Known as the world’s best fishing destination, New Zealand has no shortage of pristine streams, rivers and lakes. Trout are abundant and numerous throughout the country. The central North Island is predominantly rainbow territory, while the upper South Island has earned a reputation as the best place to catch brook trout, and further south you’ll find our most diverse waters, from gorgeous rivers teeming with wild fish to monumental glacial formations and lakes surrounded by native forest.
An experienced local guide can design a customized itinerary to suit your tastes and ultimately bring in more and bigger trout at the end of the day. Better yet, stay in one of the peaceful fishing lodges around the country – they’re perfectly located for dedicated anglers, in close proximity to some of the world’s best fly fishing waters, combined with legendary Kiwi hospitality.
When it comes to finding the “best” rivers in this fishing paradise, it’s easy. It will be the ones you like the most and that best suit your fishing style. Here are ten great ones to get your feet wet.
Motueka River
With high density 2 to 5 pound browns, reliable hatches and easy wading and walking, the Motueka River is a favorite on the South Island. If you’re new to fly fishing or starting your first trip, you’ll be hard pressed to find an easier river to start your journey on.
Eglinton River – Fiordland
From where it leaves Lake Gunn to where it flows into Lake Te Anau, the magnificent Eglinton River is nice to catch both brown and rainbow fish and fishing this section will take several days. Most of it flows through a very large meadow and if you feel like you are fishing in a park, it is because you are Fjordland National Park. Te Anau nearby is an ideal place to base yourself and there are good rivers in all directions.
Mataura River – Southland
From just above the hamlet of Garston to well below the town of Gore, the Mataura River would be the most popular river in Southland. With its gentle gradient, interesting tributaries, good hatches and impressive fish density, it has been favored by generations of anglers, and some would not fish anywhere else. It will also be the most Montana-like river in New Zealand.
The Buller River
When it empties into the Tasman Sea near Westport, the Buller is a large and formidable river. But upstream, above some of its larger tributaries, the Buller becomes most favorable between the fishing towns of Murchinson and St. Arno. If you like to fish small currents, just go further upstream, knowing that the summer northwest waters will always be behind you.
Ahuriri River – Central Otago
The sleepy town of Omarama is reminiscent of Ennis, Montana. But instead of the Madison River flowing through the town, it’s the Ahuriri River, truly one of the world’s favorite trout rivers. From where it flows into Benmore Lake (fishing on the plains) to Ben Avon Station, where it begins to rise into the Southern Alps, there is enough water to make a month fly by. Your camera will love the headwaters as much as you do, as well as the bands and spring ponds.
Oreti River – Southland
A small river with extremely large fish, with the ocean feeding on it in the background – that’s the Orethi River in a nutshell. Above the town of Mossburn, the medium-sized fish leap up and attract the most skilled fly fishing experts. This will make the Orethi the river best to fish at the end of your trip after your abilities have been honed and tuned.
Tongariro River
Long known for its spawning chains that enter it from Lake Taupo from April to November, the incredible Tongariro River (opens in new window) has much more to offer. Summer fishing is in store for both the local trout and the fat lake fish that enter the river to feed on cicadas. After fishing small rivers with smart trout, you will appreciate the opportunity to fish large dry flies with rubber legs and heavier flies. The historic city of Turangi is located in the center of it all.
The rushing river
Fishing in the mysterious river mouths that flow into the Tasman Sea on the west coast of the South Island has attracted the attention of locals and visitors alike, and the mouth of the Haast River would be just as good. Brown trout can reach 10 inches or 10+ pounds and are available year-round. But early in the season, when there are still white bait (a smelt-like fish), is the best time to cast streamers and watch the swirls of the feeding fish and feel the great grip on a taut swing line.
Ngontoha River
Flowing into Lake Rotorua, the Ngongotaha has a year-round population of both browns and rainbows and is well deservedly popular. But in April and May, when the trails rise out of the lake, it’s at its absolute best. This is when catch rates can go through the roof. It’s also a great time to be in the Rotorua area after the warm summer has passed and the fish are on the move.