Embark on a journey to explore the diverse and captivating world of trout fly fishing in beautiful Aotearoa New Zealand.
Discover Fly Fishing in New Zealand
Looking for only the best fly fishing experiences?
Join our Orvis Endorsed guides for the adventure of a lifetime.
The world's best kept secret Aotearoa New Zealand
Hidden in the bottom of the south west Pacific Ocean, the beautiful island nation of New Zealand is an outdoor adventurer’s dream.
Known for it’s picturesque locations, as seen in Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, this wonderland needs to be seen to be believed. The indigenous Māori name for the nation is Aotearoa, meaning land of the long white cloud. You’ll find many of our places are named in the indigenous te reo (language), highlighting this awesome language and their cultural ties to the whenua (land).
Nestled in the country’s North Island is Lake Taupō, one of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest lakes. This incredible dormant volcano-turned-crater lake was populated with brown trout in 1887, followed by rainbow trout in 1898. Now, over a century later, the lake and its tributaries are teeming with well conditioned trout.
The township of Taupō is smack dab in the middle of the North Island; It’s less than an hour flight from the North Island’s international airports (AKL and WLG), or a scenic 4-5 hours drive from Auckland and the capital Wellington. The popular town is the base of operations for Chris Jolly Outdoors, with many incredibly fishable streams and rivers a hop, skip and jump from our home.
Fly Fishing in New Zealand Important Information
What you need to know when you Venture to New Zealand for a world-class angling adventure.
- All regions of New Zealand require fishing licenses, which Chris Jolly Outdoors will organise for you.
- There’s restrictions on the size of fish you can take from the rivers. In the Taupō catchment, fish must be a minimum of 35cm (13.7in).
- In New Zealand, we’re proactive about keeping our waterways clean. If you are bringing your own equipment, you should always Check, Clean, Dry your kit to protect the waterways from invasive species. Check – remove debris from your equipment. Clean – wash gear with detergent. Dry – If cleaning’s impractical, dry the item then leave drying for an additional 48 hours.
- Because if this prevention of invasive species, felt soled boots are not allowed in New Zealand.
Incredible trout fly fishing Abundant trophy trout
The tributaries of Lake Taupō are home to introduced brown and rainbow trout which have flourished in Lake Taupō and it’s tributary rivers.
Our lake is full of clean, cold water, with an abundance of food sources for the trout, which leads to a thriving, well conditioned fish population. Most fish will be between 3 lb to 5 lb, but the odd trophy trout has been recorded at over 11 lb!
Salmo trutta Brown Trout
These crafty trout can have a reputation for being difficult to catch, because they are rather wary and hard to deceive. You’ll have to cast with accuracy as they prefer to stay close to cover.
In fresh waters of New Zealand’s North Island, brown trout are the most distributed, able to be caught all-year-round. A fast-growing fish, brown trout reach a catchable size (of over 35cm or 13.7in) in 2-3 years. In our waters, you’ll typically bag fish between 2lb – 9lb.
Brown trout typically have a slender body with narrow head, and colour ranging from silver with a few spots, to a brassy cast, fading to a cream belly.
Oncorhynchus mykiss Rainbow Trout
Distinguished by their vibrant pinkish red lateral line stripe and dark spots, rainbows are considered easier to catch than brown trout. These fish with leap quite often, making for a fun adversary!
Rainbow trout can also be found in fresh waters of New Zealand’s North Island, catchable all year around. You’ll typically bag rainbows between 2lb – 9lb, with fish over 7lb being considered an excellent catch!
Rainbow trout love well-oxygenated, cold rivers and deep lakes, with an ideal temperature range of 50-60°F, though can tolerate warmer temperatures.
Your gateway for New Zealand Fly Fishing
Explore our fly fishing experiences, designed to guide you through exhilarating fly fishing, remote backcountry excursions, and thrilling adventure activities, all set against the stunning backdrop of New Zealand’s natural beauty.
Overnight Backcountry Fly Fishing
Overnight Backcountry Fly Fishing
Heli Transfer and Overnight camping in remote backcountry.
Local River Fly Fishing
Local River Fly Fishing
Fish legendary local rivers near Taupo with expert Orvis-endorsed guides.
HELI FLY FISHING Ngaruroro River
Where Wilderness Meets Tranquility
The Ngaruroro River flows from mountainous terrain, through a variety of incredible landscapes, including forests and vineyards, before meeting the Pacific Ocean. This river offers productive waters teeming with large rainbow and brown trout. Enjoy a true remote and untouched wilderness experience, with the breathtaking scenery of steep gorges and lush native bush offering.
We recommend heli transfers to get to the best secluded and productive fishing holes, and adding on a bush camp experience to make the most of your time in the backcountry.
Ideal Season: Spring to Mid Summer (September – January)
RAFTING FLY FISHING Mohaka River
A World Famous Trout Haven
The Tongariro’s diverse water types, from deep pools to fast riffles, and its year-round accessibility make it a top destination for fly fishers of all skill levels. During the winter months, the river experiences significant runs of rainbow trout as they move upriver to spawn, providing an exciting and productive fishing experience. In the spring and summer, the river’s abundant insect life supports active feeding, while the autumn months see brown trout entering the river to spawn.
We recommend raft fly fishing in the summer months (December-February) with a small group of friends to share this exclusive experience. While we class the Tongariro as a ‘Local River’, don’t let that fool you. The fishing on all parts of the Tongariro River are world-class, making it a must do!
Ideal Season: Late Spring – Summer (November to March)
BACKCOUNTRY FLY FISHING Rangitikei River
The Untamed Angler’s Paradise
The Rangitikei River, situated in the Manawatū-Whanganui district, is accessible by 4×4 and provides a quintessential backcountry fly fishing experience. Known for its stunning scenery and clear waters, this river offers excellent trout fishing in a tranquil and remote setting. The challenging terrain and the promise of solitude make it a favorite among adventurous anglers.
We recommend this river for fit anglers, ready for an adventure off the beaten track.
Ideal Season: Late Summer – Autumn (February to May)
Photographer: James Dignan, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
LOCAL RIVER FLY FISHING Waitahanui River
Pristine and Abundant
The spring-fed Waitahanui is a close to home base, with plenty of access points for a variety of fishing spots, from the river mouth where it meets the lake, through picturesque farmland, to the upper reaches in the native bush.
While classed as a ‘Local River’, the fishing on the Waitahanui is top notch, with deep pools, faster runs, and year-round fishing opportunities.
Ideal Season: Winter (June – August)
Please note: Fly fishing activities selected by guests are to indicate your preference and not confirmed to be part of your adventure until you arrive. The suitability of our fishing locations are effected by weather, season, size of group, experience and fitness levels of participants, so we cannot guarantee specific fishing locations until the day of angling. Any locations mentioned are indicative of some of the possible rivers and waterways available for fishing in the North Island region. Most of these rivers can be fished year round with great results; the ideal seasons are based on previous experiences fishing.
Ready to embark on the adventure of a life time? Experience World-Class Fly Fishing
More questions? FAQs
Have more questions or ready to book your unforgettable fly fishing adventure? Contact us today!
How do I get to New Zealand?
As New Zealand is an island nation, you’ll either need to fly into one of our international airports (Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown and Dunedin), or travel via cruise ship to enjoy a relaxing start to your time with us. These typically disembark in the Auckland port.
How do I get to Taupō?
When flying into New Zealand, you’ll want to fly into either Auckland or Wellington international airports in New Zealand’s North Island. Taupō is in the central North Island, and serviced by domestic flights from both Auckland and Wellington.
Should you choose a rental vehicle, Taupō is a scenic 3.5-4 hour drive south of Auckland on State Highway 1 (just over 160 miles), or a 5-5.5 hour drive from Wellington, travelling north on State Highway 1 (about 240 miles).
What's the local currency?
The currency of New Zealand is New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Credit cards can be used, but many shops, restaurants and operators cannot accept American Express or Diners. Please check with your banking provider for exchange rates and fees.
What is the time zone of New Zealand?
New Zealand is on one time zone, and observes daylight savings. NZDT runs from late September to early April, making the time zone GMT+13. The rest of the year, the time zone is GMT+12.
What language is spoken in NZ?
English is the de facto official language of New Zealand. Many of our place names, signs etc are in bilingual in English with te reo Māori.
What is the electricity connection?
Mains voltage in in New Zealand is 230V 50Hz. The plug type is type 1, with two flat metal pins in a V formation, with some including an additional flat pin in the centre. Your devices will require an adapter.
What's the weather like?
New Zealand’s climate is highly effected by the surrounding ocean and seas, so is generally temperate. The temperate varies throughout the country, with the general rule being it’s warmer up north, and cooler down south.
Conditions in Taupō:
- Summer is idylic between 62°F – 86°F
- Fall is typically between 46°F-59°F
- Winter is crisp, with highs between 42°F – 53°F. Temperatures can drop to 30°F and lower overnight.
- Spring is wet, with temperatures of 50°F – 59°F
