wellington
Notable
Waters: Hutt and Rangitikei Rivers
Our capital city is built on a magnificent harbour surrounded by
the rugged Rimutaka and Tararua mountain ranges. These ranges
spawn gushing river torrents that spill out onto the plains as
very productive freshwater fisheries.
The Wellington fisheries region encompasses the Wairarapa,
Horowhenua and Manawatu districts, offering a remarkable variety
of sport fishing within easy reach of the capital.
The Hutt River, on the citys doorstep, is an important
fishery with easy access via riverside parks and walkways. Top
quality brown trout cant resist a well-presented wet fly or
spinning lure. Just over the hill is the Wainuiomata River, which
is managed as a trophy brown trout fishery. Big browns can easily
be spotted cruising the middle reaches and may succumb to a dry
fly or nymph. This trout fishing bounty in the city environs also
includes several productive mountain rivers such as the
Akatarawa, Pakuratahi and Mangaroa, which are all close to Hutt
City.
The Wairarapa provides quality angling in an uncrowded, pristine
mountain environment where the slopes are clothed with luxuriant
native forest. The Ruamahanga, Waiohine, Waingawa and
Tauherenikau rivers drain the Tararua Ranges through spectacular
gorges and idyllic grassy flats where you can enjoy an
anglers El Dorado of classic wilderness fishing
- tall, stately forest, deep, silent pools, mellifluous birdsong
and perfectly conditioned fighting fish.
The Horowhenua-Kapiti Coast area has two valuable fisheries - the
Otaki and Waikanae rivers, which offer rewarding fly-fishing
experiences in the mountainous backcountry of the headwaters. The
Manawatu-Rangitikei district also has top-shelf angling. The
Rangitikei headwaters offer an angling experience that defines
the very best of New Zealand trout fishing. This river is
frequently mentioned in New Zealand angling literature because of
the large size and quality of the resident rainbow trout. The
Hautapu River is notable as it is managed as a trophy fishery for
brown trout.
Guided fly-fishing trips on the Rangitikei River and tributaries
are available in Palmerston North and Mangaweka.
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