Last updated October 2026
The Pareora River rises in the Hunters Hills and reaches the sea at Pareora, south of Timaru. It is a small, cobble-bottomed river, and Fish & Game Central South Island notes it mainly for sea-run brown trout early in the season, when the spring thaw lifts the flow.
By December it usually runs low. The easiest way in is from Pareora River Road, which follows the south side, and from the Pareora River walkway at Evans Crossing.
At a Glance
- Location
- South of Timaru; Pareora River Road follows the south bank; walkway at Evans Crossing
- Type
- Small cobble-bottomed river, about 56 km long, with a gorge and a small dam upstream of the walkway start
- Water
- Freshwater (Fish & Game Central South Island)
- Main species
- Brown trout, mainly sea-run fish early in the season
- Best time
- Early season, while spring flows are up; low flows from December
- Season
- 1 October to 30 April; fly, spinner and bait
- Licence
- Fish & Game licence required
- Getting there
- SH1 south from Timaru, then Pareora River Road and Evans Crossing Road
- Flow gauge
- ECan Pareora River at Huts
- Toilets
- None at the walkway
No tides: the fishing follows the flow, best while spring flows are up and thin once the river drops in summer.
Getting to Know Pareora River
The Pareora is about 56 km long. Several small streams in the Hunters Hills feed it, and it flows north before turning south-east to the coast. At the mouth, at the southern end of Pareora, a gravel bank holds the river back in a lagoon, a type of mouth called a hapua.
Fish & Game’s regional page names the Pareora for one thing: sea-run brown trout early in the season, when flows are raised by the spring thaw.
From December the river runs low, and the low flows are made worse by water taken for public supply and irrigation. In a dry summer it goes dry in its usual places, such as at SH1.
Upstream, along the walkway, limestone rocks line both banks, there are fossil beds in the riverbanks and bush with bellbirds (korimako), and the track leads to a small dam. The river is also used for picnics and swimming, away from the dam.
How to Fish the Pareora River
Where and when
Go early. The best of the Pareora is in the first part of the season, from October, while the spring flows are still up and sea-run browns are in the river.
Once the river drops in December, much of the water gets thin. The south bank, reached from Pareora River Road, has the best access, and the 4 km walkway from Evans Crossing follows the river upstream toward the dam.
What to catch and what to use
- Brown trout: fly, spinner and bait are all allowed on the Pareora and its tributaries. Ask at a local tackle shop which flies and lures are working, and keep your gear light on a river this size.
- Flows: check ECan’s Pareora River at Huts gauge before you go. Rain on the coastal side of the Hunters Hills can leave the river high and discoloured.
Getting There and Facilities
- Driving: head south on SH1 from Timaru for about 13 km and turn right onto Pareora River Road. Follow it for about 12 km, turn left to stay on Pareora River Road for about 5 km more, then turn right onto Evans Crossing Road.
- The walkway: it starts on the northern (true left) side of the river at Evans Crossing, at a sign with a stile. The track is 4 km, about 90 minutes, graded medium, and reaches the dam in about 40 minutes. The surface is uneven, with tree roots, and it can be muddy in winter. Timaru District Council recommends a 4WD.
- Dogs: allowed on a lead on the walkway. No cycling.
- Toilets: there are none at the walkway, so plan ahead.
Rules and Safety
- The Pareora follows the Fish & Game Central South Island regulations: season 1 October to 30 April, with fly, spinner and bait allowed. You need a Fish & Game licence.
- Do not try to cross the ford at Evans Crossing when the river is flooded or running fast. River conditions can change quickly at some times of year.
- Swimming is unsafe directly above and below the dam.
- Check, clean and dry your waders and gear before moving to another river.
Tackle and Bait Nearby
- Davo’s Fishing Hunting & Sport, 186 Hilton Highway, Washdyke, Timaru: rods, reels, lures, flies and line.
Fishing licences can be bought online from Fish & Game.
Official Sources
Fish & Game: Central South Island popular river fisheries: the Pareora’s sea-run trout and access.
Timaru District Council: Pareora River walk: the walkway, the dam and river safety.
ECan: Pareora River at Huts: the current river flow.
Common Questions
What fish are in the Pareora River?
Brown trout. Fish & Game notes the river mainly for sea-run brown trout early in the season.
When is the best time to fish the Pareora?
Early in the season, from October, while spring flows are up. From December the river usually runs low.
Do I need a licence to fish the Pareora?
Yes. You need a Fish & Game licence, and the Central South Island regulations apply.
Can I use bait on the Pareora?
Yes. Fly, spinner and bait are all allowed on the Pareora and its tributaries.
How do I get to the Pareora River walkway?
Take SH1 south from Timaru, turn onto Pareora River Road and follow it to Evans Crossing Road. The walkway starts on the north side of the river at a sign and stile.
Can I take my dog?
Yes, on a lead on the walkway.
Is it OK to swim near the Pareora dam?
No. Timaru District Council says swimming is unsafe directly above and below the dam.
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