Wellington Fish & Game

19/06/2026

A quick morning hunt in some decent waterfowling weather recently...

It's admittedly been a tough season but when conditions play ball there are birds there for the taking.

Hope you can make the most of the weather coming in this weekend and get out for a shot!

18/06/2026

Another strong nor-wester is forecast to kick in today, rising to gale tomorrow!

The last good blow got the ducks moving so make sure you get amongst it... there are only two weekends left in the main waterfowl season.

For the latest on the weather, tips, recipes and another prize added to our game bird hunting photo competition, check out our weekly hunting report.

https://www.fishandgame.org.nz/game-bird-hunting-in-new-zealand/follow-the-hunt/regional-hunting-bulletins/wellingtontaranaki-weekly-hunting-bulletin-18-june-2026/

17/06/2026

This week is National Volunteer Week.
Fish & Game greatly depends on the support of countless volunteers around the country to support the work that we do. Each of our 12 regions is guided by an elected council of men and women who generously volunteer their time to govern Fish & Game, and this week, we extend our heartfelt thanks to this committed group.
We also want to recognise our honorary rangers, whose dedication to compliance work and interaction with our licence holders enhances the sports fishing and game bird hunting experience for everyone in Aotearoa.
We also rely on the community who create wetlands, support planting and w**d eradication and other projects.
Thank you to everyone who is part of our volunteer team.

11/06/2026

Shifty winds over the weekend, building into a strong nor-wester on Sunday, should provide some good conditions to get into a few ducks this weekend.

This will be the first decent nor-wester we've had so far this season - it should dislodge birds from the sheltered hidey-holes they've become accustomed to and get them moving around...

Check out the full details in our weekly hunting report and get amongst it!

https://www.fishandgame.org.nz/game-bird-hunting-in-new-zealand/follow-the-hunt/regional-hunting-bulletins/wellingtontaranaki-weekly-hunting-bulletin-11-june-2026/

10/06/2026

Kids love duck hunting! 🦆🦆🦆

Just look at the smiles on the faces of Indie (8) and Marley (6), helping dad, Matt, retrieve birds on the family's farm in Feilding.

If you're thinking of introducing your young ones to game bird hunting, here are a few simple tips to make it a great day:

- Keep it fun first – snacks, warm drinks, and a good attitude go a long way.
- Dress them well – layers + waterproof gear = happy kids.
- Safety is everything – ear protection, clear rules, and constant supervision.
- Short sessions win – they don’t need to last all morning. Finish on a high.
- Get them involved – setting decoys, spotting birds, helping carry gear.
- Celebrate the little wins – even seeing birds come in is a big deal!

It doesn't matter if you don't get anything - building memories is the ultimate outcome 👍

28/05/2026

Hunter Love gave duck hunting a crack for the first time last weekend in Wairarapa.

Despite the calm conditions, a good flight of mallards came into the pond just before last light and he got two birds using a .410.

Hunter's dad reckons he's now well and truly hooked and can't wait for the next opportunity!

With a long weekend ahead, it's the ideal time to introduce someone new to game bird hunting.

This is the best investment you can make for the future of duck hunting because we need numbers active in the pursuit to defend it from those that want to see it banned.

Day licences are super cheap so grab a mate, or your kids or other family members, and give them an experience that'll have them hooked for life.

https://www.fishandgame.org.nz/game-bird-hunting-in-new-zealand/hunting-licences-and-regulations/standard-licence-options/

25/05/2026

Staff recently attended the annual 'Otaki River Walkover' to hear from Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) about previous and proposed works on the waterway.

These meetings give Fish & Game the opportunity to discuss and advocate for improved outcomes for trout and, ultimately, anglers...

We were able to raise issues relating to the operations GWRC conducts under its river maintenance resource consent, focusing on significant works from the past year and proposed activity in the forthcoming period.

Our main push is for retention and restoration of instream habitat for trout - i.e., the maintenance of pools, runs and riffles, which are a main feature of natural and healthy instream river structure.

Despite our annual drift dive counts showing a decrease in trout numbers over the sections surveyed, there was still some good fishing to be had this past season on the Otaki River.

24/05/2026

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jools Topp, twin sister of our beloved Fish & Game Patron Dame Lynda Topp.
Lynda and her family have shared that Jools was "wise, courageous, generous, inspiring and funny" - a true warrior woman who will be missed beyond measure.
The Topp Twins have been a treasured part of New Zealand life for decades, and we know this loss will be felt widely. Our thoughts are with Lynda, Bruce, Jean, and everyone who loved Jools.
Rest well, Jools. 💙

22/05/2026

The calm weather certainly hasn't made it easy for hunters...

Conditions are looking similarly settled this weekend until a south-easterly builds on Sunday.

If you're itching to get out for a hunt, though, don't be too despondent - there are always options to bag a few birds, no matter the weather.

Check out our latest Game Bird Bulletin hunting report for some ideas and tips.

https://www.fishandgame.org.nz/game-bird-hunting-in-new-zealand/follow-the-hunt/regional-hunting-bulletins/wellington-taranaki-weekly-hunting-bulletin-21-may-2026/

12/05/2026

Want to take a mate or introduce someone to game bird hunting? Maybe you missed the start of the season?

Great news! Day licences are on sale now.

With another six weeks still to target mallards in the Wellington Fish & Game region, some exciting upland game opportunities, and an extended swan season with liberal bag limits through to the end of August, there are plenty of good reasons to get out there!

Game bird day licences are now on sale. Grab a mate and get out there.

Opening Weekend is a fantastic occasion, but the better waterfowl hunting often comes later in the season when the weather turns.
Cold fronts move birds, and there is nothing quite like heading out into the wild with people you care about and coming home with wild kai for the table.

There is a lot of season left and plenty of opportunity ahead.

Adults can pick one up for $27, or $10 for juniors (12–17). Day licences entitle the holder to hunt or kill game during one day in the open season across all regions.