Are you itching for a weekend away with your mates, a few beers and your trusty rod and reel? Well, you’re in luck. The Murray River comes in at third place in the longest navigable rivers in the world – beaten only by the Nile and Amazon. What does this mean? Plenty of good fishing that’s what! Stretching over 2500km, we’ve picked a few cracker spots to drop a line! Don’t forget to book your stay at Choice Hotels.

Here are some of the best places to go fishing on the Murray River:

Heywards Bridge near Albury/Wodonga is a prime spot for fresh water fishing and the go-to place for catching the biggest river dwelling trout in the area. Cast in from a whole host of secluded tree-lined spots and give yourself a chance to hook a Yellowbelly or the famous Murray cod! Need a complete guide to the region? Look no further! Stay at one of our hotels in the region.

If you’re after Murray cod, your best bet is to visit the Swan Hill region. Spend the whole day surrounded by serenity while you wait for these bad boys to bite! The banks of Pental Island provide an ideal location to wet your line, or if you’re really keen, Stoney Crossing is just a short drive away. The largest Murray cod ever caught was 1.8m and weighing 113 kg. Do you reckon you can beat that?

After golden, silver or redfin perch? Get yourself down to Mildura ASAP! Even if you don’t get a nibble from these fellas, there’s plenty of carp that’ll give you a run for your money. Make sure you time your fishing trips during the Autumn/Winter months, from April to late August – yep, you’ve still got time! Why not stick around and try some of these Mildura Winter activities.

Remember…

Before you head off on your fishing adventure, make sure you’ve some of these covered:

• Appropriate clothing: rain jackets and layers for the colder weather, and sunscreen and hats for the sunnier days
• First aid kit in case of nasty cuts from the fishing line or hook
• Check local restrictions for recreational fishing in the Murray River as licences may be required

While it first opened back in the 1950s, the magnificent National Aquarium of New Zealand underwent an $8 million redevelopment in 2002. This included the installation of a 1.5-million-litre Oceanarium that is home to a variety of marine species including sharks, stingrays and reef fish. You can explore the Oceanarium from inside an underwater viewing tunnel and see all the fish swimming and feeding above you. Other highlights include the penguin cove and the chance to see native icons such as the kiwi and tuatara. The aquarium is open daily (except Christmas day) and is an affordable activity for the whole family.

7. Explore the Ōtātara Pā Historic Reserve

This historic pā (Māori settlement) is one of the most complex in Aotearoa New Zealand and includes an upper pā (Hikurangi) and lower pā (Ōtātara). Now managed by the Department of Conservation, it has been given official status by the Historic Places Trust (which designates places of ‘outstanding historical or cultural significance or value’). The reserve walk takes about 45 minutes and includes various archaeological features and coastline views. It’s worth booking a small group half or full-day tour with Napier Māori Tours. Their knowledgeable guides share Māori legends and history, and you’ll try delicious seafood and traditional dishes. Tours include hands-on food gathering and tree planting to allow you to connect to the land in a deeper way.

A thirty-minute drive from Napier will bring you to magnificent Te Mata Park, which is rich in geological and human history. The summit, known as Te Mata Peak, attracts visitors with the promise of incredible 360-degree views. You can drive up to the summit or take one of the many trails that lead there. Popular with walkers and mountain bikers, the trails cover a diverse range of terrains and environments. If the weather is right, you might see a paraglider or two launching from the summit. It’s a hotspot for airborne thrill-seekers!

Need a place to stay?

Enjoy Art Deco-era accommodation by the beach at Comfort Inn Westshore Beach, which has two award-winning on-site restaurants. Quality Inn Napier is located in the heart of the city, within easy reach of popular sights and attractions, restaurants, cafes and bars. Galleries and boutique stores will keep the keen shopper or art lover busy for hours.

About the writer

Hailing from Aotearoa New Zealand, Karllie Clifton is an avid midlife traveller and blogger who loves an adventure. In the past few years alone, Karllie has visited over twenty countries and ticked off over more than 50 cities across three continents. She loves the great outdoors – especially hiking and anything to do with the ocean.