Anglers pumping millions of dollars into New Zealand's GDP

Freshwater fishing is big business, with anglers here and overseas spending millions of dollars in New Zealand pursuing the sport.

Each year, Fish & Game sells 100,000 freshwater angling licenses, resulting in a million days of fishing.

Anglers here and overseas have spent an estimated $113-$139 million per year on their fishing trips, according to research from the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research (NZIER). The spending contributes $66-$81 million to New Zealand's GDP.

Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager said spending "a couple hundred dollars on a fishing license that allows you to fish anywhere you like in the country" represents "huge value for money".

"As long as we're making sure we're not putting pressure on fisheries, we would welcome more overseas visitors to come and to spin a reel or to drop a line in and see what they can catch."

From guides and helicopter pilots to boat operators and fishing stores, angling also supports as many as 1168 jobs nationwide.

Hunting and Fishing Queenstown's Henry McCook said he's seen "huge change" in the number of people flocking to the tourist hotspot.

"We've seen a lot more domestic tourism and international tourism. Kiwis are getting out and about more after experiencing all that during the Covid lockdown."

And it's not just the economy that's benefiting.

People who fish regularly are nearly 17% less likely to report mental health concerns compared to those who fish less often, according to research from the UK.

“Almost 90% of anglers say relaxation and unwinding is the cause for why they go fishing,” Fish & Game acting CEO Richie Cosgrove told 1News.

Among them is Cantabrian Harry Graham-Sampson, who said the sport gives him a sense of calm.

"No one can contact you and it's just you and the water and the fish in front of you, depending on how you're fishing," he said.

"It's just good to get out and it's good to do it with mates as well."