I have just returned from a three-week road trip to New Zealand where one of my stops was Tongariro Lodge, a long-established fishing lodge on the southern shores of Lake Taupo and at the foot of the spectacular Tongariro National Park. It’s a North Island gem fully deserving of its excellent reputation.
Offering world class fly fishing in a properly pristine wilderness it’s a great choice for anglers of all experience to enjoy an unforgettable fishing adventure. Even ahead of the summer peak, we had plenty of action fishing for lively rainbow trout on the beautiful Upper Tongariro River.
With only one day to fish we didn’t see more than this lovely river but stay a little longer and you get access to over 40 rivers, three lakes, some exciting back-country heli fishing and rafting opportunities. November and December are also great times for adventurous anglers to enjoy overnight camping on the backwaters.
December to March marks the height of New Zealand’s summer and the peak of the famous wilderness fishing. Picture this:
• Exhilarating dry fly action as cicada hatches reach their peak.
• Crystal-clear headwater streams revealing trophy brown and rainbows – is an angler’s dream.
• Trophy-worthy brown trout in the Tongariro River, some weighing up to 12lb, ready to test your skills.
Whether you’re an experienced angler or a first-timer, the personable, experienced guides are on hand to show you wonderful sport in a variety of stunning locations.
It’s not just fishing that can be enjoyed either, you can combine your angling experience with:
• The iconic Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand’s most popular one-day hike.
• Thrilling heli-hiking, mountain biking, and scenic flights over breathtaking landscapes.
The lodge itself provides a range of accommodation in private chalets and villas set within the 22 acres of park-like grounds. The a cosy bar and great restaurant provide the perfect setting after a day’s activity. In short, you could spend several days here exploring the fishing, Taupo and the national park. Centrally located, four hours’ drive from both Auckland or Wellington and just a 40 minute drive from Taupo Airport (daily flights from Auckland) it’s an easy fit to a longer New Zealand itinerary and a stop I’d heartily recommend.
If you would like more details about New Zealand or Tongariro Lodge in particular please contact Alex Jardine or call our office on +44(0)1980 847389.
About the author: Charlotte Opperman