Trout Fishing

New Zealand is one of the world’s great fishing countries. Trout are big and plentiful throughout the country. Lakes, rivers, backcountry stream and spring creeks all offer fantastic opportunities to enjoy fishing at its very best. Most waters in New Zealand are in the public domain. Many are easily accessed via public right of way and the Queens Chain. Others can usually be visited through landowner permission.

Rainbow and brown trout exist in abundance in most waters. A variety of fishing methods can be used to catch them. Please be aware of local regulations regarding seasons, catch limits, licensing laws and fishing methods. Fishing in New Zealand is administered by local Fish & Game departments.

Areas of particular note which are reasonably handy to Fernleaf Farmstay include:

Whakapapa River For more information see

Whanganui River For more information see

Manganuioteao River. Considered by many anglers to be the jewel in the crown of the Taranaki Fish and Game Region’s fisheries, this river is rated very highly by anglers who travel great distances to enjoy its outstanding scenic and recreational values. More Information

Mangawhero River
Located near Ohakune, the Mangawhero contains a good population of brown trout averaging 1.5kg. The main fishing area is a 10km reach between Ohakune and a gorge, which the river enters as it leaves the central plateau. Access is from within Ohakune township and from Mangarewa Road, SH49 and Pakihi Road. Nymph, dry and wet fly fishing are popular and the usual patterns work well. Fish rise mostly at dusk, although daytime activity occurs in December when brown and green beetles are abundant. The Mangawhero below the Raetihi-Ohakune Road “golf course” bridge is open to all year angling.

Retaruke River

Lake Otamangakau. More information