Māori Fishing Calendar – Bill Hohepa Guide for New Zealand Anglers

Bill Hohepa, creator of the New Zealand Māori fishing calendar

Our Māori fishing calendar comes to you courtesy of fishing guru Bill Hohepa. There’s no doubt the calendar can be a good indicator of days where feeding times for animals and fish will be more intense, so it’s worth checking before you plan that next trip. To calculate the Bite Times for your favourite fishing spots, click here.

Fishing Calendar for: September 2026

Poor Good Excellent

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

How the Māori Fishing Calendar works

Bill Hohepa built this calendar from historical Māori sources (including Elsdon Best) and long-term fishing diaries. It is a guide only; moon phase is one factor, along with tide, barometric pressure, water temperature and local conditions.

Here's what Bill has to say:

The Bill Hohepa fishing calendar has taken information from a variety of historical sources, including Mr Best’s book, together with actual fishing research taken over the past 30 years on when and how long fish bite in relation to the moon phases. There are many variables that contribute to fish feeding habits including the effect of the moon, barometric pressure, water temperature etc., so the calendar is only a guide.

One thing I have noticed though over the years, in particular, is the influence of the tide. It seems to me that the fishing is better on an incoming tide when the moon is waning, and fishing is better on the outgoing tide when the moon is waxing. If you can see the moon, the best time in my experience is when it is at the 2 o'clock position in the sky.

Good luck - Billy Ho.

What the ratings mean

Excellent — up to 1 hour of good fishing
Good — up to 30 minutes
Poor — up to 15 minutes

Frequently Asked Questions – Māori Fishing Calendar

What do Excellent, Good and Poor mean on the Bill Hohepa Māori fishing calendar?

Excellent means up to 1 hour of good fishing. Good means up to 30 minutes. Poor means up to 15 minutes. The ratings indicate expected intensity of fish feeding based on moon phases and related factors. They are a guide, not a guarantee.

How does Bill Hohepa’s calendar relate to traditional Maramataka phases?

It draws on historical Māori sources (including Elsdon Best) and more than 30 years of observed bite data. Traditional Tangaroa phases after the full moon (Rākaunui) — Tangaroa-ā-mua, Tangaroa-ā-roto and Tangaroa-kiokio — are generally strong fishing periods. Korekore nights are traditionally poorer. The Hohepa Poor / Good / Excellent ratings incorporate these lunar influences together with tide and other variables.

Should I still check tides and the site’s bite-times tool?

Yes. Bill Hohepa notes that fishing is often better on an incoming tide with a waning moon, and on an outgoing tide with a waxing moon, and that the best time is frequently when the moon is at the 2 o’clock position in the sky. Combine this calendar with local tides, weather and the interactive Bite Times tool.

What are the best days to fish on the Māori calendar?

On this page, look for days rated Excellent. In traditional Maramataka, the Tangaroa days after the full moon are widely regarded as among the strongest for many species, including snapper (tāmure) and kingfish (haku). Always weigh that against weather, tide and local conditions.

When is the Māori calendar best for eeling?

Traditional guidance often favours darker nights around Whiro (the new moon) for tuna (eels), especially with rain or rising water. Bright nights around Rākaunui (full moon) are generally poorer for eeling. Treat this as a guide and follow local rules and any rāhui.

Who is Bill Hohepa and how was this calendar made?

Bill Hohepa is a well-known New Zealand recreational fishing writer and educator. His calendar combines historical sources, including Elsdon Best’s work on Māori fishing methods, with decades of diary-based observation of when and how long fish bite in relation to the moon.

Is the Māori fishing calendar a guarantee I will catch fish?

No. Bill Hohepa describes it as a guide only. Moon phase is one factor. Barometric pressure, water temperature, tide, wind and local knowledge also matter. Use the monthly ratings to choose a day, then check weather, tides and Bite Times before you leave.

Live wind and weather map for New Zealand fishing, 22 September 2026

Check current and forecast wind, rain, and coastal conditions on the interactive map below. Zoom to your fishing spot, pan along the coast, and open the detail panel for a local short-range forecast. Wind strength and direction often decide whether a session is comfortable or safe - use this map together with tide and solunar times before you leave the ramp or beach.

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