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The Tongariro River: Hinemaiaia: Tauranga-Taupo: Sunrise on the Tongariro River - Image compliments of Great Lake Taupo The Tongariro River near Turangi has won a well-deserved reputation as one of the world's foremost fishing experiences. In winter, an estimated 10,000 rainbows and over 1000 browns migrate up it to reach the spawning beds. The river is wide and fast-flowing in places, with long gravel runs, rocky stretches and deep lies but there is easy access, even directly off the motorway. The fishing pools are not only historic but legendary among angler worldwide: Major Jones, The Admiral's Pool, The Judge's Pool, The Hydro, Red Hut, Kamahi, The Duchess... During rainbow trout migrations out of lake Taupo through April to September the lower Hinemaiaia offers great fly fishing, especially. The river generally runs very clear and is ideal for nymphing as well as dry and wet fly. Its banks are overgrown, but trails give good access. The fish often lie deep and close to the bank, making them a challenge to cast too. The middle reaches of the 'TT' as it is called offer easy access off the main highway and casting and good fish between March and September for dry, lure and nymph fishing. In places the bank is very high, and it is easy to see trout laying in the deeper pools. Guided Fly Fishing: The Big Lake: Te Whaiau Canal: Whanganui: Regardless your ability to fly-fish, highly skilled or novice, fishing lake or river you will have something to meet your budget and time frame. Whether it’s a half day learning on the bank of the Tongariro river for first timers or a day trolling around Lake Taupo with the family, there is something for everyone. Local guides know where to go, what to use and how to use it. From half day introduction package to full week away in the hills, drive in – walking or even helicopter. Most guides will provide all the gear and organise a licence. Be prepared most guides will not let you keep the fish you catch but you will get some great memories and photos. New Zealand's largest lake (surface area of 616sq km) is situated in the middle of the North Island on a volcanic plateau 359 metres above sea level. Due to its very cold clean water and abundant food sources it produces huge numbers of well-conditioned fish. It is very deep in places (up to 185 metres) but has many areas that provide excellent shoreline fishing. Some of the best areas for shoreline angling are around the many stream mouths where fish congregate during the warmer months and to which they migrate during the winter spawning runs. The most popular method for fishing the lake is trolling, including leadline trolling, wire lining, or the use of downriggers to troll at a deeper level. Jigging the dropoffs and fly-fishing around the lake shore and at river mouths are also popular methods (though note that boat fishing is not permitted around many of the points where rivers and streams enter the lake). The Te Whaiau Canal is short slow moving and deep. It generally has steep banks with quite dense vegetation coming down to the water’s edge. There are few areas however where the land opens up allowing for good casting. Much of the length of this water is difficult to both find a good place to stand and cast from. The fish numbers, particularly early and late in the season can be very high and the fish tend to free risers. During the warmer months they can often be seen chasing emerging insects. That said they are often very difficult to fool and will rise close to anglers yet reject even the most beautifully presented fly. The upper river rises in the Tongariro National Park and connects with Lake Otamangakau and the Whakapapa river. It runs through beautiful native forest, spectacular gorges and farmland. This river has a reputation for rising quickly so it pays to keep an eye on the weather forecast. The Wanganui river generally clear, easy to fish and contains a good number of trout and is renowned to have some large specimens. Whakapapa: The Whakapapa is a large, clear river with some wild rapids, deep pools and long boulder runs that flows down from Mt Ruapehu it runs through rugged country which is not advisable for the inexperienced. Lower down it features many kilometres of spectacular and productive wilderness fishing. But the upper reaches you need to know what you are doing and again be watchful of the weather. Trout fishing anywhere in the world give you great access to some of the most unique and beautiful aspect of the country. But trout fishing in the Central Plateau is like nowhere else it is varied, spectacular, full of history and legend. It offer something for everyone, from kids fishing at the Turangi Trout Farm to heli trip to the back of beyond. Your only limitation is time. 50//WHERE ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS/#220 ADVENTUREMAGAZINE.CO.NZ 51
HOMEGROWN CENTRAL PLATEAU Hiking: The Central Plateau offers a range of hiking options; from the shores of Lake Taupo through to the Kaimanawa Forest and Pureora Forest Park, but nothing quite beats the draw of the Tongariro National Park. Tongariro National Park is a land of volcanic wonders – steaming craters, alpine rock gardens, surreal lakes and tumbling waterfalls. Its hiking trails offer spectacular winter trips complete with solitude and a backdrop of snowy peaks. The 600-hectare national park is centred on three volcanoes, Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro. In their foothills, Okahune, National Park and Whakapapa Village make great bases for exploration, as do other little Ruapehu region towns within easy reach. Tongariro is New Zealand’s oldest national park, established in 1887. It holds dual UNESCO World Heritage status for its cultural significance as well as its outstanding natural features. The park’s striking natural beauty is the result of two million years of volcanic activity. Ruapehu and Tongariro are two of the most active composite volcanoes in the world. Winter crossing of the Tongariro National Park Image compliments of Visit Ruapehu 52//WHERE ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS/#220 ADVENTUREMAGAZINE.CO.NZ 53
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