The best place to fly-fish in New Zealand
Fly fishing in New Zealand is spectacular year-round thanks to an abundance of trout fishing waters stretching from the top of the North Island to the bottom of the South Island.
The quality and diversity of the country’s fresh water fishery means there’s angling for everyone from experts looking to pit their skills against wily backcountry brown trout through to novices looking for nothing more than a bit of fun and excitement. And it isn’t just about the catching either. With our breathtaking scenery, trout fishing in New Zealand is as much to do with the journey, the surrounds and sharing the experience with others as it is about landing “the big one”.
Finding out which rivers to fish is relatively easy, but sometimes a less well-known river comes to light and takes anglers by surprise. Case in point: the Ruamahunga River, located in the lower right hand corner of the North Island.
It is sourced high in the forested alpine environment of the Tararua Forest Park north-west of the township of Masterton. It then tumbles away through a dramatic gorge before weaving through farmland and willow-lined banks before finally emptying into the tidal Lake Onoke at Palliser Bay.
The remarkable feature of this 130km-long river is its accessibility. Not only is it an hour’s drive from Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city, but Fish & Game “Angler Access” signs are posted all along the river. It’s also a fishery in reach of anglers of all ages and technical abilities.
Hamish Carnachan, Wellington Fish & Game field officer and editor of Fish & Game New Zealand magazine, describes the Ruamahunga as “the people’s river” and says it’s no coincidence the annual NZ Fly Fishing Championships are held there.
“The Ruamahunga is one of New Zealand’s finest yet most underutilised fisheries. It offers superb year-round angling and is extremely accessible, meaning it can appeal to everyone,” he says. “Generations have grown up fishing here and if we protect it, future generations will enjoy it just as much.”
Although predominately a brown trout fishery, rainbow trout thrive here and make up around 30 per cent of the Ruamahanga catch.
“This is the only large population of rainbow trout to be found in the bottom of the North Island of New Zealand. The rainbows are caught in the main-stem of the river, although occasionally they show up in the headwater tributaries of the Tauherenikau, Waiohine and Waingawa rivers,” says Hamish.
While fly fishing on the Ruamahanga is exceptional, the less technical method of lure fishing (or spinning) is a very effective way for beginners to get into the action.
Although fishable all year below State Highway 2, the Ruamahunga River is prone to massive fluctuations in flows caused by heavy rain so, like any fishery in New Zealand, it pays to check the weather forecast and get expert advice from a local.
The other notable highlight about fishing along the Ruamahunga is it is often paired with legendary Kiwi hospitality. The locals are super-friendly here and the Wairarapa is a renowned food and wine destination, meaning if the fish aren’t biting one won’t go hungry… or thirsty.
The pretty colonial village of Greytown is lined with cafes and restaurants offering seasonal menus while the wine village of Martinborough has more than 20 vineyards in close proximity to the town square as well as terrific cafes and restaurants. With world-class angling only a stone’s throw away, they are the perfect place to taste local wines and locally grown produce and, perhaps, rue the one that got away… or celebrate the one that didn’t.
NOTE: A fishing permit is required to fish for trout and other freshwater sport fish in New Zealand. These are inexpensive and can be obtained quickly online through the Fish & Game website.
How to get to the Wairarapa:
The Wairarapa is located at the lower right-hand corner of New Zealandʼs North Island. It is only an hour’s drive or train ride north-east of Wellington, which has daily domestic and international flights; and just over an hour’s drive from Palmerston North’s domestic airport. Driving to the Wairarapa is easy, with The Classic New Zealand Wine Trail (SH2) weaving through pretty rural landscapes including vineyards, olive groves and beef, sheep and dairy farms. The region’s five townships are serviced by train, bus or shuttles. There is a wide variety of accommodation from luxury lodges and 5 Star hotels to motels and charming cottages. For more information visit, www.wairarapanz.com.
Related links:
Travel guide: New Zealand’s Queenstown
Video of New Zealand police officers dancing sending people wild
Hidden gems uncovered at New Zealand’s Palliser Bay