Riuwaka River Fishing: Brown Trout near Riwaka and Motueka

Last updated October 2026

The Riuwaka River, long spelt Riwaka, is a small, clear brown trout river that reaches Tasman Bay at Riwaka, just north of Motueka. It is a separate river from the Motueka. Its north branch rises at the Riuwaka Resurgence below Tākaka Hill and its south branch in the Arthur Range in Kahurangi National Park.

Most fish are in the lower reaches, where deep glides and pools are usually fished blind, while the upper river suits sight casting to fewer, larger and warier trout. It is fly and spin only, from 1 October to 30 April.

At a Glance

Location

Riwaka, about 10 minutes from Motueka and 50 minutes from Nelson

Name

Officially the Riuwaka River since August 2014; also spelt Riwaka

Main species

Brown trout, averaging around 3 to 4 lb

Season

1 October to 30 April

Methods

Fly and spin only; no bait

Licence

Fish & Game freshwater licence required

Access

Foot access on the true left from the Great Taste Trail cycle bridge to the rivermouth; fishers’ right of way on the south branch off Riuwaka Valley Left Branch Road

Catch and release

Recommended: the trout population has declined

Tides

None on the river; flow and clarity move the fishing

Flow

Tasman District Council gauge, Riuwaka at Hickmotts

More About The Riuwaka River

The river’s name was officially changed from Riwaka to Riuwaka in August 2014, following Treaty of Waitangi settlements with Ngāti Rārua and Te Ātiawa o Te Waka-a-Māui. The township keeps the Riwaka spelling, while Fish & Game and Tasman District Council’s flow sites use Riuwaka. The river runs for about 20 km from its two sources to the sea.

For part of its course the north branch flows underground through limestone, coming back to the surface at the Riuwaka Resurgence, Te Puna o Riuwaka. The Department of Conservation says the resurgence is of particular cultural significance to Te Ātiawa, Ngāti Rārua and Ngāti Tama, who recognise it as wāhi tapu, a sacred place. Treat it with respect.

Fish & Game describes the Riuwaka as once a superb fishery whose trout population has been flagging, with floods, earthworks, sediment and limited spawning water blamed. In March 2017 it released 150 tagged brown trout, taken from a neighbouring river of the same stock, at three sites along the river. Catch and release is highly recommended.

Trout numbers are highest in the lower reaches but stay good through the river. The middle and upper reaches have stone and gravel beds, with overhanging trees giving the fish cover.

How to Fish the Riuwaka River

The lower river and the mouth

A 300 m strip of public foot access runs along the true left bank from a cycle bridge on the Great Taste Trail down to the Riwaka rivermouth, with a stile and signs.

Whitebaiters, anglers, families and cyclists stopping for a swim all use it, so expect company on fine days. The deep glides and pools of the lower river are usually fished blind with a nymph, a wet fly or a small spinner.

The valley and the south branch

The Riwaka Valley road turns left about 7 km north of Motueka and follows the river for several kilometres. Most of the banks are farmland, and you need the landowner’s permission to cross it, which is usually given.

On the south branch, a Fish & Game fishers’ right of way of close to 1 km runs beside the river off Riuwaka Valley Left Branch Road up to where the river leaves Kahurangi National Park, and no permission is needed for that stretch. The clear upper water suits sight casting with small dries and nymphs.

What to catch and what to use

• Brown trout on nymphs: small Hare and Copper, Pheasant Tail variants and small shaggy nymphs, size 16 preferred. Add weight in deeper, faster water.
• Dry flies: small winged patterns such as Greenwell’s Glory, March Brown and Adams. Green beetles work in early summer and cicadas from late summer.
• Wet flies: March Brown, Greenwell’s Glory or sedge emergers, fished under the vegetation and in the evening rise.
• Spinners: small bladed spinners such as the Veltic or Mepps.

For the bigger river next door, see our Motueka River trout fishing guide.

Getting There and Facilities

• From Motueka: head north on State Highway 60 and cross the river just north of the town. The Riwaka Valley road turns off to the left about 7 km north of Motueka.
• Rivermouth access: on foot along the true left bank from the Great Taste Trail cycle bridge, over the stile.
• Riuwaka Resurgence: just before the climb over Tākaka Hill, a signposted road on the left runs about 7 km to the car park, then a 10 minute walk. No dogs or camping.
• Licences: buy online from Fish & Game, or from a licence agent in Motueka such as the Motueka i-SITE.
• Supplies: buy flies and tackle in Motueka or Nelson before you go.

Rules and Safety

Rules

• Licence: a Fish & Game freshwater licence is required.
• Season and methods: the Riuwaka is not listed separately in the Nelson/Marlborough regulations, so the general rule applies: open 1 October to 30 April, fly and spin only, no bait.
• Footwear: felt-soled waders and boots are banned when fishing for sports fish.
• Limits: set in the Nelson/Marlborough sports fishing regulations. Check the current brochure, and consider releasing your fish.
• Private land: ask before crossing farmland away from the signposted access.

The resurgence

Te Puna o Riuwaka is wāhi tapu to Te Ātiawa, Ngāti Rārua and Ngāti Tama. Respect the place and stay on the track. DOC warns that the riverbed rocks are very slippery, the steps and rocks can be under water in floods, and children must be supervised at all times.

Didymo and algae

Didymo was found in the Riuwaka in 2010. Check, clean and dry your waders, boots and gear before fishing another river, and let them dry for 48 hours.

After long spells of low flow, toxic algae can form black, gelatinous mats on the riverbed with a musty smell. Keep dogs away from it, and see a doctor or vet if you or your dog get sick after being in the river.

Useful Links

Common Questions

Is it the Riwaka River or the Riuwaka River?
Both are used. The official name has been Riuwaka River since August 2014, while the township is still Riwaka.

Is the Riuwaka the same river as the Motueka?
No. It is a separate river that reaches Tasman Bay at Riwaka, just north of Motueka.

Do I need a licence to fish the Riuwaka?
Yes. Trout are sports fish, so you need a Fish & Game freshwater licence.

When is the Riuwaka open for fishing?
From 1 October to 30 April, and it is fly and spin only.

What size are the trout?
Brown trout average around 3 to 4 lb, with some bigger fish. Most are in the lower reaches.

Where can I get to the river?
On foot along the true left bank from the Great Taste Trail cycle bridge to the rivermouth, and on the south branch by the fishers’ right of way off Riuwaka Valley Left Branch Road.

Can I fish at the Riuwaka Resurgence?
DOC lists fishing among the things to do in the area, but Te Puna o Riuwaka is wāhi tapu to Te Ātiawa, Ngāti Rārua and Ngāti Tama. Treat it with respect, stay on the track, and remember no dogs are allowed.

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