There’s a new kind of weekend mission taking off — one that involves a car, a bike, and a rod. You drive somewhere scenic, park somewhere vaguely accessible, then pedal into the bush or along the coast until the noise fades and the water looks promising.
It’s called bike fishing, and it’s how you can justify buying both a new reel and a few bike accessories you definitely needed anyway.
Drive, Park, Pedal, Fish
Let’s be honest — no one’s biking from Wellington to Taupō with a tackle box. Most of us drive to a good spot, ditch the car, and ride the last few km's in. It’s enough to feel adventurous without needing a physio appointment afterwards.
Bike fishing sits nicely between a weekend ride and a quick fishing trip. You can reach the spots your car won’t, stretch your legs, and carry just enough gear to call it an adventure.
Why It’s Catching On
Bike fishing is light, cheap, and feels like adventure done right — no outboard, no ramp politics, and definitely no helicopter budget required.
It suits the Kiwi “see what happens” approach: chase the weather, follow the water, and if you end up in a paddock, at least you packed snacks.
And the bonus? You’ll find new spots others drive straight past. Ride a gravel road that turns into a walking track, drop down to a river mouth, or spin through a forest block until you hit a stream. Suddenly, the map opens up.
Fun fact: New Zealand has over 23,000 km of cycle trails and tracks — many within casting distance of a river or lake. That’s a lot of unexplored fish country.
Gear Up — The Essentials
If you’re going to pedal into paradise, pack smart. Here’s what makes life easier when you’re juggling spokes and spinners.
1. Bags That Don’t Bite
A decent bikepacker bag or waterproof pannier keeps things tidy and stops your rod from jousting bushes. Frame bags are ideal for small tackle boxes and snacks, while saddle bags swallow clothing and camp gear.
2. Ultralight Rods and Reels
Travel rods and compact reels are the go-to for ultralight fishing gear for cyclists NZ. They’ll handle a trout or kahawai without taking up your whole frame triangle.
3. Smart Tyres and Tools
Gravel trails love a puncture. Set up tubeless with a tubeless Presta valve, and keep a rechargeable electric bike pump on hand. It’s faster than a hand pump and doubles as camp inflation if you’re staying the night.
4. Safety First (and Second)
Evening light fades quick when you’re distracted by rising fish. A rechargeable headlamp or handlebar light keeps you upright, and a reflective vest keeps you from blending into the scrub.
Packing Like a Pro
Packing for bike fishing is half logic, half optimism. Balance the load, keep it waterproof, and don’t trust ziplock bags for anything valuable.
Rod: telescopic, sleeved, strapped inside your frame triangle.
Reel: in a drybag with lures, line, and the one hook you’ll lose first.
Tackle: mini organiser or fabric roll — less noise, fewer tangles.
Food: double what you think. Riding and fishing both count as cardio.
Clothing: layers. Always.
Extras: pliers, cutter, multi-tool, spare folding bike inner tube NZ.
Where to Try It
Canterbury Foothills
Good mix of gravel, tussock, and trout. Ride in from the main roads and explore smaller creeks — perfect for quick missions that still feel off-grid.
Waikato River Trails
Smooth, scenic, and full of access points. Ideal if you’re testing your setup for the first time (and prefer the odds of catching lunch).
Marlborough Sounds
Rolling hills, sea air, and a few choice bays for casting. Bring waterproof gear — the views are stunning, the rain inevitable.
Lake Ōhau Loop
Flat enough to enjoy, remote enough to brag about. Pack ultralight camping gear bike touring NZ if you’re staying overnight — and insect repellent unless you fancy donating blood to sandflies.
From the Trail
If you’ve ever tried riding with a fishing rod, you’ll know it’s more art than science — and usually ends with creative language. Most bike fishers learn early: secure everything twice and keep cable ties handy.
Fun fact: DOC reckons about one in five Kiwi anglers combine fishing with something else — biking, hiking, kayaking. Basically, multitasking for gear addicts.
Why Go Ultralight
It’s not about being spartan — it’s about keeping things simple. Less gear means less stress, and fewer chances of leaving your reel in the boot.
Your must-haves:
Compact bike touring gear lightweight NZ essentials.
A small cooking kit — even noodles taste like victory after a long ride.
Waterproof pouches for phone and wallet.
Sunscreen. Always.
Patience.
Trail to Tide: The Payoff
Bike fishing isn’t about records or reels — it’s about the quiet hum of tyres on gravel and the sound of water just around the bend.
Some days you’ll bring home dinner. Other days, just stories. Both count.
So load up the panniers, strap down your rod, and roll out. From ultralight bike touring gear to camping essentials, HOOK LINE SINKER has what you need for the ride, the cast, and everything in between.
At HOOK LINE SINKER, we’ve loaded our ACCESSORIES, BAGS, RODS, and TOOLS collections with stuff that is smart, tough, and light enough to keep you pedalling and casting all weekend.
Pedal, cast, and kick back. 🚴♂️🎣
