The following itineraries are planned for the angler wishing to get in as much fishing as possible while in New Zealand. In all cases we use the top guides available. Itineraries are samples and may extended. Itineraries may be mixed and matched.
Itinerary 201
North Island Fishing Taupo Area
Taupo is word famous for its fishing. The famous Tongariro River is located here as are many other excellent rivers and still water fisheries with extrememly large trout. Double figure rainbow and brown trout are not unsuaul. Taupo has both a summer and winter fishery so it virtually can be fished year around. During the New Zealand winter, June, July and August, large rainbow trout, all descendents of California steelhead, ascend the rivers flowing into Lake Taupo to spawn. All guides used are the finest professionals available.
Day 1: Arrive in Auckland. Catch flight to Taupo. Reception at airport by guide and transfer to small, comfortable, family run lodging or farm stay . All meals are included during your stay
Day 2: Breakfast. Fishing in the Taupo area. Some of the largest trout in New Zealand are taken here. The type of fishing depends on the desires of the angler. Trolling is available in the big lake as is spin fishing for people who do not fly fish. For the fly fisherman, some of the smaller weedy lakes offer world class still water nymph and dry fly fishing for awesome browns and rainbows. Streamside lunch. Our largest NZ trout are taken from these food-rich smaller lakes. There is extensive stream fishing available in the Taupo area. Your guide will take you to them in his four wheel drive vehicle. Optional helicopter and overnight float trips are also available at extra cost. Dinner including NZ wine.
Day 3: Same
Day 4: Same. Sightseeing available for non-fishers.
Day 5: Same
Day 6: Breakfast. Transfer to Taupo Airport for flight back to Auckland or onward.
Itinerary 202
North Island Fishing Rotorua Area
The greatest per acre trout population of any lake in New Zealand is found in Lake Rotorua where fighting rainbows average three pounds with five pounders common. Light tackle trolling provides great sport. No bait is permitted. Trout are the only fish in these waters and with no competitions they grow very quickly; an inch a month in their second year. There are several streams feeding lake Rotorua with pure spring water. These are the major spawning tributaries for the trout. Trophy fish lakes include Okataina and Tarawera, where stocked fish grow to 12 pounds in three years with and average of 4.5 pounds. Unlike Rotorua which is open year round, these lakes are closed July through September.
Day 1: Arrive Auckland. Plane to Rotorua (Train option. There is a morning and evening train from Auckland to Rotorua). Reception and transfer tocomfortable lodging or farm. Dinner. All meals are included
Day 2: Breakfast . At Rotorua anglers have the option of trolling, spin casting, or fly fishing. All angling methods are available on this itinerary and anglers are welcome to chose as they like and mix and match. For fly fishermen seeking trophy trout, the streams mouths and lakes themselves offer marvelous sport for very big fish. Your guide knows how to find them and there is an opportunity to catch fish in excess of ten pounds on streamer patters. The 1991 World Fly Fishing Championship were held here. Guides can also fish by 4 wheel drive the rivers that flow out of Urewera National Park such as the Whakantane, Waimana, Whirnaki and Horomanga. This is wilderness and the opportunity of taking large browns and rainbows while surrounded by scenic bush clad hills and listening to the calls of native birds.
Day 3: Same.
Day 4: Same. Sightseeing available for non fishers.
Day 6: Breakfast. Transfer to airport or train to Auckland or onward
Itnerary 203
South Island Fishing Nelson to Hokatika
Very fine brown trout fishing is found in the northern section of the Southern Alps between Nelson and Hokatiki. Two fine trout fishing establishements Rotoroa Lodge and Lake Brunner Lodge are located here as well. (see THE LODGES Chapter). Many of NZs finest fly fishing guides make there homes here and guide in this vicinity.
This is primarily stream fishing where the trout are spotted, stalked then cast to. The area is lush and beautiful and historically significent. Only the finest farm stays and small lodges are utilized in this itinerary. All meals are included.
Day 1: Arrive Nelson or Hokatika Airports. Met by guides and transfered to small, comfortable, family run farm or lodging. Dinner
Day 2: Breakfast . Depart with guide in 4WD vehicle to fish one or more of over 44 crystal clear streams and rivers Guides are excellent, friendly and knowledgeable. Novices are most welcome and guides will have them taking fish quickly. Trout are fished by the classic New Zealand method of stalking and spotting. Stream side lunch.
Afternoon fishing or break returning later for evening rise. Cocktails and dinner with NZ wine.
Day 3: Same
Day 4: Same Sight seeing available for non fishers.
Day 5: Same
Day 6: Breakfast. Transfer to airport for flight to Auckland or onward.