In 1925, famed author and angler Zane Grey described New Zealand as “The Angler’s Eldorado.” A hundred years later, that same spirit of adventure continues to inspire anglers from around the world.
Recently, Greg Nelson captured this legacy beautifully in his post “In Zane’s Footsteps on the Tongariro.” When planning his fly-fishing journey to New Zealand, Greg turned to us for expert guidance and personalized planning! Together, we helped him experience the legendary Tongariro River, where Zane Grey himself once cast a line.
Photo Credits: Greg Nelson
Here’s a glimpse of what they found:
Guided by the iconic Tim McCarthy at Tongariro Lodge, Greg and his fishing partner Doug enjoyed an unforgettable trip that captured the essence of New Zealand fly fishing.
Fast Action: Within minutes of stepping into the water, Greg hooked a strong rainbow trout, a thrilling start to the day.
Varied Catch: Over the course of the trip, they landed bright rainbows, solid browns, and even a rare leopard trout.
Historic Waters: They fished the same storied pools that placed New Zealand on the world angling map nearly a century ago.
Greg reflected that while the fish may have changed since Zane Grey’s time, the beauty, wildness, and challenge of the Tongariro remain unmatched.
We’re honored that Greg chose The Best of New Zealand to help craft this centenary adventure, and we’d love to help you plan one of your own. Whether you’re chasing a trophy rainbow or retracing the footsteps of angling legends, our team can design a journey tailored to you.
Contact our travel experts today to start planning your trip.
Read Greg’s full trip report and see his incredible photos here.
New Zealand`s rivers are world-class, and keeping them that way starts with how we fish them. From resting your beats to respecting fellow anglers on the water, ethical fly fishing practices protect the fishery for seasons to come.
Read our latest guide on New Zealand fly fishing etiquette via the link in our bio.
#newzealandflyfishing #flyfishingetiquette #protectnzrivers #nzflyfishing #bestofnzflyfishing
https://www.bestofnzflyfishing.com/uncategorized/fly-fishing-etiquette-rules-customs-and-river-ethics/
New Zealand`s rivers are world-class, and keeping them that way starts with how we fish them. From resting your beats to respecting fellow anglers on the water, ethical fly fishing practices protect the fishery for seasons to come.
Read our latest guide on New Zealand fly fishing etiquette via the link in our bio.
#newzealandflyfishing #flyfishingetiquette #protectnzrivers #nzflyfishing #bestofnzflyfishing
https://www.bestofnzflyfishing.com/uncategorized/fly-fishing-etiquette-rules-customs-and-river-ethics/
New Zealand trout don’t come small… and the Slivkers proved it🎣 What a day on the water, what a fish, and what a memory to take home.
Thinking of traveling for the 26-27 season? Contact our travel experts today!
#nzflyfishing #luxurynztravel #trophytrout #wildtrout #bestofnzflyfishing
New Zealand trout don’t come small… and the Slivkers proved it🎣 What a day on the water, what a fish, and what a memory to take home.
Thinking of traveling for the 26-27 season? Contact our travel experts today!
#nzflyfishing #luxurynztravel #trophytrout #wildtrout #bestofnzflyfishing
Fly fishing guides in New Zealand do so much to make your trip a success. They know great spots to fish and can really spot trout!
Thinking about travelling to New Zealand? Spots for the 2025-26 season are filling fast. Reach out to one of our Experts today!
Fly fishing guides in New Zealand do so much to make your trip a success. They know great spots to fish and can really spot trout!
Thinking about travelling to New Zealand? Spots for the 2025-26 season are filling fast. Reach out to one of our Experts today!
Albert P. with a beautiful brown trout!
#newzealandflyfishing #southislandnz #luxurytravelnz #catchandrealease #bestofnzflyfishing
Albert P. with a beautiful brown trout!
#newzealandflyfishing #southislandnz #luxurytravelnz #catchandrealease #bestofnzflyfishing
Wonderful photos from the Sabbatinis fly fishing adventure on New Zealand’s South Island rivers!🎣🏞️
#newzealandflyfishing #southislandnz #luxurytravelnz #catchandrealease #bestofnzflyfishing
Wonderful photos from the Sabbatinis fly fishing adventure on New Zealand’s South Island rivers!🎣🏞️
#newzealandflyfishing #southislandnz #luxurytravelnz #catchandrealease #bestofnzflyfishing
Looks like a beautiful North Island rainbow by Mr. Havens.
Join in on the fun and reach out to one of our experts to plan your 2025-26 trip to New Zealand!
#nzflyfishing #flyfishingnz #bestofnzyfishing #northisland #wildtrout
Looks like a beautiful North Island rainbow by Mr. Havens.
Join in on the fun and reach out to one of our experts to plan your 2025-26 trip to New Zealand!
#nzflyfishing #flyfishingnz #bestofnzyfishing #northisland #wildtrout
A Beginner`s Guide to New Zealand Fly Fishing
Dreaming of casting your line in the stunning landscapes of New Zealand? If you`re a beginner fly angler, don`t let the reputation of this iconic fishing destination intimidate you.
With a little preparation and a positive attitude, you can have an unforgettable experience.
This blog post will provide you with essential information to get started on your New Zealand fly fishing adventure....
🔗 Link in Bio to Read More!
A Beginner`s Guide to New Zealand Fly Fishing
Dreaming of casting your line in the stunning landscapes of New Zealand? If you`re a beginner fly angler, don`t let the reputation of this iconic fishing destination intimidate you.
With a little preparation and a positive attitude, you can have an unforgettable experience.
This blog post will provide you with essential information to get started on your New Zealand fly fishing adventure....
🔗 Link in Bio to Read More!
Good looking BoNZFF hats on a few of these lucky anglers (and guide!) many thanks to the Rochlins and Menascos for traveling this past year.
Good looking BoNZFF hats on a few of these lucky anglers (and guide!) many thanks to the Rochlins and Menascos for traveling this past year.
(🔗LINK IN BIO) Fly Fishing in Te Anau
Te Anau rests at the heart of the stunning Fiordland World Heritage Park, boasting a mere 3000 residents. Positioned at the southern tip of Lake Te Anau, the town enjoys a tranquil setting, bordered by the serene lake on its northern and western fronts, while lush mountains grace the opposite shores. Rolling farmland extends to the south and east, leading up to the imposing Takitimu Mountains, shielding the Te Anau Basin from southerly winds....
(🔗LINK IN BIO) Fly Fishing in Te Anau
Te Anau rests at the heart of the stunning Fiordland World Heritage Park, boasting a mere 3000 residents. Positioned at the southern tip of Lake Te Anau, the town enjoys a tranquil setting, bordered by the serene lake on its northern and western fronts, while lush mountains grace the opposite shores. Rolling farmland extends to the south and east, leading up to the imposing Takitimu Mountains, shielding the Te Anau Basin from southerly winds....
Beyond Just Fishing “Fairy tales can come true, it can happen to you, if you`re young at heart.”This lyric from Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen says a lot about New Zealand. Whether you`re after new challenges or a change of pace, New Zealand offers outdoor experiences that feel almost unreal, but they’re very real and very accessible. If you`re already planning a fly fishing trip, here’s what else you can add to your itinerary, and why so many people return for more than just the rivers....
https://www.bestofnzflyfishing.com/fly-fishing/why-new-zealand-is-perfect-for-outdoor-travel/
Beyond Just Fishing “Fairy tales can come true, it can happen to you, if you`re young at heart.”This lyric from Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen says a lot about New Zealand. Whether you`re after new challenges or a change of pace, New Zealand offers outdoor experiences that feel almost unreal, but they’re very real and very accessible. If you`re already planning a fly fishing trip, here’s what else you can add to your itinerary, and why so many people return for more than just the rivers....
https://www.bestofnzflyfishing.com/fly-fishing/why-new-zealand-is-perfect-for-outdoor-travel/
Congratulations to @paraparaumu_beach_golf_club and Leo Barber for recently winning the U.S. prestigious Ed Walsh Award! Well deserved recognition, we think! #golfnewzealand #newzealandgolf #paraparaumu #bestofnewzealand #golfnz
Congratulations to @paraparaumu_beach_golf_club and Leo Barber for recently winning the U.S. prestigious Ed Walsh Award! Well deserved recognition, we think! #golfnewzealand #newzealandgolf #paraparaumu #bestofnewzealand #golfnz
A few photos of Mr. Rooney enjoying a beautiful day @tongariro_lodge on his recent trip to New Zealand.
Thinking of travelling for the 25-26 season? Contact one of our Experts today!
#nzflyfishing #luxurynztravel #newzealandvacation #wildtrout #flyfishing #bestofnzflyfishing #catchoftheday
A few photos of Mr. Rooney enjoying a beautiful day @tongariro_lodge on his recent trip to New Zealand.
Thinking of travelling for the 25-26 season? Contact one of our Experts today!
#nzflyfishing #luxurynztravel #newzealandvacation #wildtrout #flyfishing #bestofnzflyfishing #catchoftheday
