Kahawai (Arripis Trutta)

Best Spots to Target Them

Kahawai can be found in most coastal waters, harbors, and estuaries around New Zealand. They are more commonly found north of Kaikoura, but river mouths in the South Island also offer good opportunities.

• River Mouths: Especially in the South Island, where they are attracted to congregating shoals of whitebait and smelt.
• Coastal Waters: Look for them near rocky headlands and reefs.
• Bird Activity: Diving birds often indicate schools of kahawai feeding near the surface.

When to Look for Them

Kahawai are prevalent year-round, but their numbers peak in spring and autumn when they chase whitebait, pilchards, and anchovies. They are generally more active during the early morning and evening.

Finding Them in the Current 

Kahawai are strong swimmers and often face into the current. When diving, swim into the current to increase your chances of encountering them. They are usually found in schools, so spotting one often means there are more nearby.

Size and Legal Limits

Kahawai typically grow to 1–2kg in their first few years, maturing at around 3–5 years old when they’re 40–45cm long. Larger specimens can reach up to 60cm and over 2kg. Known for their powerful, schooling movement and ability to shift colour from dark blue to silver when excited or stressed, they’re an exciting target for spearfishers.

In New Zealand, there’s no minimum legal size for kahawai, but they fall under the combined daily bag limit of 20 finfish per person in most regions. In parts of the upper South Island and Otago, this limit drops to 10.

For more detailed regulations, visit the  Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) website .

Kahawai are fast movers and usually face into the current, so swim against it for your best chance of spotting them early. Stay high in the water column, drift slowly down, and use rocks or kelp for cover. A stealthy approach is key — coming in from behind helps you get close without being noticed.

A 75–90cm speargun is ideal for the close-range shots around rocky reefs and points where Kahawai often school.

Scientific Name : Arripis trutta

Average Weight : 1-2kg, but can grow larger

Habitat : Coastal waters, harbors, estuaries, and river mouths

Diet : Small fish, crustaceans, and plankton

Fun Fact: Kahawai are known for their unique ability to change colour. When they are excited or stressed, their bodies can display a range of colours from dark blue to silver, making them quite a sight to behold.

**Be sure to check out the MPI site to see the legal take size for your area.

Kahawai is prized for its firm, oily flesh. Here's a delicious Kiwi ikamata recipe to try:

Kahawai Ika Mata 
Ingredients:

• Fresh kahawai fillets
• 4 lemons, juiced
• 1/2 cup coconut cream
• 1/2 cup red capsicum, diced
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)

Method:

1. Wash and dice the kahawai fillets into bite-sized pieces.
2. Add the lemon juice to the bowl of kahawai, cover, and let it chill in the fridge for 30-45 minutes.
3. Dice the cucumber, capsicum, and onions. Cover and let them chill in the fridge until the kahawai has finished marinating.
4. In a new bowl, add the marinated kahawai and lemon juice along with the coconut cream and mix.
5. Add all the diced cucumber, capsicum, and onions to the bowl and mix well.
6. Add salt to taste.