Tongariro Lodge
Central North Island
Tongariro Lodge oozes history and heritage. Having celebrated its 30th anniversary several years ago, it is one of the country’s most iconic fishing lodges, drawing on these years of experience to offer you a great fishing stay.
As they say – “Zane Grey made it famous, the Queen Mother stalked trout in it, Jimmy Carter found solitude beside it. The incomparable Tongariro River, yours to share and enjoy.”
Situated in the central North Island, on the banks of the Tongariro River just south of Lake Taupo, Tongariro Lodge is set in 22 acres of beautiful gardens and mature trees. Accommodation is in 2 -5 bedroom villas and individual studio-style chalets, each with its own private terrace. A quiet spa pool and all-weather tennis court will help fill any non-fishing days. There’s also a private Executive Villa for small group incentive stays or larger family groups. This is very popular.
Outdoor enthusiasts will also enjoy the range of character-building activities available here including hiking (especially the famed alpine Tongariro Crossing), white-water rafting, jet-boating, snow-skiing (in winter), horse trekking, hunting and golf.
The lodge is open all year to make the most of the rainbow and brown trout that patrol the river, and in the 40 other nearby rivers and four lakes. Rainbow trout have an open season all year in the lower river reaches and the lake and brown trout can be fished October to May. It’s a fisherman’s dream.
Accommodation:
guests stay in private comfortable 2 – 5 bedroom villas or more compact 1 bedroom chalets
villas are a home away from home, with a separate lounge and dining area, bathroom and/or ensuites and a full kitchen and laundry
the chalets are the original Tongariro Lodge accommodations, now smartly refurbished, with comfortable bedding, tea and coffee facilities and ensuite
villas and chalets have private terraces and a pretty garden setting
king beds and other bedding options available on request
chalets have a drying cupboard for wet fishing gear
The Main Lodge:
dark timbers, river views, fine food and old photographs set the scene in the main lodge
sit around the open fire in the main lounge or withdraw to the library for a quieter space
the lodge is well known for its fine dining, with a superb 4-course a la carte meal served each night
breakfast and lunch is at your leisure and you can arrange a hamper lunch to take out on the river with you
Tongariro Lodge has a variety of accommodation choices and offers a great value stay
The Fishing:
over 40 rivers and 4 lakes are available to fish, depending on the time of year
access is by foot, 4WD, raft or boat. Heli fishing is also available
trout over 5kg (10lb) landed with an average of over 2kg (4lb)
rainbow trout are fished all year and brown trout from October to May (the southern summer)
top guides are available. Gear and tackle are included in the guide price. They can also supply any gear you have left behind
suggested gear – gortex with wading boots and good quality polaroid glasses, heavy wool socks, wide brimmed hat, wool sweater and rain jacket
suggested tackle – a weight 6, 9ft fly rod with a 7/8 outfit for larger rivers and lake fishing.
we recommend the use of local fly patterns provided by our guides, although some American dry flies (in sizes 12 to 14) are popular — including Royal Wulf, Elk Hair Caddis, Humpie, Irresistible, Simulators and Cicada imitations
tapered leaders which are 9-16 feet long with 4-6 lb tippet
guided fishing rates start from NZD$995 for a full day, NZD$600 for a half day (4 hrs), low season rates. Includes expert tuition, packed lunch (full day only) and any equipment the client needs. Maximum of 2 people per guide. Boat fishing (max 4 people) is also available on the lake; licences extra
Tariff:
Lodge accommodation - from NZD$225 per night for 2 people (twin share) low season rates, room only. Breakfast and dinner can be added.
Seasonal rates are available
Multi-day stay/fish packages available
Cancellation and covid policies apply
New Zealand Fishing Licenses for Non-residents start from NZD$35 per day or NZD$250 for a season pass
Season:
Tongariro Lodge is open all year; the Tongariro River and Lake Taupo are open year round for rainbow and brown trout. Most backcountry rivers and streams are closed for fishing 1 October – 30 June, but most lakes and lower tributaries remain open.