Experience Fly Fishing

Fishing Options

Taupo-Tongariro | 1 Day

The Lake Taupo Fishery offers a diverse range of opportunities in a wilderness of iconic kiwi surroundings. The famous Tongariro River, the smaller Lake Taupo tributary streams, and the high country lakes of the Tongariro National Park are all easily accessible by day trips with Riverstone Fly Fishing Guides from either Taupo or Turangi. Nymph, dry fly sight fishing, and streamer fishing all work well during the different fishing seasons. Check out our fly fishing reports for some understanding of where we go and what to expect.

BACKCOUNTRY River | 1 Day

There is some backcountry wilderness water accessible by day or multi-day trips from either Taupo or Turangi. By traveling to adjacent regions over a long day trip with Riverstone Fly Fishing Guides you experience the beauty of remote rural and reserved lands. While most of this water is drive-in access to get the best from the day, a reasonable level of fitness and mobility is required – though we are able to tailor the experience to each individual’s capability. Some of the best backcountry water is very remote and more suitable for multi-day itineraries or Heli fishing.

Booking Here

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Riverstone Fly Fishing Guides Taupo Tongariro

Your Fly Fishing Guide

Rob Henderson

Te Āti Awa

I began my trout fishing as a 10-year-old early morning harling on Lake Rotorua and then in my teens I got the fly fishing bug. During the past 35-years I have fished all over NZ, but I now focus on the Central North Island – the Taupo-Turangi region, south Waikato, King Country, Hawkes Bay, Rotorua Lakes, Te Urewera and the Kaimanawas. I have a passion for exploring new waters and solitude, so increasingly I am seeking to always go that little bit further than the last angler with clients taking multiple days to explore the best fly fishing our country offers.

Client Reviews

“My husband and I had a great time fishing with Rob. He was kindly able to book us the night before, after our original plan changed. I had not been fly fishing before and really appreciated the time Rob took with me to teach and instruct me on the basics. He gave my husband some really great instruction as well, even though he already does know how to fly fish. My husband was able to land some huge fish and I became well practiced at landing a few myself that Rob had hooked for me. By the end of the day I actually was able to cast, hook, and land one on my own! The scenery was absolutely beautiful, and Rob provided all the gear. And we also enjoyed his company and talking with him during the day and the drive to and from our fishing spot. Thanks so much Rob!”

Britt Davis, California USA, January 2020

“Had an awesome day with Rob guiding ‘back Country’. Really remote, rugged beauty. Quite demanding physically but well worth the effort with wild rainbows and browns caught up to 5lb although much bigger are present. Really enjoyed Rob’s company, knowledge and enthusiasm. He is also a great photographer with many memories captured on film. Highly recommend his services for a great experience.”

Steve Mason, England, December 2019

“I was lucky enough to have a time-slot open to fish in the Tongariro region and Rob guided me for a day. He showed me where the fish were lying in each spot and, shared some of his secret locations. As I was time pressed hiring a guide with great local knowledge proved to be a sound decision. I'll certainly book him again next time I am coming through the region and would recommend the experience to others too.”

Tim Haynes, Auckland NZ, March 2019

“Every time I’m in NZ I will not hesitate to contact Rob for a fishing trip. He has intricate knowledge of all the best spots for fishing in the area and you will never be disappointed! From where to fish and what flies to use, Rob knows it all. He’s the man to bring you to places where few have ventured. Rob is also a very good teacher and my fly fishing skills has improved under his guidance.”

Shapy Khan, Singapore, February 2019

“Rob is an experienced guide that knows where to fish in the Tongariro and surrounding rivers to catch those big Rainbows we all dream about. He doesn’t take you to the normal spots unless the fish are active there. Rob is easy to get along with, he is willing to adjust plans to your every wish and I guarantee you will catch fish. Not only did my fishing skills improve but I got the opportunity to see and experience the beautiful wilderness surroundings of New Zealand Fishing”

David Vanacore, Los Angeles, California USA, January 2018

“I had an excellent when I fished with Rob in December 2016. He introduced me to the essential Kiwi fishing techniques and got me into some good fishing off the beaten track along the TongariRiverver. In some tough conditions he kept the tension high and provided me with some very helpful advice on good fishing spots for the rest of my trip all over New Zealand. It was fun fishing with him and not to forget; at the end of a tough and hot fishing day, back at the car he had some ice cold beer ready!”

Christian Thaladimer, Norway, March 2017

“My wife and I novice plus fly fishermen. Spent two days with Riverstone Fly Fishing Guides, Rob supplied all our gear plus a delicious lunch and was very patient with us casting. We anded 6 nice rainbows and lost lots of others, wonderful locations and had one fish for dinner yummy. I would highly recommend this experience for those seeking out guides who really go the extra mile in terms of catering to your needs, and providing an immersive experience with great local knowledge in beautiful New Zealand Fishing locations.”

Dave Yonders, New York USA, April 2016

“Andrew thank you so much for your time and patience in teaching us to fly fishing in New Zealand's beautiful North Island. A 5 & 6-pound brown trout each and then 3 more rainbow trout by the end of the day! Still telling our friends how fantastic the whole experience was and how good we are at fly fishing! We'll definitely be back for more, you've got Adam hooked (he's bought a salt water fly fishing rod & reel), he's practicing in Oz on our salt water rivers to perfect his fly casting technique for our next New Zealand fly fishing trip to the Central North Island.”

Llew & Adam Dowley, Australia, January 2016

    
 
 
        
   David Becker 
 6 November 2023
 
 
  I had a fantastic couple of days with Rob. He's a very knowledgeable guide with a nice patient approach. On top of putting me onto plenty of fish he also helped me to substantially improve my casting. Thanks again for a great experience!
  
 
       
   Brittany Sallaberry 
 9 January 2020
 
 
  My husband and I had a great time fishing with Rob. He was kindly able to book us the night before, after our original plan changed. I had not been fly fishing before and really appreciated the time Rob took with me to teach and instruct me on the basics. He gave my husband some really great instruction as well, even though he already does know how to fly fish. My husband was able to land some huge fish and I became well practiced at landing a few myself that Rob had hooked for me. By the end of the day I actually was able to cast, hook, and land one on my own! The scenery was absolutely beautiful, and Rob provided all the gear. And we also enjoyed his company and talking with him during the day and the drive to and from our fishing spot. Thanks so much Rob!
  
 
       
   Ph D 
 27 April 2019
 
 
  I booked a day wilderness fly fishing with Rob Henderson and it was truly wilderness. Had an awesome day at the river with over 10 fish weighing up to 5 pounds, but there were even bigger ones. Despite I ha ve been fly fishing for several years, Rob gave me really helpful advice!
I can really recommend Rob as your guide for a beautiful and unforgettable fly fishing trip!
  
 
       
   Tim Haynes 
 9 August 2017
 
 
  I've been fishing with Rob a number of times and always an awesome experience :)
  
 
       
   Steve McLennan 
 26 July 2017
 
 
  Rob can fish!
  
 
       
   Ross Baker 
 24 July 2017
 
 
  After fishing this region for many seasons and guiding guests from his own lodge in Turangi, Rob Henderson knows the Tongariro River intimately - but more important is his wider experience guiding on many other smaller rivers with hidden access points not known to the public.  Highly recommended for back country trips.