It's going to be a long trout-fishing season for anglers at some of the region's world-renowned trout fishing spots with forests opening early for the winter.
Unusually high rainfall has reduced the fire risk in the Kaingaroa, Whirinaki and Rotoehu Forests, allowing Timberlands Forestry to open the forests for hunting and fishing a month earlier than usual.
The forests will be open from this weekend.
Normally, the forests are shut to hunting and fishing through the summer months from October and are re-opened on May 1.
The company has only previously allowed access by vehicle during weekends when the fire risk has been low.
Previously, Fish & Game NZ and commercial anglers have stated that the fishing footprint on the land had been minimal, not requiring the closures.
Many of the commercial angling businesses have been forced to close after being unable to take people in to trout fish during the summer season, as many of the best fishing spots are deep in the forests.
Rotorua MP Todd McClay welcomed the early start to the season.
The forests had recreational appeal to thousands of visitors to Rotorua each year, Mr McClay said.
The Kaingaroa, Whirinaki and Rotoehu forests were extremely important to the local economy in terms of forestry but they also provided jobs and investment through recreational enjoyment, Mr McClay said.
Anglers had been unhappy about the summer closures, he said.
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