
high: , 9.12 ft , Coeff: 86
low: , 1.44 ft
high: , 9.22 ft , Coeff: 88
-
-
-
-
R:
S: 		R:
S: 		First Quarter Moon moon phase
First Quarter Moon
low: , 1.74 ft
high: , 8.89 ft , Coeff: 82
low: , 1.84 ft
high: , 8.89 ft , Coeff: 82
-
-
-
-
R:
S: 		R:
S: 		First Quarter Moon moon phase
First Quarter Moon
low: , 2 ft
high: , 8.69 ft , Coeff: 79
low: , 2.26 ft
high: , 8.63 ft , Coeff: 77
-
-
-
-
R:
S: 		R:
S: 		First Quarter Moon moon phase
First Quarter Moon
low: , 2.23 ft
high: , 8.53 ft , Coeff: 76
low: , 2.66 ft
high: , 8.43 ft , Coeff: 74
-
-
-
-
R:
S: 		R:
S: 		Waxing Gibbous moon phase
Waxing Gibbous
low: , 2.46 ft
high: , 8.5 ft , Coeff: 75
low: , 2.95 ft
-
-
-
-
R:
S: 		R:
S: 		Waxing Gibbous moon phase
Waxing Gibbous
high: , 8.3 ft , Coeff: 71
low: , 2.66 ft
high: , 8.53 ft , Coeff: 76
low: , 3.12 ft
*bold times indicate best fishing times around sunrise or sunset

Fishing Overview Christchurch

Overview and seasonal patterns. Christchurch and greater Canterbury fishing follow clear seasonal rhythms. Spring (Sept–Nov) brings warming water, increasing trout activity and the whitebait run in small streams. Summer (Dec–Feb) is prime for inshore species: kahawai schooling in Pegasus Bay, trevally and gurnard along beach gutters, and surface action around headlands. Autumn (Mar–May) often produces the best Chinook salmon runs into estuaries and tidal rivers, plus stable weather for boat-based tarakihi and john dory trips off Banks Peninsula. Winter (Jun–Aug) can concentrate fish into estuaries and deeper gutters — slack, low-light windows are key for flounder, elephant fish and winter kahawai.

Habitat types to target. The Christchurch coastline and rivers pack a diversity of productive structure: shallow sandy beaches with gutters and troughs (New Brighton, Sumner) hold trevally, flounder and gurnard; rocky points and reefs around Banks Peninsula and Lyttelton Harbour concentrate kahawai, snapper and blue cod; estuaries and tidal flats (ÅŒpawaho/Waimakariri, Avon-Heathcote) are hotspots for salmon runs, flounder and whitebait; and the lowland streams in the Port Hills and headwaters offer trout and sight-fishing pockets. Offshore, steep shelf grounds and reef patches out from Akaroa produce tarakihi, john dory and hapuku for boat anglers.

Common techniques. Christchurch anglers use a broad toolkit. Surfcasters favour running sinker rigs with whole pilchard or strip baits for trevally and gurnard, while soft plastics and metal slugs excel on kahawai and kingfish along headlands. Fly and light spin tackle work well for trout in small streams and tailrace pools—match local hatches and use small nymphs or dry flies in calm conditions. For salmon and estuary species, drifting natural baits behind float rigs or slow-sinking lures on an ebbing or flooding tide is effective. Boat anglers use burley, flashers and squid/pilchard baits for snapper, tarakihi and john dory over structure; vertical jigs and plastics reach hapuku and kingfish on the drop.

Tactical tips for Christchurch waters. Read the tide — estuary mouths and beach gutters change dramatically between tides, and most bites come on the changing tide or the first hour of flood/ebb. Fish rock-to-sand transitions and gutters after southerlies push bait inshore. For salmon: present baits on a long leader, keep presentations low-drift and concentrate on tidal funnels at river mouths. Trout anglers should focus on early morning or late evening glass-off periods, fish shallow riffles with dries in spring and switch to nymphs when water colours up. When targeting kahawai, use fast metals, poppers or surface walkers to trigger explosive takes; change retrieval speed if fish ignore the first presentation. Offshore, anchor or troll around reef edges and use small, fresh baits for snapper and john dory — burley will hold fish in the zone.

  • Use light leaders for trout and salmon sight-fishing; stealth and presentation win more than heavy gear.
  • Match lure size to local baitfish—small pilchards and slim metals for kahawai, larger baits for tarakihi and blue cod.
  • Scout sheltered harbours on windy days; Lyttelton and Akaroa provide protection and structure.
  • Carry a range of sink rates: slow-sinking lures for tidy estuaries, fast metals for open-water pelagics.

With classic Canterbury variety — beaches, estuaries, reefs and river systems within easy reach of the city — Christchurch fishing rewards anglers who read tides, match baits and target structure. Focus on seasonal windows, adapt presentation to water clarity and current, and work the headlands and estuary funnels for the best local results.

The Best Fishing Spots around Christchurch

Waimakariri River

Flowing into Pegasus Bay north of the city, the Waimakariri is famed for ocean-run Chinook salmon (late summer–autumn) and sea-run brown trout, with strong spring and summer action for kahawai around the river mouth; access from Kairaki Beach and the north/south banks suits spinners and bait fishers, while small boats and kayaks work the lower channels when conditions allow.

Rakaia River

One of New Zealand’s premier salmon rivers, the broad-braided Rakaia draws anglers for powerful Chinook salmon runs (mid-summer to early autumn), alongside sea-run trout and seasonal surf-side kahawai near the mouth; shore-based spinning and bait work well along the braids, while jetboats target deeper channels, with nearby Lake Ellesmere / Te Waihora offering a contrasting brackish fishery.

Akaroa Harbour

A volcanic harbour on Banks Peninsula with clear, productive water, Akaroa offers blue cod (outside the heads), kahawai, mackerel, and occasional tarakihi and gurnard; shore anglers work wharves and rocky points around the township, while trailer boats explore reefs and drop-offs between Duvauchelle, Wainui, and the outer harbour for steady mixed-bag fishing through much of the year.

Lake Ellesmere / Te Waihora

This large, shallow coastal lake (often brackish) supports varied fishing for brown trout, perch, and traditional harvest species like flounder and eel (tuna), with activity influenced by lake openings to the sea at Taumutu; shore access is extensive, and small boats or kayaks help reach weed edges and channels, making it a versatile alternative to the surf at nearby Birdlings Flat.

Sumner Bay

Close to the city and protected by headlands, Sumner Bay is a convenient surf and rock-fishing area producing rig, elephant fish (spring), red cod (cooler months), and schooling kahawai on settled days; anglers spread from the main beach towards Scarborough and out along the rocks toward Taylors Mistake when swells are manageable.

Pegasus Bay

Stretching from Godley Head to Motunau, Pegasus Bay is a broad sand-bottom fishery where boats target gurnard, red cod, and summertime school sharks, while surfcasters along beaches near Spencer Park, Waimakariri River Mouth, and New Brighton connect with kahawai, rig, and seasonal elephant fish when the water clears after swells.

Birdlings Flat

Famous for its steep shingle beach and deep drop-off near Lake Forsyth / Wairewa, Birdlings Flat is a classic Canterbury surfcasting venue for powerful kahawai, spring elephant fish, and rig, with occasional sevengill sharks in summer; its open-coast exposure means it fishes best in lighter swells, rewarding long casts with fast action when baitfish are running.

Taylors Mistake

A scenic cove between Godley Head and Sumner, Taylors Mistake offers mixed surf and rock fishing for rig, school shark (tope), and seasonal elephant fish on the sand, with the rocks toward Boulder Bay producing wrasse and occasional blue moki; early mornings and settled seas give the clearest water and most reliable bites.

Interactive Fishing Map for the greater Christchurch area

Wharf's or Jetties are good places to wet a line and meet other fishermen. They often produce a fresh feed of fish and are also great to catch bait fish. As they are often well lit, they also provide a good opportunity for night fishing. There are 1 wharf(s) in this area.

Gladstone Wharf - 11.03279018124km

Beaches and Bays are ideal places for land-based fishing. If the beach is shallow and the water is clear then twilight times are usually the best times, especially when they coincide with a major or minor fishing time. Often the points on either side of a beach are the best spots. Or if the beach is large then look for irregularities in the breaking waves, indicating sandbanks and holes. We found 9 beaches and bays in this area.

McCormacks Bay - 7.21059660653km , Cass Bay - 8.43709276461km , Rapaki Bay - 9.24470988742km , Moncks Bay - 9.43235819282km , Motukauatirahi/Cass Bay - 9.47338331415km , Motukauatiiti Bay - 9.905703854km , Motukauatiiti/Corsair Bay - 9.93761235405km , Sumner Bay - 10.42800785621km , Otokitoki/Gollans Bay - 11.25166963004km

Harbours and Marinas can often times be productive fishing spots for land based fishing as their sheltered environment attracts a wide variety of bait fish. Similar to river mouths, harbour entrances are also great places to fish as lots of fish will move in and out with the rising and falling tides. There are 1 main harbours in this area.

Lyttelton Harbour - 10.69206169135km

We found a total of 40 potential fishing spots nearby Christchurch. Below you can find them organized on a map. Points, Headlands, Reefs, Islands, Channels, etc can all be productive fishing spots. As these are user submitted spots, there might be some errors in the exact location. You also need to cross check local fishing regulations. Some of the spots might be in or around marine reserves or other locations that cannot be fished. If you click on a location marker it will bring up some details and a quick link to google search, satellite maps and fishing times. Tip: Click/Tap on a new area to load more fishing spots.

Albert Lake - 2.50898735844km , Avon River/Otakaro - 2.50898735844km , Heathcote River - 3.86886008046km , Dudley Creek - 4.11902535413km , Okeover Stream - 5.37415722625km , Ilam Stream - 5.37415722625km , Wairarapa Stream - 5.79863959494km , Waimairi Stream - 5.81578997654km , Estuary of the Heathcote and Avon Rivers/Ihutai - 6.42697373602km , McCormacks Bay - 7.21059660653km , Cashmere Stream - 7.46100500231km , Nottingham Stream - 7.76685429031km , Styx River - 7.96626587163km , Avon River - 8.29160084777km , Cass Bay - 8.43709276461km , Heathcote and Avon Estuary - 8.52128043132km , Heathcote River - 8.88951157083km , Knights Stream - 9.03929746867km , Rapaki Bay - 9.24470988742km , Moncks Bay - 9.43235819282km , Motukauatirahi/Cass Bay - 9.47338331415km , Kamautaurua Island - 9.51257011098km , Kaputone Creek - 9.54206887499km , Motukauatiiti Bay - 9.905703854km , Motukauatiiti/Corsair Bay - 9.93761235405km , Erskine Point - 10.17888260826km , Sumner Bay - 10.42800785621km , Dawson Creek - 10.43298242568km , Naval Point - 10.68509564608km , Lyttelton Harbour - 10.69206169135km , Gladstone Wharf - 11.03279018124km , Officers Point - 11.03644664703km , Moepuku Point - 11.2113253312km , Otokitoki/Gollans Bay - 11.25166963004km , Governors - 11.34011137987km , Mansons Peninsula - 11.41683546013km , Quail Island - 11.44386047956km , Otamahua/Quail Island - 11.53644626559km , Sticking Point - 11.60572180463km , Otukaikino Creek - 11.66970456439km

Harbours and Marinas Beaches Bays Wharfs Points,Reefs,etc
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