Realistic tips, honest fun, and a little bit of ocean magic
Dreaming of gathering your own paua in Kaikoura, but not sure where to start—especially with the kids in tow? You’re not alone.
The Herianian, where we keep things real—family travel in New Zealand that’s fun, meaningful, and budget-friendly. We don’t do luxury resorts or 12-course tasting menus. But we do chase sunsets, hunt shellfish, and find joy in the simple stuff that makes memories.
One thing I’ve come to love about life in New Zealand is the connection to the sea—kai moana, they call it. It’s not just food, it’s culture. And in Kaikoura, that connection is strong. People have been talking to me about paua since we arrived: the iconic black shells, the chewy delicacy, and the adventure of finding them yourself. So, one day, we decided to give it a go.
We packed the car, wrestled kids into wetsuits, and headed north. I had a lot of questions (and nerves): would we find any? Could I get the rules right? This trip wasn’t just about seafood. It was about doing something uniquely Kiwi, showing my kids this beautiful country, and trying to feel a little more like we belong.
Here’s the full story of our first family paua hunt—what worked, what didn’t, and everything you need to know to try it too.
Understanding the Kaikoura Paua Rules (2025 Update)
Let’s start with the serious stuff—because the rules matter. New Zealand is big on sustainability, especially after the 2016 earthquake that uplifted parts of Kaikoura’s seabed by up to 6 meters! That natural event devastated local paua habitats, so following the rules isn’t just about avoiding fines—it’s about protecting this taonga for future generations.
Here’s what we learned before we hit the coast (based on the 2025 rules):
Season:
Paua gathering near Kaikoura is only allowed from May 1 to August 31.
Size Limit (New!):
- Blackfoot paua must be at least 130mm (13cm).
- Yellowfoot paua must be at least 80mm (8cm).
You must have a proper measuring tool.
Daily Limit:
- Usually 3 paua per species per person per day (3 Blackfoot + 3 Yellowfoot).
- Multi-day trips? You can’t carry more than two days’ worth.
How to Gather:
- Hands only. No tanks, no scuba—just snorkeling or free diving.
- Use a flat, blunt tool. No knives or sharp objects!
Know Where You Are:
Some spots are marine reserves (completely off-limits).
Others like Oaro-Haumuri Taiāpure have special rules—double-check the MPI maps.
Dad Tip: Don’t rely just on blogs (even mine). Before you go, check the official MPI Fisheries website or the NZ Fishing Rules app. It only takes five minutes and keeps your trip stress-free. 
MPI Kaikoura Fishing Rules.
What Gear You Actually Need (Family Budget Version)
We wanted to try paua gathering without breaking the bank. Here’s what worked for us:
- Wetsuits (Non-negotiable):
Kaikoura’s water is cold, even in summer. If the kids are cold, the trip ends fast. Try hiring or picking up second-hand ones. - Footwear:
- Best: Wetsuit booties with hard soles.
- Okay: Old sneakers (what we used).
- Nope: Bare feet, jandals, Crocs = ouch.
- Gloves: Neoprene gloves protect from cold and cuts.
- Measuring Tool: A legal must-have. Mark 130mm and 80mm clearly.
- Paua Tool: Optional but handy. A flat plastic scraper works well.
- Bucket or Mesh Bag: For your catch. We used a simple plastic pail.
- (Optional) Snorkel Set: Only helpful if water is clear.
- (Optional) Dry Bag: For your phone, car keys, snacks, and first-aid.
You don’t need fancy brands—just warm, grippy, and legal gear.
Where to Look (Kid-Friendly & Safe Spots)
No one’s sharing their “secret paua spot” online—and fair enough. But here’s what we looked for:
- Rocky shores, especially at low tide.
- Seaweed nearby—a good sign!
- Some wave action is okay, but avoid dangerous surf.
Family Checklist:
- Easy access (no steep cliffs).
- Calm enough for kids to play safely nearby.
- MPI maps confirm it’s a legal gathering zone.
We tried near Nin’s Bin—a bit of a guess, but it worked. Lots of rocks, low tide access, and not too rough.
Our First Try: Wading, Feeling, and Laughing a Lot
The moment of truth! Tide low, gear on, hearts hopeful.
We mostly felt around under rocks, knee-deep in chilly water. The waves stirred up sand, so visibility was poor. When someone felt a smooth, solid oval shape—boom, excitement! We slid the paua tool under gently and—got one! Then came the measuring moment…
Always, always measure. Anything under 130mm went back exactly where we found it. It can take up to 10 years for a paua to reach that size. Letting the little ones go is part of the respect.
With Kids:
Our younger one was more into rockpool exploring than diving. Snacks saved the day, and we set clear “stay nearby” rules. It’s about the fun, not the haul.
What We Took Home: A Modest, Meaningful Catch
In the end? Three legal-sized paua—one was a massive 18cm. And that felt like a win. We weren’t out to fill a freezer. Just to try, to learn, and to do something together.
How We Cooked It (And Who Actually Ate It)
- Raw taste test? Super chewy. Not for everyone.
- Garlic Butter Paua: Sliced thin, flash-fried with lots of garlic and butter. Savoury, salty, and paired with a glass of wine = perfect.
The kids’ verdict? “Can we have marshmallows instead?” 
We ended up sharing our paua with another traveling family—because good food is meant to be shared.
Where to Stay in Kaikoura (Kid-Approved!)
If you’re planning to give paua hunting a go, you’ll need a good base. We highly recommend the Kaikoura TOP 10 Holiday Park, which we featured in our list of Top Family-Friendly Campsites in NZ. It’s:
- Close to the beach
- Has a pool, jumping pillow, and space to dry your wetsuits
- Perfect for families and budget-conscious travellers
Pro tip: Book early during paua season. It fills up fast with fellow gatherers and families!
More Things to Do in Kaikoura (Besides Paua!)
Kaikoura is bursting with marine life and kid-friendly fun. If you’re already here, make it count:
- Thinking about a fishing trip? Check out our honest review of whether a Kaikoura fishing charter is worth the money.
- Visit the Kaikoura Seal Colony — easily the best free wildlife experience in the region. The kids will love it (and no wetsuits required).
Final Thoughts: Was It Worth It?
Absolutely. We may not have filled our bags, but we filled our memory bank.
It felt very NZ. We did it as a team. It was cheap, real fun. We learned a lot. We’d totally do it again.
Just get the right gear, check the MPI site, and go with the flow. The best part? It’s something you do, not just see.
Quick Paua FAQs (Just in Case)
Q: When is the season?
A: May 1 – August 31, every year.
Q: Legal size?
A: 130mm for Blackfoot, 80mm for Yellowfoot. No exceptions.
Q: Daily limit?
A: 3 per species, per person, per day (unless rules differ by area).
Q: Must-have gear?
A: Wetsuit, solid shoes, measuring tool. Gloves recommended.
Q: Can kids join?
A: Yes, with close supervision and realistic expectations.
Q: Where to check rules?
A: MPI Website or NZ Fishing Rules App
If you’re raising your family here in Aotearoa and want to try something different this winter, go paua hunting in Kaikoura. It’s wild, wonderful, and just the right mix of challenge and fun.
Let me know if you’ve tried it too—or if you have tips for next time!