Ultimate New Zealand - 7 Perfect Days at Tongariro Lodge

Anglers staying at Tongariro Lodge have a multitude of options available, beginning with the famous Tongariro River which flows steps away from the lodge. The upper stretches of the Tongariro are accessed via raft and these trips provide access to otherwise unreachable water. On the lower stretches of the Tongariro, the annual cicada hatch provides shots at large, wild brown trout on dry flies. In addition to the Tongariro, there are many other wilderness rivers that can be accessed from the lodge. Utilizing helicopters and 4x4 vehicles, anglers can reach remote streams that see few anglers.

Here is a look at our one of our favorite itineraries for seeing the best of what Tongariro Lodge has to offer all in a single trip.

Arrive Tongariro Lodge in New Zealand

Day 1 : Private 4WD River Access
The fishing will start taking a 4WD to one of Tongariro’s private access rivers.  This is a high numbers stream with eager mid -sized rainbows that will welcome you to the country.   

Day 2: Rafting the Tongariro
Raft the upper reaches of the Tongariro River.  This is a white-water wilderness stream with good numbers of hot, healthy rainbows.

Days 3 - 4: Heli-fishing New Zealand's Remote Backcountry
After two warm up days on rivers with mid-sized fish, fly into one of Tongariro’s back county gems.  This is a trophy section of river where the fish average 7-pounds.  This is an overnight trip using a very basic backcountry hut for shelter.  The pilot will drop off the anglers, guide, and all food and equipment for two days at the hut.  The first day will be spent walking downstream then fishing back up to the hut.  The evening will be spent around the campfire complete with a hearty meal and New Zealand wine.  The second day will be spent fishing upstream from the hut.  At the end of the day the helicopter will drop into the valley to pick us up for a spectacular ride back to the lodge. 

Day 5: 4WD Access to a Remote Creek
4WD into a hidden bush-clad stream in the nearby area and spend the day walking and presenting dry flies to large resident rainbows and browns.

 Day 6: Heli-fishing for Trophy Trout
Our time at Tongariro will finish with another helicopter flight out to a small and relatively arid trophy trout stream.

Day 7: Reflect, Rest & Depart
Sleep in, have a late breakfast, depart

Note: This is an example of a dream itinerary at Tongariro Lodge and subject to availability. 4-day options are available upon request. Helicopter and raft fees are not included in the rate and paid onsite subject to availability.