Fly Fishing the North Island of New Zealand: A Comprehensive DIY Guide

With the cormorant plague wreaking havoc on southeastern Australia's trout waters, many anglers are finding their local fishing experiences increasingly lackluster. It’s time to look across the ditch to New Zealand’s North Island, where trout fishing remains as abundant and world-class as ever. Even better, the 2024 season is shaping up to deliver some of the best conditions in years. While the thought of international travel might make some anglers' wallets shrink faster than a trout darting for cover, a DIY fly fishing trip to New Zealand can be surprisingly affordable—starting at just $2,500 for a week of chasing wild, trophy-sized brown and rainbow trout in some of the most pristine waters on the planet.

Getting There, and Moving Around

Getting to the North Island is straightforward. Fly into Auckland and head south, or into Wellington and head north. Both cities serve as excellent gateways to the North Island’s flyfishing paradise. 

As for getting around, you don’t need a 4WD. Most of the best fishing spots are accessible by car, often with no more than a short hike from the road. A mid-size hatchback or standard sedan is more than sufficient. Hire cars range from NZD $40.00-$100.00 a day depending on size and level of insurance.

For your gear, a soft collapsible duffel bag (like the Simms Dry Creek Duffle) is a real winner. They’re not the most comfortable bag to carry, but it’s easy to squish into a small car, saving space, and the compression straps help it shrink down for easy transport through airports.

Currency and Costs

New Zealand operates on the New Zealand Dollar (NZD), and while exchange rates tend to be favourable for Australians (around 1.10 NZD to AUD), you should budget for slightly higher costs when it comes to food and fuel. Most places accept credit card so it’s easy to get by without carrying much cash. A credit card that doesn't charge exorbitant international transaction fees is a must.

At the time of writing a Fish and Game season license costs $270.00 NZD and the DOC license to fish the Taupo area costs $89.00 NZD for one week.

Arrival and Customs

Getting through NZ customs and quarantine is generally straightforward, especially if you’ve cleaned all your fishing gear and gear bags with hot water and detergent. However, tents may get inspected, so be prepared for a brief delay.

Accommodation Options

New Zealand has a range of options and is a very camping friendly country, sites are well maintained and often located on pristine waters and in stunning locations. The best way to keep the cost down is to blend some camping with accommodation such as Airbnbs and Shearers Quarters. Below are some of our favourite accommodation options in different regions:

https://www.whakatane.com/plan-your-trip/accommodation/mangamate-whirinaki-forest-park - Located on the Whirinaki River which holds a good population of three pound+ fish

https://www.nationalpark.co.nz/business-listing/national-park-backpackers-yha - Located close to some of the North Islands best water such as the Whakapapa and lake Otamengakau, also a short drive from Turangi where you home of the Tongariro and lake Taupo. 

North Island Gear: What You Need

Rods, Reels, and Lines

When it comes to gear, a 6wt, 9-foot fast-action rod is the sweet spot for New Zealand’s North Island. A rod like the Orvis Helios D is perfect for controlling big fish and efficiently casting heavy dry-dropper rigs or double nymph setups. It’s also a great choice for streamer fishing on stillwaters.

Marry your rod with a high-quality reel that has a solid drag system. An Orvis Mirage LT reel is ideal for handling the powerful runs of North Island trout, ensuring you can manage long runs while keeping your tippet intact.

For your fly line, a long-bellied line with a short front taper, such as the Airflo Power Taper or Scientific Anglers Anadro Indicator, provides excellent line control, mending, and the ability to turn over heavy flies.

Waders, Boots, and Clothing

While wet wading is popular in the summer months, lightweight, breathable waders provide better protection and storage when you need it. Orvis Pro LT waders or Skwala Carbon Waders are both excellent choices for comfort and durability. Pair them with lightweight boots like the Orvis Pro LT boots, which offer superior grip and won’t weigh you down when hiking between spots.

The North Island’s terrain can quickly shift from sunny to cold, so layering is key. Simms Bugstopper hoodies offer both UV protection for those sunny days and insect protection for battling the notorious New Zealand sandflies.

A good pair of polarized sunglasses is essential, particularly when sight-fishing. Smith Optics Polarchromic Yellow Blue Mirror lenses are versatile in varying light conditions, perfect for spotting fish beneath the surface. Also, don’t forget a hat and Simms Gaiter to shield yourself from both the sun and pesky sandflies.

Nets and Leaders/Tippets

The North Island is home to some truly massive trout, so a sturdy net is a must. Opt for a medium-sized New Zealand weigh net, which is large enough to comfortably handle trophy fish but compact enough to carry with a magnetic net release.

For leaders and tippets, a 9-foot 2X tapered leader is perfect for most situations. For lighter nymphs or dry flies, consider using 3X tippet. You’ll also want to have strike indicators, such as the NZ Strike System with XL tubing and liquid flotant, which are essential for suspending heavy tungsten nymphs.

Flies: What to Pack

The North Island offers fantastic opportunities for streamer, dry fly, and nymph fishing in both rivers and lakes. Trout here tend to be less fussy compared to the South Island, but having a variety of flies on hand will ensure you're prepared for any situation. Below are some must-have flies:

Dry Flies:

• Foam PMX #8-12
• Parachute Adams #8-14
• Cicadas
• Mayfly Emergers

Nymphs:

• Dore’s Depth Control
• Kyle’s Colorbrisics
• Hare and Copper
• Yoshi’s Samurai
• Simon’s Uglies

Streamers:

• Complex Twist Bugger
• Mega Orbit
• Olive Damsel Nymph

While this list will get you started, the diversity of species and fishing environments means it’s always a good idea to check with us at The Flyfisher, for advice on the best flies for specific locations and conditions.

Techniques:

North Island Regional Breakdown

To make planning your DIY trip easier, we've broken the North Island into four prime fishing regions: Rotorua, Turangi, Hawkes Bay/Gisborne, and Wellington. Each region offers something unique, whether you’re after iconic rivers or lesser-known locations. 

Rotorua Region

The Rotorua region is known for its geothermal activity, but it's also home to some of the best flyfishing waters in the country. Here, you’ll find both small rivers and large lakes that offer a diverse fishing experience, with both rainbows and browns.

Key Flyfishing Locations:

• Ngongotaha River: A small but productive river flowing into Lake Rotorua, known for good numbers of rainbows. It’s ideal for nymphing and dry fly fishing, especially in the cooler months.
• Lake Rotoiti: A stunning lake with excellent rainbow trout fishing, particularly from a boat. It offers opportunities for both streamer fishing and nymphing.
• Lake Tarawera: Less fished than Lake Taupo, this lake offers great fishing for rainbow trout, often in quieter, more remote areas.
• Lake Rotorua: While more heavily fished, it offers consistent fishing and is ideal for beginners, especially for catching rainbows.

Best Time to Go:

• Spring and autumn are prime seasons for the Rotorua region, though you can fish year-round.

Turangi Region: Taupo’s Iconic Rivers and Lakes

No North Island fly fishing guide would be complete without mentioning Turangi, home to some of New Zealand's most famous trout fishing waters. Located at the southern tip of Lake Taupo, this area is synonymous with rainbow and brown trout fishing, offering both lake and river fishing options.

Key Flyfishing Locations:

• Tongariro River: Perhaps the most famous river in the North Island, this river is known for its spring-run rainbow trout. It offers excellent nymphing, streamer fishing, and dry fly fishing. The river is best known for its annual rainbow trout run, but it provides great fishing throughout the year.
• Waitahanui River: This is a smaller river flowing into Lake Taupo, offering rainbow trout fishing. It’s often less crowded, which is a big plus for anglers looking for a quieter spot.

• Whakapapa River: Set in the stunning Tongariro National Park, this river offers both wild brown trout and rainbow trout, with a mix of riffles, pools, and runs.
• Lake Taupo: The largest lake in the North Island, Lake Taupo is home to some of the biggest rainbow trout in the country. Fishing from a boat or from shore, the lake provides excellent fishing for trophy trout.

Best Time to Go:

• Autumn and spring are the prime seasons for the rivers around Turangi, but winter can also offer excellent fishing, particularly for rainbows in the Tongariro River.

Hawkes Bay/Gisborne Region: Wild Rivers and Solitude

The Hawkes Bay and Gisborne regions are often overlooked in favor of more famous areas like Taupo, but they offer fantastic fishing opportunities in wild rivers with fewer crowds. Expect to find wild brown trout in these less-pressured waters, often in stunning, remote locations.

Key Flyfishing Locations:

• Rangitikei River: One of the best spots in the Hawkes Bay for targeting wild brown trout, this river offers a mix of deep pools and fast riffles, perfect for nymphing and dry fly fishing. The scenic surroundings also make it a beautiful place to fish.
• Ruakituri River: A hidden gem in the Gisborne region, this river is known for its wild brown trout. The river’s remote location and rugged terrain make it perfect for anglers seeking solitude. It’s ideal for dry fly fishing and nymphing.
• Mangaotaki River: A smaller river in the Hawkes Bay region, known for its wild brown trout. This river provides great fishing for those willing to explore less-traveled areas.

Best Time to Go:

• Summer and autumn are great for the rivers in Hawkes Bay and Gisborne, with spring also providing productive fishing, especially after the rains. 

Wellington Region: Coastal Streams and Remote Waters

The Wellington region is often overshadowed by other areas, but it offers excellent fly fishing opportunities for anglers seeking remote waters and wild trout. This area includes a mix of coastal rivers, mountain streams, and alpine lakes, all teeming with rainbow and brown trout.

Key Flyfishing Locations:

• Hutt River: This river is located just outside of Wellington city and is known for its wild brown trout. It can be fished year-round, but nymphing and dry fly fishing are the most productive techniques.
• Waikanae River: Situated on the Kapiti Coast, this river offers great fishing for rainbows, especially in its upper reaches. It’s a quieter spot, perfect for anglers looking for some solitude.
• Akatarawa River: Located further north in the Wellington Region, this river is known for its rugged surroundings and wild trout populations, making it a great option for a peaceful fishing day.
• Lake Wairarapa: A large lake offering both rainbow and brown trout, this is one of the quieter fishing locations in the region and is ideal for anglers looking to fish in a serene setting.

Best Time to Go:

• Spring and autumn are the best seasons for Wellington rivers and lakes, though the rivers can be fished year-round.

While the South Island of New Zealand is often regarded as the ultimate fly fishing destination, the North Island offers unique advantages that make it an exceptional choice. One of the key benefits is the North Island's accessibility and variety of fishing environments. The region features a diverse range of waters—from the world-renowned Tongariro River to smaller, secluded backcountry streams—allowing anglers to experience different fishing styles in close proximity. The North Island's relatively milder climate also means that fishing is possible year-round, even during the colder months when South Island rivers can be harder to access due to snow and winter conditions.

While the South Island may offer larger, more remote rivers, the North Island's combination of diverse fisheries, consistent conditions, and easy access makes it an ideal choice for anglers seeking both adventure and convenience. Best of all, it doesn't cost a bomb to get there and have an unforgettable flyfishing experience.