Blue Cod
Blue cod is the South Island's most-loved table fish — endemic to New Zealand, found nowhere else on earth. Recreational anglers target it from boats over rocky reef and rough ground, mainly south of Cook Strait.
The eating quality drives the pursuit: sweet, delicate white fillets that have made it a fixture on fish-and-chip shop menus from Marlborough to Southland.
Scientific Name: Parapercis colias
Also known as Rāwaru, pākirikiri, patutuki, Boston blue cod, New Zealand cod, sand perch
- Blue-green to blue-black on the back, fading to white on the belly; large fish are a clean greenish-blue, smaller ones are blotchy brown — often mistaken for a different species.
- Rounded, prominent head with a plump body; large eyes that rotate independently, giving nearly 360-degree vision.
- No swim bladder, so the body is flattened on the underside — a reliable ID feature that also explains why they hug the bottom.
- Common fish run 30–40 cm; a big one reaches 60 cm and can push 3–4 kg, though fish over 2 kg are worth noting.
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Endemic to New Zealand — found nowhere else. Present from the Three Kings Islands in the north to the Snares Islands in the south, and east to the Chatham Islands.
- Far more abundant south of Cook Strait; the Marlborough Sounds, Canterbury, Otago, and Southland coasts hold the strongest recreational fisheries.
- Bottom-dwelling on rocky reef, rough weedy ground, and mixed rock-sand seabed from the shallows down to about 150 m.
Key Locations
- Marlborough Sounds — the most accessible and heavily fished blue cod ground in the country; channels and reef edges hold good numbers year-round.
- Chatham Islands — remote but known for producing large fish over undisturbed reef.
- Otago and Southland coasts — strong populations on the rocky southern reefs, with fish available close to shore.
- Stewart Island / Rakiura — southern waters hold healthy stocks and the area is regarded as some of the best blue cod fishing in New Zealand.
Specific Spots
- Rocky reef edges and foul ground — blue cod are territorial and hold tight to structure, so fish the transitions between reef and sand rather than open bottom.
- Kelp beds and weedy patches provide cover for the small fish and crabs blue cod feed on; work baits right on the bottom through these areas.
- Current-swept channels and reef pinnacles in the Marlborough Sounds concentrate fish; the current brings food to them and they station themselves on the downstream edge of structure.
- Shallower reef (10–40 m) fishes well from a boat at anchor; deeper fish (60–100 m) tend to be larger but require heavier gear to get baits to the bottom cleanly.
Blue Cod FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Blue Cod?
Fresh or salted fish strips (pilchard, kahawai, mackerel) on a ledger rig are the most consistent bait, cut them to a slim strip so they flutter on the bottom. Squid strips and whole mussel flesh both work, particularly when fish are finicky or bait fish aren't available.
When is the best time to fish for Blue Cod?
Year-round fishery, but spring (September–November) can see temporary closures in some managed areas during spawning. Summer and autumn (December–April) are the most popular months for recreational fishing, with settled weather making offshore reef accessible.
How do you catch Blue Cod?
Most blue cod fishing is done from an anchored or drifting boat over rocky reef, dropping baited ledger rigs to the bottom and waiting for the distinctive tap-tap bite. Shore fishing from rocky headlands and jetties can produce smaller fish, particularly in the South Island.
What do Blue Cod eat?
Small fish, pilchards, sprats, mullet, and even other blue cod, make up a large part of the diet; whole fresh or salted fish strips on a ledger rig are the go-to bait for this reason.
Where do Blue Cod live?
Endemic to New Zealand, found nowhere else. Present from the Three Kings Islands in the north to the Snares Islands in the south, and east to the Chatham Islands. Far more abundant south of Cook Strait; the Marlborough Sounds, Canterbury, Otago, and Southland coasts hold the strongest recreational fisheries.
See it in the app
Most maps show you water.
onWater shows you Blue Cod.
- 01 · Species map filter
Map every Blue Cod water
Pick Blue Cod and the map zeroes in on the waters they call home. No more guessing which lake holds them.
- 02 · Waterbody species
Tap any water. See what lives there.
Species, behavior and seasonal patterns for every lake, river and pond, before you leave the driveway.
- 03 · Angler Intelligence
Ask how to catch Blue Cod
Tactics, gear and timing from onWater's AI fishing guide, tuned to the species and the water you're on.
Stop guessing where Blue Cod are.
Open the map, filter by Blue Cod, and head to water that holds them. Download onWater and plan your next trip in minutes.
- Species map filter
- Angler Intelligence
- Fishing journal
Explore other species
Trout, bass, salmon, panfish and everything in between. Each guide unpacks the behavior, seasons, and tactics that put fish in the net.
No species information available.
Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.
onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.