Central North Island Fishing Itinerary

To Owhango

Head to the small settlement of Owhango on SH 4 which provides an excellent base for fishing some wonderful rivers such as the headwaters of the Whanganui or the massive and challenging Whakapapa. These are the major rivers in the area, but there are also a number of smaller tributary waters provide excellent backcountry fishing, all beneath the North Island's highest mountain, Mt Ruapehu.

Owhango-Turangi

A short drive (approx 1 hour) over the Desert Rd beneath the towering Mt Ruapehu brings you to the Central North Island townships of National Park and then Turangi. Numerous rivers around this area provide superb fishing, but the jewel is probably the Lake Otomangakau (or the "Big O" as locals call it). Along with Lake Rotoaira, this was one of the venues for the 2008 World Fly-Fishing Championships and is the home of some very large fish. The rivers and canals around the lake are reknown for the freely rising fish and provide some wonderful fishing.

Turangi-Ohakune

Take a short drive (about 1 hour) south to the township of Ohakune where a variety of waters await you. There is plenty of fishing for all skill levels within a short distance, from the beautiful Mangawhero with its large population of smallish fish, to the lovely untamed Manganui-o-te-Ao with its large population of wild large fish in a scenic backcountry setting that will challenge more energetic anglers .

Ohakune-Turangi

Travel north back to the township of Turangi and experience the thrill of fishing one of the world's most famous rivers, the Tongariro. This river, where the amount of fish caught each year is measured in the tons, is a must on anyone's central area itinerary, providing wonderful winter fishing for the runs of huge spawning trout and summer fishing for the resident fish in the river.

Turangi-Murupara

Travel further north along the eastern bank of Lake Taupo, then east to the small man-made lake, Lake Aniwhenua. This small shallow lake produces very good fishing from both boat and shore. Those wishing to fish rivers should look at the mighty Rangitaiki River with its many kilometers of top quality fishing for large rainbow trout. There are many other tributaries such as the Horomanga River which provide smaller but no less exciting fishing.

Murupara-Rotorua

Continue north to SH 30 and turn towards Rotorua. You will pass a number of beautiful lakes such as Lake Rotoma and Lake Rotoiti but half way along Lake Rotoiti, take the turnoff to Lake Okataina. This lake provides some of the best wilderness lake fishing in the North Island. Deep and set in a pristine bush clad valley, fish grow to huge sizes. While a boat allows access to the best fishing, there is good shoreline fishing just a short walk from the car-park at the end of the road.