CrosbyGarret Fly Rods, custom built and powered by New Zealand technology
Fly Rods, custom built and powered by New Zealand technology
Central North Island Fly Fishing
The Volcanic Plateau
Recent volcanic activity has shaped the course and character of the rivers and lakes in these regions.
Lakes that formed in volcanic craters are drained by the Tarawera, Kaituna and upper Waikato rivers.
The headwaters of the Rangitaiki river are in the hills to the east of Taupo township. From there the river flows north through the town of Murupara to reach the sea in the Bay of Plenty.
Each of the three sections of the river offer very different fishing conditions.
The Manganuioteao River is a beautiful scenic river which supports a nationally significant fishery for brown and rainbow trout.
The Manganuioteao River is situated north of Raetihi in the Ruapehu district of the central North Island. It rises on the western flows of Mt Ruapehu and flows through native forest and farmland to its confluence with the Whanganui River 13 kilometres above Pipiriki.
Other rivers and lakes in the Ruapehu area include the upper Whanganui, Whakapapa River, Ongarue River, Lake Otamangakau, Retaruke River
- Fish & Game New Zealand.
- Ruapehu tourism.
- Rotorua tourism.
- We recommend nzfishing.com for detailed maps and in depth fishing information fly fishing in new Zealand and details for these rivers.
Rangitikei and Manawatu Fly Fishing
In the western uplands of the North Island (Taranaki, Rangitikei and Manawatu), rivers incise deeply and often flow through long gorges.
Examples are the Mokau, Waitara, Patea, Waitotara, Waingongoro, Whanganui, Whangaehu, Turakina and Rangitikei rivers. To the south, the Manawatu River has formed a flood plain.
The Rangitikei is not only a beautiful river, but the inspiriation and home for CrosbyGarret Fly Rods. The Rangitikei provides wilderness fishing for trophy sized fish in its headwaters. It also has a number of very important tributaries which are also major fisheries.
After it reaches Marton, the Rangitikei River flows between sandstone banks that have an extraordinary sequence of terraces. These are the remnants of ancient flood plains that the river built and then cut down over a period of 250,000 years.
Our life, our inspiration. We are custodians of a great treasure.
Fly Fishing: New Zealand rivers and waterways
Rivers are a defining feature of the New Zealand landscape. There are many, and in such a small country they are never far away.
The South Island has 40 major river catchments, and the North Island has 30. Over 180,000 kilometres of rivers have been mapped, and this excludes thousands of small streams.
Trout are big and plentiful throughout the country. Lakes, rivers, backcountry stream and spring creeks all offer opportunities to enjoy fishing at its very best. In the South Island you can also fish for salmon in many places.
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.
Fishing in New Zealand is administerd by local Fish and Game departments. Each region has a section on their website that will keep you up to date with local news, regulations, fishing reports and more.
For more information see Fish & Game New Zealand.
We also recommend nzfishing.com which contains detailed maps and fishing information
How New Zealand rivers are formed
Mountains and rainfall
Much of New Zealand is raised high above the sea, with mountain ranges running along the middle of the North and South islands. New Zealand experiences intense rainfall where westerly airflows are driven across the mountains.
Unlike many countries, which lose 70% of their precipitation through evaporation, New Zealand loses on average just 30%, ensuring that its river volumes in their natural state are relatively large.
Seasonal variations in rainfall mean that river levels change during the year. Most rivers on the east coast of both islands have lower flows during the dry summers. But in the South Island's eastern snow-fed rivers, lowest flows occur during winter and spring, before the snow melts.
Geological processes
The headwaters of most of the major rivers in the South Island were once glaciers. During ice ages, glaciers moved down the mountains, carving out river valleys, and carrying down glacial gravels. The Canterbury Plains were formed from outwash gravels, which also created the wide beds of braided rivers such as the Rakaia.
Earthquakes and volcanic activity can affect the course of rivers. Maruia Falls, on the Maruia River in the Buller area, is a dramatic example of the effects of the Murchison earthquake of 1929. The river was diverted by a landslide during the earthquake, and cut a new channel that causes the river to cascade over a cliff edge.
Rocks and rivers
Rivers are influenced by rock type, which varies greatly throughout the country. For example, the Whanganui River cuts through relatively soft mudstones and sandstones, and its waters slide gently between steep, bush-clad cliffs of papa rock. In contrast, the Clutha and Kawarau rivers in Otago, which have their source in alpine snow and ice, tumble among hard schist boulders and river-worn gravel, through arid gorges.
Information source: David Young. 'Rivers - Types of river', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, updated 1-Mar-09
Close to our Heart: Protecting and re-establishing New Zealand Wetlands
Rivers are a defining feature of the New Zealand landscape. There are many, and Wetlands are the forgotten but essential part of the river eco-system. Wetlands are often under-rated because their beauty is perhaps not immediately obvious. Over 90 percent of New Zealand's wetlands have been drained or filled.
At the home of CrosbyGarret we have replanted an old creek system with native wetland plants traditionally found in our area, encouraging native wildlife back to the farm.
Our wetlands support a greater diversity of native birds, fish, invertebrates and plants than most other habitats, yet many wetland species are threatened with extinction.
Wetlands perform vital ecosystem services such as improving water quality and reducing flood risks. They are also essential in managing climate change. Healthy peat bogs are year-round sinks of 2-5 tonnes of carbon per hectare – locking it up in their soil indefinitely.
Wetlands are also of cultural and spiritual significance. They provide food (particularly wildfowl, eels and other freshwater fish), taro cultivation, harakeke (flax) for weaving and other materials for medicinal, food, building, and craft use.
Ngati Tukorehe, Te Hakari Wetlands Project is one such iniciative that is leading the way in teh protection and extension of existing wetlands.