New Zealand is renowned as one of the best trout fisheries in the world. The country's isolation as an island nation, the clean green environment and the passion of the Kiwi's to keep it that way makes it one of the world's most beautiful places as well. It is dominated by pristine rivers, lakes and mountains and has many wilderness and national park areas.

Lake Taupo and the Tongariro River region in the high country of the North Island is extra special as it enjoys year round trout fishing. All the lakes and rivers are open over spring, summer and autumn with some of them open over winter as well. Some tributaries close over winter for the spawning season. Over 30 rivers and 5 lakes are in the area including New Zealand's largest lake, Lake Taupo. These can be accessed by road, boat or helicopter

The region is most renowned as a rainbow trout fishery although there is an abundance of brown trout at certain times of the year, mostly the warmer months. Tens of thousands of trout migrate up the rivers to their spawning grounds from May to October providing great opportunity for Nymph fishing. Some say this is the best time of year for fly fishing.

Others say December to March is the best when the water is warmer. The spring and summer period, October through to March has always been a premium time to enjoy the very best trout fishing New Zealand has to offer. The rainbows and browns tend to feed more aggressively and be less spooky early in the season. Excellent dry fly fishing is available in spring and summer and Nymph fishing is often popular with good mayfly hatches along with brown and green beetle by mid November.

Fly fishing on Lake Taupo improves with the warmer spring weather. Browns and large numbers of rainbows can be seen charging the shoals of minnows. Wading around the shoreline of the Tongariro Delta, sight casting to these cruising trout, is often compared to the flats fishing at Christmas Island. The first of December is opening day on the Taupo tributary headwater streams. This always provides great angling for trout that have not seen a fisherman for six months.

Accommodation

The lodge is situated on the banks of the Tongariro River on the edge of the high country village of Turangi. It lies within 22 acres of park-like grounds adjacent to the southern shores of Lake Taupo. The year-round outdoor playground of Tongariro National Park is only a short distance away.

Your host Tony Hayes and his team have over the years built a lodge that has an excellent reputation for gourmet dining, the finest accommodation with quality outdoor activities built around good old fashioned comfort and style combined with friendly personal service. And of course, the best high country fly fishing in New Zealand.

Guest accommodation is separate from the main lodge. This ensures maximum privacy. Riverside chalets range from one to three bedrooms. Each chalet has private facilities and its own secluded sunny terrace with views of the Tongariro River, Lake Taupo, or the mountains.

The dining room and bar are in the main building which is famous for its high quality food and wine and its wonderful old world ambience. The lodge specialises in serving the best of New Zealand game and traditional foods.

The true atmosphere of the Lodge is best experienced in front of an open fire over a four course evening meal as the day's activities are recounted - and stories get taller as the evening wears on.

Meals also include a hearty country style breakfast and a picnic lunch daily.

Guides

The expert team of guides we employ provide our clients with the ultimate fishing experience. And that is what you want when the passion takes over....

It is without doubt the angling skill, knowledge and experience of our excellent guides that maximizes the potential of this extensive fishery. Through the experience of our guiding teams, special access to many rivers that run through private land has been acquired. Every year our guides get out and explore more 'waters' for our clients to enjoy.

This area truly is a vast fishery that can provide the trout fishing experience of a lifetime year round to the beginner and expert alike.

Equipment

If needed, the best of tackle, wet weather gear and waders can be supplied by us at the lodge. Please enquire on booking for sizes.

Feel free to bring along you own equipment. A list of what is recommended in New Zealand can be emailed to you on request.

Other Activities

Choose from active or relaxed, away from it all or part of the action. We are sure you will not be disappointed.

• White water rafting
• Scenic helicopter and fixed wing flights over volcanic craters and lakes
• Horse trekking through native forests
• Snow skiing
• Jet boating
• Hiking
• Mountain biking
• Hunting
• Golf
• Wildlife and ecotours
• Scenic walks
• Soak in hot mineral pools
• Sight seeing
• Shopping in Taupo

Getting There

We can arrange transfers and self drive hire cars from Taupo airport which is 40 mins from the lodge or hire cars from Auckland airport which is 4.5 hours away. Taupo is domestic only and Auckland is domestic and international.

Other Destinations

Many clients choose to visit other destinations whilst in the country. Why not visit the South island of New Zealand as well which is a very different fly fishing experience. Please see our South Island product pages.

Pricing

	Per Person
4 Nights + 3 Days	From NZD$3098
7 Nights + 6 Days	From NZD$5717
Prices are per person on a twin share basis. Various packages available. Prices are indicative only. Please contact us for possible update.

Our price includes the following:

• Accommodation
• All meals from dinner on first night to breakfast on last day
• The use of all lodge facilities,
• Professional fishing guide (2 clients per guide)
• GST