Experience Fly Fishing

Fly Fishing Guides Taupo & Tongariro

Tongariro River Fishing

We offer Tongariro Region full day trips on the Tongariro River chasing rainbow trout of 2-5lb or brown trout of 3-15lb. The style of fishing depends on the season, in summer the fish feed more actively and large browns can be targeted on a dry and nymph dropper and in winter there are big runs of rainbows. Raft fishing through the Tongariro River Gorge is another option.

Wilderness Fly Fishing

There are many rivers and streams in pristine surroundings within 45-90mins drive of either Taupo or Turangi. While day trips are the norm, wilderness camp outs offer a great opportunity to experience some remarkable New Zealand fishing locations. Still-water fisheries such as the legendary Lake Otamangakau which sits under the volcanoes of the Tongariro National Park are also renown for trophy rainbow and brown trout.

Taupo Winter Fly Fishing

The Taupo and Tongariro fishery has a number of small tributaries which receive large runs of spawning Rainbows from Autumn to Spring each year. We offer either day or half day trips with some options requiring little to no walking, and others a physical day out. Catch rates can be high when the fish are ‘running’ to spawn. Fishing the mouths of the tributaries where they flow into Lake Taupo is another possibility.

Central North Island Fishing

Working with clients over a few days to explore the central North Island fishery – including the Hawkes Bay, Urewera’s, Rangetaikei, King Country & Rotorua Districts – is our specialty. Either wilderness full day trips, multi-day trips staying at accommodation closer to the fishing locations or overnight camp out’s are possible. A flexible plan to accommodate weather and river conditions is often the best option.

Riverstone Fly Fishing Guides

Rob Henderson

Head Guide

I began my trout fishing obsession early morning harling on Lake Rotorua with my father as a 10-year-old and then through my teens I got the fly fishing bug. Of course, as life goes there was never enough time for what’s important so in the early 2000’s I moved to Turangi and setup Riverstone Backpackers, a boutique accommodation facility for independent travelers and fishermen. I now live in Taupo with my partner and two children

I have fly fished all over NZ but during the past 10-years, I have concentrated my efforts on the Central North Island, from the Rotorua Lakes District to the Hawkes Bay, the King Country and of course the Taupo and Tongariro Regions. I have always had a passion for seeking out new waters and solitude so increasingly I am seeking to always go that little bit further than the last angler.

As most anglers understand being able to do that requires some a degree of freedom and time, what better way to achieve that than to be a fly fishing guide! From extensive international travel in my earlier years, managing an accommodation business and living in a small country in the middle of nowhere that dealing with people from outside the ‘fishbowl’ is important. It’s that needs for new experiences and ideas that fuels the way we ‘do business’ and we hope that enthusiasm shows through in your experience.

Andrew Blake

Fish-A-Holic

I am a fish-a-holic and pioneered using the Internet to promote guided fly fishing through Anglers Anonymous during the early 2000’s, and then as a Charter Boat Operator in the Bay of Islands. In one of those years, the Tongariro river alone was graced with my presence on around 200 days where I learned how to Tongariro Roll Cast.

Fishing has been my passion since I was old enough to go out in the boat with my father. With the first knock on the door at 5 in the morning I would leap out of bed, fly into my clothes and run out to help get the boat ready – forgetting about breakfast and all other non-fishing essential trivialities.

After seeing my father work until he was 65, saving for his retirement and looking forward to going fishing with his family, he was diagnosed with cancer at 66 and died at 67. Having been in the ‘rat race’ for all those years this was a lesson for me that life is short so you must enjoy it while you can. Hence I went fishing. And fishing. And fishing!

Whether it is taking similar minded experienced fish-a-holics out to help them indulge their passion or whether it is taking beginners out and helping guide them on their first New Zealand fly fishing experience to their first trout, this job is fantastic!

What our customers say

“Rob is an experienced guide that knows where to fish in the Tongariro and surrounding rivers to catch those big Rainbows we all dream about. He doesn’t take you to the normal spots unless the fish are active there. Rob is easy to get along with, he is willing to adjust plans to your every wish and I guarantee you will catch fish. Not only did my fishing skills improve but I got the opportunity to see and experience the beautiful wilderness surroundings of New Zealand Fishing”

David Vanacore, Los Angeles, California USA

“I had an excellent when I fished with Rob in December 2016. He introduced me to the essential Kiwi fishing techniques and got me into some good fishing off the beaten track along the TongariRiverver. In some tough conditions he kept the tension high and provided me with some very helpful advice on good fishing spots for the rest of my trip all over New Zealand. It was fun fishing with him and not to forget; at the end of a tough and hot fishing day, back at the car he had some ice cold beer ready!”

Christian Thaladimer, Norway

“Andrew thank you so much for your time and patience in teaching us to fly fishing in New Zealand's beautiful North Island. A 5 & 6-pound brown trout each and then 3 more rainbow trout by the end of the day! Still telling our friends how fantastic the whole experience was and how good we are at fly fishing! We'll definitely be back for more, you've got Adam hooked (he's bought a salt water fly fishing rod & reel), he's practicing in Oz on our salt water rivers to perfect his fly casting technique for our next New Zealand fly fishing trip to the Central North Island.”

Llew & Adam Dowley, Australia

“I was lucky enough to have a time-slot open to fish in the Tongariro region and Rob guided me for a day. He showed me where the fish were lying in each spot and, shared some of his secret locations. As I was time pressed hiring a guide with great local knowledge proved to be a sound decision. I'll certainly book him again next time I am coming through the region and would recommend the experience to others too.”

Tim Haynes, Auckland NZ

“Every time I’m in NZ I will not hesitate to contact Rob for a fishing trip. He has intricate knowledge of all the best spots for fishing in the area and you will never be disappointed! From where to fish and what flies to use, Rob knows it all. He’s the man to bring you to places where few have ventured. Rob is also a very good teacher and my fly fishing skills has improved under his guidance.”

Shapy Khan, Singapore

“My wife and I novice plus fly fishermen. Spent two days with Riverstone Fly Fishing Guides, Rob supplied all our gear plus a delicious lunch and was very patient with us casting. We anded 6 nice rainbows and lost lots of others, wonderful locations and had one fish for dinner yummy. I would highly recommend this experience for those seeking out guides who really go the extra mile in terms of catering to your needs, and providing an immersive experience with great local knowledge in beautiful New Zealand Fishing locations.”

Dave Yonders, New York USA

Book Your Trout Fishing Guide Here

Please fill out and submit the booking request form. We will reply to confirm availability, an invoice will be emailed and we will hold the booking for 7 days until we receive a 50% deposit to confirm your booking. Please pay by direct bank credit or use your PayPal account, Visa or Mastercard to pay using the PayPal button

If you are unsure of your best options, which dates to book or looking to plan a multiday itinerary, we welcome a telephone call or email to discuss your needs. For information about what to expect during your trip, terms and conditions and other important details, please check out our frequently asked questions and terms and conditions.