New Zealand Sole
New Zealand sole is a native flatfish found in shallow coastal and estuarine waters around both islands, with the heaviest concentrations around the South Island.
It's a modest-sized bottom fish — more a table species than a sport target — but it turns up regularly for surfcasters and estuary anglers working sandy and muddy ground, and its delicate white flesh makes it worth keeping.
Scientific Name: Peltorhamphus novaezeelandiae
Also known as Common sole, NZ Sole, horihori, pakeke, pātiki rore, pātiki rori, Raututu, tarore
- Classic flatfish shape: oval body, widest well forward of centre, both eyes on the right side. Green-brown on top, white underneath.
- Dorsal fin runs almost the full length of the body from near the mouth to the tail; scales are noticeably rough to the touch.
- Common fish run 25–35 cm and weigh around 900 g; larger specimens reach 50–55 cm, though anything over 40 cm is a good fish.
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Native to New Zealand — found nowhere else. Most abundant around the South Island, but present in inshore waters around both islands.
- Shallow coastal waters to about 100 m depth, with most fish found between 27–50 m. Juveniles spend their first couple of years in estuaries, mudflats, and sheltered sandflats.
- Favours enclosed, sheltered inshore environments — harbours, estuaries, and sandy or muddy bays rather than exposed surf beaches.
Key Locations
- South Island inshore waters — the species is most abundant here, particularly in sheltered coastal areas of Otago and Southland.
- Estuaries and harbours around both islands, where juveniles concentrate in sheltered sandflat and mudflat habitat.
- West Coast South Island — subject of specific stock research, indicating a recognised fishable population in that region.
Specific Spots
- Flat sandy or muddy bottom in estuaries and sheltered bays — this is where juveniles concentrate and where adults feed on incoming tides.
- Edges of sandflats and mudflats where the bottom transitions to slightly deeper water; fish move onto the shallows to feed as the tide floods.
- Calm harbour channels and tidal gutters that funnel food across the bottom on the tide.
New Zealand Sole FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for New Zealand Sole?
Natural bottom baits are the go-to: ragworm, bloodworm, and small pieces of shellfish or squid presented on the bottom with enough weight to hold position in tidal current.
When is the best time to fish for New Zealand Sole?
Available year-round commercially, and recreational catches follow a similar pattern, no strong closed season for recreational anglers. Sheltered estuary fishing tends to be most productive in the warmer months (spring through autumn, roughly October–April) when fish are more active in shallow water.
How do you catch New Zealand Sole?
Most New Zealand sole are taken by shore-based anglers surfcasting or fishing estuaries with light bottom rigs and natural bait. Working a bait slowly along sandy or muddy ground on the flood tide, in sheltered harbours and estuarine channels, gives the best results.
What do New Zealand Sole eat?
Feeds along the bottom on small invertebrates, worms, small crustaceans, and shellfish. Natural baits like ragworm, bloodworm, or small pieces of shellfish placed on the bottom are the most direct match.
Where do New Zealand Sole live?
Native to New Zealand, found nowhere else. Most abundant around the South Island, but present in inshore waters around both islands. Shallow coastal waters to about 100 m depth, with most fish found between 27–50 m. Juveniles spend their first couple of years in estuaries, mudflats, and sheltered sandflats.
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