Short answer: Check, Clean, Dry is New Zealand's routine for anyone moving between rivers and lakes: remove weed and mud, clean gear, then let it dry. It stops freshwater pests such as didymo spreading, and Fiordland adds stricter rules for anglers and some rivers. Explera DMC New Zealand briefs every water-based group on it.
Most groups never touch a river. But kayaking, fishing, packrafting and some walking programmes do, and clients who bring their own gear need a short briefing.
Why it matters now
On 6 October 2026, DOC and Southland Fish & Game confirmed didymo, an invasive freshwater alga, in the Kaipo River in northwest Fiordland. They stressed that the vast majority of Fiordland's rivers remain free of it, and asked all waterway users, including packrafters, trampers, hunters and anglers, to do their part.
The three steps
- Check. Before leaving a river or lake, remove any weed or mud, leave it on the bank, and drain all water from gear.
- Clean. Use MPI's cleaning methods, which now differ between the North and South Islands. Absorbent items, such as felt, wetsuits and lifejackets, need an approved treatment.
- Dry. Once gear is dry to the touch, inside and out, leave it for at least 48 hours before using it in another waterway.
What are the Fiordland rules for anglers and paddlers?
Fiordland National Park has its own conditions. Anglers need a sports fishing licence, a Clean Gear Certificate from an approved cleaning station issued within 48 hours before fishing, and a didymo cleaning kit, and felt-soled waders are not permitted. Watercraft are prohibited on the Clinton and Arthur rivers, and kayakers and packrafters need a permit for the Arthur River between Sandfly Point and Lake Ada, so we confirm the exact river with DOC before we quote. See our Te Anau and Fiordland guide.
What this means for your clients
- Operator-supplied gear is simplest. Kayaks and fishing gear from a local operator are managed by that operator, so we recommend them for groups.
- Own gear needs planning. Clients bringing used fishing or water gear into New Zealand must also declare it at the border; see our biosecurity guide.
- Allow time. A group moving between waterways on the same day needs time to clean and dry gear, which we build into the timings.
How Explera DMC New Zealand can help
We brief clients and pick operators within adventure activities, cruises and water experiences and great walks and guided walking. Our Tiaki Promise briefing covers the wider care code.
FAQ
What is Check, Clean, Dry? New Zealand's routine for moving between rivers and lakes: remove weed and mud, clean gear, then let it dry.
How long should gear dry? Leave gear for at least 48 hours after it is dry to the touch, inside and out, before using it in another waterway.
Are there extra rules in Fiordland? Yes. Anglers need a Clean Gear Certificate and a cleaning kit, felt-soled waders are not permitted, and watercraft are banned or permit-controlled on some rivers.
Should groups bring their own gear? We recommend operator-supplied gear. Clients bringing used gear must also declare it at the border.
Sources
- Disappointing Fiordland didymo find, Department of Conservation, 6 October 2026
- Prevent the spread of freshwater pests in Fiordland National Park, Department of Conservation
- Check, Clean, Dry, Ministry for Primary Industries
Talk to the trade desk
Explera DMC New Zealand trade desk — b2b@explera.co.nz, WhatsApp +66 93 656 8090, B2B portal b2b.expleradmc.com.
