Fly Fishing New Zealand's North Island

Auckland, Wellington, Tongariro River, and Hawke’s Bay

Trip Details

Itinerary

Day 1: Auckland

Welcome to New Zealand! Arrive into Auckland and discover the “City of Sails,” named for beautiful Auckland’s most popular sport. Stay in a boutique hotel in the center of the city. 

Days 2-4: Waiheke Island

Enjoy some time wandering around Auckland this morning. Then catch the ferry to Waiheke Island at your leisure. Waiheke Island, in Hauraki Gulf, is part of the protected Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park. While some are drawn to this island for its moniker “Island of Wine,” others come for its amazing saltwater fly fishing. Spend a full day on the water with a private fishing guide, and one afternoon on a privately guided wine tour. Each night, settle in to luxury accommodations in coastal cottages overlooking the white sandy beach and bay. An excellent restaurant is onsite. 

Days 5-7: Tongariro National Park

Returning from Waiheke Island by ferry, drive south through beautiful countryside to the center of the North Island and the heart of Tongariro National Park. Tongariro is the oldest national park in New Zealand, boasting some of the country’s most dramatic landscapes, including emerald lakes, alpine meadows, massive volcanoes, and hot springs.A full day in the great outdoors includes either an all-day horseback ride through the Kaitieke Valley or the Tongariro Crossing, a classic trek through the mountains. Stay in an elegant chateau, with comfortable accommodations and excellent access to all things Tongariro. 

Days 8-10: Turangi

Travel east, but not too far! Next stop – Turangi, a small fishing town (with a big reputation) on the west bank of the Tongariro River. This is New Zealand’s hottest trout fishing destination, known in particular for its rainbow trout. Spend days casting a line into the Tongariro River, smaller streams, and possibly neighboring Lake Taupo.After a full day of fishing, retreat to a fabulous fishing lodge on 22 acres within casting distance of the Tongariro River, boasting fine accommodations, superb dining, and excellent hosts. 

Days 11-13: Hawke’s Bay

Another stunning drive! Return to the coast, this time to Hawke’s Bay, an area known for its award-winning wines and variety of fisheries – five rivers flow across the bay! (Don’t speed – you’ll get there, you’ll get there!) Needless to say, there are many angling options to choose from, and your local fishing guide will lead the way depending on weather and conditions. Accommodations are at a very special Relais and Chateaux property, situated atop dramatic cliffs on 6,000 rolling acres of pasture land in one of the most spectacular settings anywhere. Activities are plentiful, with wildlife viewing, clay target shooting, walking trails, horseback riding, mountain biking, and spa services. Three days to fish, play, dine, stay! 

Days 14-15: Wellington

This fishing extravaganza wraps up with a leisurely drive to Wellington, and more beauty along the way. There is much to see and do in Wellington, and a boutique hotel located opposite the harbor and a stone’s throw from the National Museum is the perfect place from which to stroll and take in the city sites. 

Day 16: Fly Home from Wellington

Make an easy transfer to the airport for flights home across the Pacific. 

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