Discover the diversity of fly fishing throughout New Zealand’s Central North Island, from internationally recognised rivers and spring-fed streams to remote backcountry and wilderness fisheries.

The Central North Island is home to one of New Zealand’s most varied collections of trout fisheries. Within 30–90 minutes of Taupō, anglers can access an extensive network of rivers, spring-fed streams, backcountry waters and high-country lakes, offering excellent fly fishing throughout the year.

Each season brings different opportunities. Winter sees strong runs of rainbow trout into many rivers, while spring, summer and autumn provide excellent fishing for resident brown and rainbow trout using nymphs, dry flies, streamers and sight-fishing techniques. The region’s lakes also offer productive stillwater fishing and provide valuable alternatives when river conditions change.

Operating from Taupō, Riverstone Fly Fishing Guides regularly fishes throughout the Tongariro region, Ruapehu, King Country, South Waikato, Rotorua, Eastern Bay of Plenty, Rangitīkei and Hawke’s Bay. Every typical day on the water is planned around seasonal conditions, river flows and your individual interests, whether you’re looking for a relaxed guided fly fishing day on the water or a Central North Island multi-day fishing tour or adventure.

Within 60–90 minutes of Taupō, numerous backcountry rivers offer an outstanding combination of quality trout fishing, native bush and peaceful surroundings. Most are reached by vehicle before a short walk to the water, making them ideal for both guided fly fishing day trips and Central North Island multi-day tours.

From spring through autumn these fisheries provide a wide range of opportunities, including nymphing, dry fly fishing, dry-dropper techniques and sight fishing in clear water. During the summer cicada season, many rivers produce exciting surface fishing as trout actively feed on large terrestrial insects.

While some rivers can be comfortably explored in a single day, others are better experienced over several days, allowing time to fish multiple reaches or combine neighbouring catchments. Every destination is selected according to seasonal conditions, your experience, fitness and the style of fishing you want to enjoy.

For anglers wanting to venture beyond the more accessible fisheries, our wilderness adventures provide access to some of the Central North Island’s most remote trout waters. Choose from helicopter-accessed day trip, helicopter multi-day backcountry hut and camping, or vehicle-access wilderness lodge adventures, each offering a unique way to explore these remarkable landscapes.

Spending several days in the wilderness provides the flexibility to adapt to changing weather and river conditions, explore multiple rivers and fish water that simply cannot be reached on a standard day trip. Just as importantly, it allows time to appreciate the scenery, wildlife and solitude that make these places truly special.

Every itinerary is individually planned around your experience, fitness, interests and preferred style of adventure, with transport, accommodation, equipment and helicopter logistics arranged where required. Whether you prefer the comfort of a wilderness lodge or several days beside a remote river, each trip is designed to deliver an authentic and rewarding fly fishing experience.

Summer offers long days, settled weather and some of the finest fly fishing of the year. Rivers, lakes and backcountry fisheries all fish exceptionally well as insect life reaches its peak and trout feed actively throughout the day.

Mayflies, caddis and terrestrial insects become increasingly important, with the annual cicada season during January and February producing spectacular dry fly fishing across many Central North Island rivers. Stable river flows and exceptional water clarity also create excellent opportunities for sight fishing, while warm evenings often provide memorable surface action.

Summer is the premier season for exploring backcountry and wilderness fisheries. Favourable weather conditions make it an ideal time for helicopter day trips, multi-day camping adventures, backcountry hut stays and drive-in wilderness lodge tours, allowing anglers to experience some of New Zealand’s most spectacular and remote landscapes.

Winter transforms the Central North Island into one of New Zealand’s premier destinations for wild trout fishing. Fresh-run fish enter spawning rivers throughout the season, creating exciting opportunities for anglers targeting powerful trout in classic winter conditions.

Higher river flows and colder water generally favour heavier nymphs, larger streamer patterns and deeper presentations. Success often comes from carefully selecting river conditions, particularly as waterways begin to clear after freshes, while early starts are frequently rewarded before other anglers arrive.

Although many backcountry rivers close during winter to protect spawning fish, numerous outstanding fisheries remain open, ensuring exceptional fishing throughout the season. Crisp mornings, snow-capped mountains and fewer anglers combine to create a unique atmosphere, making winter an unforgettable time for both productive day trips and relaxed multi-day tours.