Tongariro-Taupo
Posted by: 
StagsRoar
S 38° 58.990 E 175° 48.931
60H E 397407 N 5684424
Fly Fishings Eldorado - the Fly Fishing Capital of the World
Waymark Code: WM362
Location: North Island, New Zealand
Date Posted: 10/29/2005
Views: 98
The Tongariro river is a tributary of Lake Taupo in the Central North Island of New Zealand. It is no secret that this is the trout Mecca of the world where good stocks of Rainbow & Brown Trout exist being managed by the Department of Conservation.
The above listed co-ordinates should place you in Turangi Township beside the Tongariro River as there is no one particular place to fish this river - the whole river having good potential. Turangi is situated on the Southern end of Lake Taupo close to the Tongariro Delta. Various Motels and Backpackers Hostels may be found here in the Turangi or Taupo Township on the North Side of the Lake.
The regulations and Fishing licence information can be otained from Dept Of Conservation in Turangi or by going to the following website, as well as a map of the river and it's pools in PDF format :
Click Here .
Having fished this river myself I would advocate it as "it doesn't get any better than this" , with clear water and lots of runs and riffles on which to cast a fly. For the spotting caster there is also good pools to be had as well. This River is well worth the visit and "CATCH & RELEASE" is encouraged.
The River usually contains good stocks of predominantly Rainbow Trout but Brown Trout certainly are there as well. Numerous amounts of Fishing Guides advertise in the area but if your daring enough and have a few clues then going solo can be equally satifying.
You'll need waders for the various pools and for access to some places and take with you a good sense of courteousness to use with other anglers you are bound to meet on your forays on this river. You won't have the river to yourself - but don't let that discourage you!
From Turangi Township go 3kms south on State Highway 1 and the
D.O.C Trout Centre is located next to the River where a Hatchery and a viewing window can be seen to see Trout in a natural looking Creek.
In the greater area are numerous National Parks and State Forests etc - so as well as Fishing there is Hiking, Hunting and also Skiing at Whakapapa Ski Feild on Mt Ruapehu about 40mins away.
The place is well worth the visit whether you are a Kiwi or whether you reside on the opposite side of the world.
For the lake Fisherman - then Lake Taupo is for you and lots of websites exist for you to do your homework on regarding this option of fishing as well.
If you have been there then log your experience, if you haven't - then go!