NZ Fish Bite Time
New Zealand Solunar Bite Times & Fishing Calendar
Whether you're chasing Kingfish in the Far North, softbaiting for Snapper in the Hauraki Gulf, or surfcasting in the deep south, our exact NZ Bite Times Calculator helps you plan the perfect trip. Using Solunar theory, we calculate the optimal feeding windows—based on moon phases, sun overlap, and gravitational pull—for any location across New Zealand.
Location
Drag the marker to your fishing spot.
Date Selection
Daily Rating
Based on moon phase. New & Full moons create the strongest gravitational pull and highest ratings.
Ready to Fish?
Select a location and date to see the forecast.
24-Hour Activity Curve
Hot Bite: Red stars indicate a "Change of Light" overlap (Sun/Moon alignment) for peak fishing.
Celestial Events
Local Tide Estimates
High Tides roughly follow Moon Overhead/Underfoot. Estimated for open ocean—verify locally.
Major Bite Times (2 hrs)
Peak ActivityMinor Bite Times (1 hr)
Moderate ActivityFrequently Asked Questions: Fishing Bite Times in NZ
Do bite times really work for NZ fishing?
Yes! Many experienced Kiwi anglers swear by the Solunar theory. Fish activity is heavily influenced by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun. Fishing during "Major" and "Minor" periods significantly increases your chances of a good catch.
What is a "Change of Light" bite?
In New Zealand, the "change of light" at dawn (sunrise) and dusk (sunset) are traditionally the best times to fish. When a Solunar Major or Minor bite time overlaps with sunrise or sunset, it creates a "Hot Bite" — the ultimate peak feeding window.
How do tides relate to the Solunar calendar?
In open ocean environments, high tides roughly correlate with the moon being directly overhead or underfoot (Major times). However, local geography in NZ harbours and estuaries causes tidal lag. Always use this calculator in combination with official NZ tide charts for your specific region.