Spearfishing Equipment Checklist NZ for Safer Days

October 28 2026, by Admin, 7 min reading time

A practical spearfishing equipment checklist NZ divers can rely on, covering wetsuits, fins, guns, floats, fish storage and shore-day essentials too.

A good spearfishing day can turn inconvenient quickly when a small item is left in the boot. A mask that leaks, a float line with a damaged clip or an uninsulated wetsuit can cut a session short before you have reached the ground you came for. This spearfishing equipment checklist NZ divers can use is built for practical coastal days, whether you are walking in from shore, launching a boat or packing for a weekend away.

The right setup depends on where you hunt, the water temperature, visibility, current and the species you are targeting. There is no value in buying the biggest gun or the thickest suit if it makes your usual conditions harder to manage. Start with dependable core gear, check its condition before every trip, then add specialised equipment as your diving develops.

Spearfishing Equipment Checklist NZ Divers Need First

Mask, snorkel and fins

Your mask is the item that needs to fit your face, not simply look good on the shelf. A low-volume mask is a popular choice because it is easier to clear and gives a useful field of view. Test the seal on a clean, dry face before heading out. Carry anti-fog and rinse the lens after use, particularly if you are moving between salt water and a chilly freshwater wash-down.

A simple, purpose-made snorkel is generally the sensible option. Complicated valves add parts that can fail or catch on kelp. Choose a comfortable silicone mouthpiece and secure it properly to the mask strap.

Long-blade freediving fins make a substantial difference over short recreational fins. They provide efficient propulsion for surface swimming and descents, but length can be awkward around rocks and in shallow wash. Soft or medium blades suit many recreational spearfishers, while stiffer blades can reward strong, efficient kicking but may fatigue some divers. Proper foot pockets and neoprene socks matter as much as the blade itself - sore feet are not a badge of honour.

Wetsuit, weight belt and gloves

New Zealand water can feel cold even on a bright summer day, and wind chill after a long surface swim is real. A two-piece open-cell wetsuit is a common spearfishing choice because it is warm, flexible and does not restrict movement like a bulky general-purpose suit. Suit thickness is condition-dependent. Many divers favour 5 mm for cooler water, while a lighter option may suit warm northern conditions. Fit comes first: gaps at the lower back, neck or wrists let water circulate and reduce warmth.

Use a rubber weight belt with a quick-release buckle, rather than a fixed nylon belt. Neoprene compresses as depth increases, and a stretchy belt stays more secure while still allowing a fast release if required. Weighting should be conservative and matched to your suit, body composition and the water you are diving in. Do not copy another diver's weight setup.

Gloves protect hands from sharp reef, kina-covered rocks, crayfish feelers and fish handling. Add booties if you are entering over uneven reef or wearing fins with an open heel. A hood or beanie can also make a surprising difference in colder months.

Speargun, bands and spare parts

Select a speargun for the water you actually hunt. A shorter railgun is manoeuvrable in reef holes, kelp and reduced visibility. A longer gun offers reach and accuracy in clearer blue water, but is less convenient when fish are close and terrain is tight. For many shore-based New Zealand sessions, a versatile mid-length gun is a practical starting point.

Inspect the trigger mechanism, spear shaft, wishbones, bands and shooting line before leaving home. Bands perish with sun exposure and age, while a bent shaft compromises accuracy. Keep a basic spare-parts kit in your gear bag with a replacement wishbone or band, line, clips, small tools and a sharpener suited to your knife. A well-maintained modest gun is a better purchase than a high-spec option that is rarely checked.

A loading pad built into the wetsuit chest helps protect both you and the suit. When transporting your gun, cover or secure the spear point and keep it separate from loose gear.

Float, Flag and Line Setup

A highly visible float and flag are core safety equipment, not optional extras. They help boat traffic see where you are operating and give you somewhere to rest, manage a catch and carry small essentials. Choose a bright float that suits the conditions. A compact torpedo float can be useful for coastal shore dives, while a larger float offers greater visibility and carrying capacity offshore.

Your float line needs to be long enough for the depth and terrain you expect, with enough margin to prevent unnecessary tension. It should be abrasion-resistant, easy to see and fitted with reliable clips and swivels. Check every connection for corrosion, cracks and stiffness. Avoid creating excess loose line around rocks, weed or your feet.

A float line is also a sensible place to attach a small dive flag and a catch bag or stringer. Keep fish away from your body and avoid loading the float with so much gear that it becomes difficult to manage in chop. If your usual ground has strong current or boat traffic, prioritise a larger, more visible setup over minimalism.

Safety Gear That Earns Its Place

Some gear stays in the bag until the day you need it. That is exactly the point. Your standard kit should include:

A sharp, corrosion-resistant knife mounted where either hand can reach it.
A whistle or compact surface signalling device attached to your float or harness.
A fully charged waterproof mobile or marine communication device secured in a dry case on the float.
A compact first-aid kit kept in the vehicle or boat, with supplies suited to cuts, stings and minor punctures.
Fresh drinking water, sunscreen and warm, dry layers for the trip back to shore.

Tell someone where you are going, who is in your group and when you expect to return. Check weather, swell, tide and local access before loading the car. The best gear in the world does not make a poor sea state sensible.

A buddy is another part of the setup. Stay aware of each other's location, keep surface communication clear and make decisions that suit the less comfortable person in the pair. Conditions can change fast around headlands, exposed reefs and harbour entrances.

Catch Care and Shore-Day Essentials

If you are fortunate enough to bring fish home, look after it properly. A float-mounted catch bag or stringer keeps your hands free and reduces clutter. Some divers prefer a separate insulated fish bag left on the boat or at the vehicle, especially on long summer days. Bring ice packs or ice and a clean container so your catch can be chilled promptly after the session.

A sturdy towel, changing mat, water for rinsing gear and a mesh bag for wet equipment make the return trip less messy. Mesh bags allow gear to drain, but do not leave wetsuits, fins or rubber bands baking in direct sun. Rinse equipment in fresh water, dry it out of harsh sunlight and inspect it before storing it. Small maintenance jobs after each trip are cheaper than replacing neglected equipment later.

For online shoppers, NZ Diver makes it easier to compare specialist underwater gear in one place, with free standard domestic shipping on eligible non-bulky orders over $150. Focus on fit, intended use and durability rather than building a kit around a single price point.

Before your next trip, lay every item out on the floor in the order you use it: suit, weights, mask, fins, gun, float, line and shore gear. That five-minute habit is often what separates a relaxed morning on the water from turning around at the car park.