Average Temp 18C January to December     Water River Tongariro     Type of Fishing River and Lake Fly Fishing     Main Species Trout     Prices from: £2539.00 per person

The Mighty Tongariro river and Lake Taupo offer some of the worlds most prolific river and lake fly fishing, your guides Graeme and Ross specialise in sight fishing their crystal clear waters for big wild rainbow and brown trout against the scenic backdrop of this fantastic wilderness country.

This area is well recoginised as being one of the best dry flyfishing venues on the planet. The Taupo area can offer not only lake and river fishing but is a great base for helicopter fly out fishing excursions onto the surrounding wilderness lakes, sight casting to Browns and Raibows cruising the shallows.

With a self-sustaining population of Rainbow and Brown trout, the Taupo District in New Zealand's Central North Island has cemented its name as one of the world's premier year-round wild trout fisheries. Within the boundaries of the district are 5 lakes, 13 streams and rivers (including the world famous Tongariro River), four canals and more than 32 river mouths open to angling. Within two hour's drive (or a short 20-30 minute hop by helicopter), the options are virtually limitless, with rivers like the Rangitaiki, Mohaka, Waipunga, Ngaruroro, Rangitikei, Whanganui and Whakapapa providing pristine wilderness fishing opportunities.

The food supply is so plentiful that the trout grow to sizes seldom encountered elsewhere, and in numbers so plentiful that the fishery is totally self-sustaining. The last time it was stocked was in 1898! This means that all the rivers and streams flowing into the lake are well stocked each year by the spawning runs, making for excellent fishing. The lake's main food sources are koura (a fresh water crayfish), green bullies and smelt.

Just 1 hr by plane and 4hrs by car from Auckland,our two lodges are set in some of the most beautiful country on North Island right alongside Lake Taupo. These are homes from home, they are both family run, combining a friendly atmosphere, comfortable luxury accomodation and superb home cooking.

The first Lodge has three rooms, each with ensuite bathroom, tea and coffee making facilities. One queen bed room, one twin and one with double bed and a single bed.
The second lodge offers three bedrooms all fully furnished. One queen bed room, two twins rooms, private lounge and bathroom etc.

Both Christine and Phyl are excellent cooks,serving high quality food using fresh vegetables from their own gardens. All breakfasts are continental. Pre dinner snacks and drinks followed by a superb three course dinner with quality New Zealand wine included.

Things for partners to do:
Plenty of scenic drives and walks for all ages and fitness, golf, skiing ( 3/4 hour away) , thermal pools, and shopping . Both lodges have quiet peaceful garden .

Fishing Information and Calendar

Unlike many other trout fishing areas, we have quality fly fishing

ALL YEAR ROUND!!!

Summer
The warmest months are January through March; however the weather in November and December can be just as warm, and the fishing in those two months is usually red hot ! Expect temperatures between 18-30 o Celsius (65-90 Fahrenheit)

October-Spring
The summer fishing season opens on October 1st and rivers and streams outside the Taupo area and in the mountains provide good spring fishing on nymphs. The trout in the mountain streams are hungry after a long winter. The Taupo rivers still offer excellent fishing for the late runs of spawning rainbows.

November / December - Early Summer
Probably one of the best times to fly fish in the mountains, the weather is becoming settled and exciting sport can be had on the dry fly, with good mayfly hatches. The trout are hungry and less wary than after Christmas.

In late December there is usually great sport casting for feeding rainbows chasing smelt in the shallows around the lake edges and there are still small fresh runs of rainbows into the Taupo rivers. Excellent time for helicopter fly outs.

January/February - Summer
The most popular months for visiting anglers. Settled , hot weather usually with little wind. January and February can sometimes be a challenge for the visiting anglers as rivers are usually low and clear, and careful stalking and presentation with small dry flies and nymphs is necessary. However, January and February are two of the best months for wilderness fishing when the cicada, mayfly and caddis hatches occur. This is also an excellent time for helicopter fly-outs and casting for cruising browns and rainbows in the lake edges.

March/April -Late Summer
The weather is sometimes a little cooler but is usually still warm and settled. Little wind and still plenty of surface action in the mountains where a dry fly/nymph combination is often used. The fish are in good condition and can be very selective at times. If we get heavy rain in mid to late April we can expect the first runs of spawning rainbows and especially browns into the Lake Taupo rivers. Excellent raft fishing opportunities on upper Tongariro.

May - Fall Autumn
The summer fishing season is now closed and the wilderness rivers deserted for another six months. Exciting fishing in the Lake Taupo tributaries in such famous rivers as the Tongoriro, Tauranga Taupo, Waitahanui and Waimarino with streamers and weighted nymphs for spawning browns and rainbows. Good night fishing at the river mouths with big browns and rainbows being caught, especially on really dark nights!

Winter
You can expect winter temperatures ranging between 3-12 o Celsius (38-54 Fahrenheit). More rain but often frosts with beautiful clear, crisp days. Snow on the mountains making neoprene waders essential. An added attraction is some great skiing on the Central Plateau.

June/September-Winter
Our attention now turns to the Lake Taupo tributaries. Spawning runs of large browns usually begin in earnest in early May, followed by large runs of rainbows through until the end of November.Often the fishing is best after a "fresh", that is when the rivers are clearing after rain.

The usual fishing method is upstream nymphing, using indicators and weighted nymphs. Wet lining or downstream fishing, with sinking lines and streamers also produces good results. Good night fishing at river mouths using streamers continues.

The winter spawning runs in the Lake Taupo area are often compared to North American Steelhead fishing.

Although we can offer any kind of fishing package for any duration here is an idea of the likely costs.