NEW ZEALAND'S NORTH ISLAND

The Central North Island region has everything that the trout fisherman could wish for, from crystal clear, fast flowing high country streams, small lakes, to big Lake Taupo, and its many tributary streams. There are huge populations of very large brown and rainbow trout in this area.

A

nglers Retreat is a 15 acre property situated on the western side of Lake Taupo at Waihaha. Set amongst 1000's of acres of farmland and native forest with some of New Zealand's most stunning scenery as a backdrop. With Lake Taupo and the Kaimanawa mountain range to the east, the snow capped mountains of Tongariro National Park to the south and Pureora Forest Park to the west. Ideally located for fishing the many rivers, streams and lakes of the region, along with hunting, bush walks, sight seeing and numerous golf courses.

The Lodge accommodates up to 8 anglers at a time, with a friendly and professional style that will have you relaxed and settled like one of the family in no time. Rooms are very comfortable with either king-size or single beds, with own ensuite facilities or private bath. Meals are included at Anglers Retreat and Edith's cooking is first class. Meals include a hearty breakfast, a first class stream side lunch basket, cocktails before dinner, and dinner. Meals are served either in the dinning room or alfresco on the extensive decks.

Anglers Retreat will fully customise services to suit your requirements and budget. You can include the complete guided fishing, accommodation, and meals package, practically any mixture of the above, for most any length of time. We can also help to arrange other activities to enjoy during your stay.

You must be prepared him well for catching big New Zealand trout. Many of our fly fishermen have taken the largest trout of their life while fishing with Ron and his guides. An unbelievable number of these big browns and rainbows reach an incredible 12 to 15 pounds in body weight. Anglers Retreat's expert team of guides ensure that you get the very best from the area.

During the pleasant summer months, November though April, the lodge fishes back country streams with dry fly and nymphs for brown and rainbow trout in the 2 - 6 pound range, sometimes larger. These locations offer the opportunity to sight fish for large trout. Anglers are transported in the lodge's air-conditioned 4X4 Nissan Safari capable of mounting unmarked back roads and bush, or by helicopter to the more remote locations. Also there are several outstanding still water lakes with huge trout, many in excess of 10 pounds.

The most exciting fishing is during the cicada hatch when anglers experience double figure fish smashing dry flies, an experience never to be forgotten. In these little lakes, 7 to 10 pound browns are fished by stalking and spotting around the margins of the lakes while the big rainbows are fished from boats in slightly deeper water near the weed beds. The scenery is marvelous and the diversity of summer fishing from Anglers Retreat is unparalleled. Helicopter and rafting trips are available.

At Anglers Retreat, during the cool winter season, May though October, the massive main spawning runs out of Lake Taupo take place. These are primarily migrating fish traveling upstream to spawn. Prime time is June, July, August September. At this time of year the main tributaries to Lake Taupo are fished. This is really hot action with average takes of 10 to 20, four to ten pound trout per day. The preferred method is upstream nymphing. These wild, migrating trout are in superb condition that make the reel scream! All tackle is available at Anglers Retreat. The only thing visiting Anglers need to bring with them is a good sense of humour!

L

ake Taupo is a truly incredible remarkable rainbow trout fishery. (The original Taupo rainbow stocks came from Northern California steelhead stocks from the Russian River and Sonoma Creek just minutes from Fishing International's headquarters.) The lake can yield an unbelievable 400,000 big trout throughout the year making this fishery truly one of the most remarkable in the world. Taupo rainbows average 5 pounds. Brown trout are also available.

The remote Western Bays of Lake Taupo are reached only by boat. Here anglers find themselves in an region of lush native forests, rugged terrain, a place towering cliffs, waterfalls and bird life. There are river tributaries to fish, untouched beaches to picnic upon, and scenery to photograph at every angle.

The best way to see and fish this country is aboard a floating fishing lodge such as the yacht Waianiwa where anglers may go ashore and wade, fishing the river mouths and beaches or troll in first class comfort from the yacht itself. She is of Italian design, a magnificent 51 footer accommodating two to four guests comfortable but can sleep up to 8. Your stateroom is very comfortable. There are two bathrooms, including a full sized bath aboard. The tastefully appointed salon is complete with a well stocked bar and a fireplace for cozy warmth on cooler evenings. Meals are excellent. The vessels large open foredeck is ideal for fly fishing or relaxing in the sun. There is a spacious flying bridge and open cockpit, ideally suited for running multiple trolling lines for a small group of keen anglers. The vessel is complete with a clay pigeon trap and shotgun for shooting enthusiasts.

Smaller vessels are also available for fishing and exploring this fabulous lake.

M

ore than half a century ago, a young Irishman, Alan Pye, heard word of the angler's paradise and made his way to Taupo. He was captivated by the bounty of both lake and river and immediately procured land on the banks of the Waikato River. Here he built four simple canvas clad huts on a bend of the river above mighty Huka Falls. Huka Lodge soon established a reputation for fine food and hospitality amidst great natural beauty and tranquility.

From these humble beginnings Huka Lodge grew into one of the world's most famous retreats and now takes its place as a member of the exclusive association, Relais & Chateaux, sharing a dedication to creating a place apart from the world, but with the highest standards of comfort and hospitality.

Fishing takes place in the surrounding lakes and rivers. Fly fishermen are picked up each morning by their guides in 4WD vehicles and transported to the very best brown and rainbow trout fishing the North Island has to offer. Helicopter fly-outs are also available to some of the more remote rivers. Trolling for big rainbows in the Lake Taupo is also very exciting. There is also fishing in the Waikato adjacent to the lodge. The Taupo area is unique in that it offers excellent fishing both during the New Zealand summer and winter months. For the non-fishers, activities include leisurely strolls amongst the gardens, soaking in the hot pool, tennis, and just relaxing. Activities such as swimming in Lake Taupo, golf, horseback riding sailing, sightseeing, visits to local craftsmen, and river rafting are also available Delicious hamper lunches are prepared for these outings.

The main lodge has an understated elegance and is a welcoming haven for guests returning from the days activities. Gathering around in the evening, amidst the blazing log fires with a drink or two and the story of the day, are certainly a highlight. The rich warm floors and country antique furnitures are complemented by woven wool fabrics and carpets designed to reflect the richness of Huka Lodge's surroundings. The intense deep greens and blues echo the river and the forest and touches of red mirror the Southern sunsets.

Afterwards anglers gather with fellow guests in the candle lit dinning room for a truly memorable experience. The standard of Huka Lodge's cuisine is outstanding and showcases the very best of New Zealand's food and wine. Each individual dish a wonderful combination of flavor. color, texture and taste. The fine meals continue with breakfast with croissants, pastries and muffins, baked while the guests sleep. Fresh fruit and preserves and the most tempting selection of cooked breakfast combinations.

Huka Lodge is set on seven hectares (17 acres) of park-like grounds and has but seventeen guests suites with river views. These are tucked along the riverbank for privacy and enclosed by towering trees. Each suite offers every comfort from fully stocked mini-bar to walk in dressing room and are light, spacious and very peaceful.

P

oronui Ranch offers the classic New Zealand fly fishing experience. Located near Taupo on the North Island, the ranch is a 20,000 acre beef cattle and sheep property through which meanders Taharua Stream, a major tributary to the Mohaka River. There are 25 miles of private trout water on this private Alpine meadow land. Expect to find totally wild brown trout in the ranch's crystal clear water...fish that average 22 inches and willing take a dry fly or small nymph.

Owner, Simon Dickie, and his main guide, Paddy Clark, will lead anglers to waters with easy wading where they can expect to confront 20 to 30 troutt per day. There is seldom a trout under 4 pounds and the largest during the past 3 years went 12 pounds.

The comfortable, informal lodge accommodates just 6 guests and is nestled amongst native bush overlooking some of the best trout water. Indeed some of the finest evening hatches generally occur just a few minutes walk away. While certainly not luxury living, the cabins have all the facilities of home, even an outdoor hot tub. You are 10 miles from the nearest public road. You will experience genuine Kiwi hospitality - hearty home cooked breakfasts with homemade preserves, tasty stream side lunches and as the sun goes down, cocktails and a fine dinner of either fresh game, lamb, or fresh seafood complimented with a selection of fine wines. Helicopters are available at extra cost to take you to remote streams for a two days fishing and one night camp out.

Poronui Ranch Example Rates - subject to change by operator
per person / day

Peak Season
December through March

Lodging: $505.00 / person, double occupancy $670.00 / day, single occupancy,	Guided Fishing: $215.00 per person per day two anglers per guide $400.00 per day Single
7 night / 6 day package $4,468.00 / per person, double occupancy $6,621.00 / per person, single occupancy

Off-Peak Season
April through November

Lodging: $370.00 / person, double occupancy $490.00 / day, single occupancy	Guided Fishing: $215.00 per person per day two anglers per guide $400.00 per day Single
7 night / 6 day package $3,362.00 / per person, double occupancy $5,144.00 / per person, single occupancy 4 night / 3 day package $1,977.00 / per person, double occupancy $2,964.00 / per person, single occupancy

Ask about 6+day Long Stay Discount

Ask about Stag Hunting and Helicopter Fly-Put programs.

Lodging Rates Include; accomodations, laundry service, all meals, drinks and bar facilities at the lodge, wilderness cabins and campouts.

Guided Fishing Rates Include: All equipment, full day of guided fishing including the evening rise.

Not Included: Fishing licenses and transfers.

Prices include 12.5% New Zealand Goods and Services Tax

Poronui Ranch Non-fishing activities include hiking through native forests and along mountain streams, horseback riding (advance notice please) and game viewing (the Sitka deer was released here in 1904 and has thrived. There is no closed season).

S

ituated on the Tongariro River at the Southern end of Lake Taupo, this luxurious lodge offers old fashion comfort and style with friendly personal service. The main building includes a bar, restaurant and lounge which are open to guests all day to relax in total comfort and seclusion. The guest accommodations are chalet style units separate from the main lodge. Each has private bath and its own sunny terrace overlooking the river and on to the lake and mountains. There is a secluded spa pool to relax after at day's activities. Tongariro Lodge has developed an international reputation for fine food serving the best New Zealand game and traditional meals.

Wild rainbow and brown trout thrive in the Taupo system. The overall average size of fish is 4 pounds with many over 10 pounds landed each season. Though many large browns are taken, this is primarily a rainbow trout fishery. Tongariro Lodge guides fish five lakes and 26 rivers in the course of a season. Guides take anglers to rivers where delicate stalking is required. The drop offs at river mouths of Lake Taupo tributary streams are fly fished accounting for many large rainbows. Trolling, called harling in New Zealand is also a productive method, and no experience is needed. Optional Helicopter trips to remote rivers are available at extra cost. During the New Zealand Winter, June through September, large spawning runs of trophy size rainbows ascend the Tongariro. The weather is crisp and cool but this is an exciting time. Many non-fishing activities available.