Fisheries Infosite

Spiny red rock lobster Wellington/Hawkes Bay (CRA4)
Maori name
Scientific name
Jasus edwardsii

Physical characteristics

There are two species of rock lobster in New Zealand, the Red Rock Lobster and the Packhorse Rock Lobster. The Packhorse Lobster is larger than the Red Rock Lobster.

Life cycle

Both species of rock lobster are slow growing and long lived. Red Rock Lobster females reach maturity at 60-120 mm carapace length. Spawning occurs after moulting in autumn.

Habitat

Red Rock Lobster are found all around New Zealand. Packhorse Lobster are found around the northern North Island.

 
Key statistics
Recreational significance High
Customary significance High
Reported commercial catch1 (tonnes)
Quota value estimate2 (NZ$m)
Exports estimate2 (NZ$m)
1 Reported commercial catch is calculated for the 12 month period to 30/09/2025
2 Quota value and exports are calculated pro-rata to reported commercial catch for the 12 month period to 30/09/2025