The Taupo Fishery.
NZ's Greatest
Trout Waters.
Master the legendary trout waters of Taupō and the Central North Island with local, born and raised Maori fishing guides who know where fish lie – every pool, every run and the stories the rivers hold.
The Tongariro Difference
Not Just a Day on the River. A Connection to It.
Chasing chrome in Taupō, famous author Zane Grey once called it the greatest trout fishery, renown as “the Capital of Trout Fishing in NZ”, some said “the world.”
Whether you are targeting massive winter spawning runs on the rivers, sight-casting to trophy browns feeding on cicadas in the summer, or taking a helicopter into the remote backcountry, we design the ultimate New Zealand fly fishing adventure tailored exactly to your skill level.
Our guides are tangata whenua – people of this land. They grew up fishing these pools before they could name them. A day on the water with them carries the insights of being born to this region, holders of knowledge on the fishery from when it was first created in 1900, handed down to them from their fishing elders that have since passed.
Guided Experiences
Choose Your Water
4 HOURS
The Half-Day Blitz
Perfect for travellers with limited time in Taupō or Turangi who want a genuine shot at catching wild trout. We fish the lake and river locations where fish stack and conditions for the time-of-year reward the patient angler.
Lakes & Tributaries close to your location
8 Hours – Most Popular
The Classic Day Wade
Full-day nymphing, wet-lining or spey fishing on one of the rivers renown for our great trout fishery such as the Tongariro, Tauranga-Taupō, Hinemaiaia, Waitahanui or Waiotaka Rivers. Includes lunch, top-tier gear, and local transport. The definitive Taupo trout fishing experience.
Tongariro & Tributaries
8+ Hours – Wilderness
Summer Backcountry Explorer
4WD access or helicopter into crystal-clear wilderness creeks. True spot-and-stalk dry fly fishing on Central North Island water that sees almost no other anglers. For those who want to go further.
Central North Island Wilderness Rivers
All trips are private and tailored to your skill level. Maximum 2 anglers per guide.
“This river has been feeding our whanau (families) for generations. When we guide you on it, we are not just showing you where the fish are. We are sharing what the river means.”
Our guides
Tangata Whenua Guides
Every guide is local Maori, raised in Turangi. This is not their job. It is their home water.
Cultural Storytelling on the Water
Learn the whakapapa (history/genealogy) of the river - its names, its significance, and its relationship with the whenua (land).
Generational River Knowledge
Our guides know pools that do not appear on any map. That knowledge comes from growing up here.
Born on This River
Dion James
Taupo
Dion Ketu
Turangi
Dion guides with a thorough understanding of the river’s seasonal patterns and a genuine passion for sharing it with visiting anglers.
Wiremu Ketu
Turangi
Wiremu is a local guide with deep knowledge of the Tongariro and surrounding rivers, built up over years spent on this water.
Patrick Nepia
Turangi
Patrick’s local knowledge spans the remote upper reaches and wilderness creeks of the Central North Island, as well as the main river beats.
Billy Wilcox
Taupo
Born and raised on the banks of the Tongariro, Billy has fished the local rivers all his life and knows its pools and runs intimately.
“The Tongariro River is not just New Zealand’s finest trout fishery. It is a living taonga (treasure) – and it fishes best when you understand why.”
Plan Your Trip
Let's Find the Right Trip for You
Every guided day is designed around you: your skill level, your target species, your preferred season. Send us a short enquiry and one of our guides will come back to you within 24 hours with a tailored recommendation and availability.
We take a maximum of two anglers per guide, so our calendar fills quickly during peak winter spawning season (June – September) and the summer cicada season (December – February). Booking early is recommended.
- We respond to all enquiries within 24 hours
- No booking fee to hold a date
- Custom itineraries available for multi-day trips
Request a trip
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A confirmation email will be sent to you automatically. We respond within 24 hours