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 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
Jim Z. with a great New Zealand trout!
Thinking of traveling for the 26-27 season? Contact one of our experts today!
#nzflyfishing #luxurynztravel #wildtrout #flyfishing #bestofnzflyfishing
Jim Z. with a great New Zealand trout!
Thinking of traveling for the 26-27 season? Contact one of our experts today!
#nzflyfishing #luxurynztravel #wildtrout #flyfishing #bestofnzflyfishing
What New Zealand Trout Like to Eat:
A Comprehensive Guide
New Zealand is renowned for its exceptional trout fishing, and understanding what trout eat is key to successful angling. The country’s rivers are typically “rough” streams with stony beds, alternating between tranquil pools and fast-moving rapids. While a few spring-fed streams resemble British chalk streams, most waters feature this dynamic mix of conditions, offering a diverse habitat for aquatic life.
Link in Bio to Read More!
https://www.bestofnzflyfishing.com/fly-fishing/what-new-zealand-trout-like-to-eat/
What New Zealand Trout Like to Eat:
A Comprehensive Guide
New Zealand is renowned for its exceptional trout fishing, and understanding what trout eat is key to successful angling. The country’s rivers are typically “rough” streams with stony beds, alternating between tranquil pools and fast-moving rapids. While a few spring-fed streams resemble British chalk streams, most waters feature this dynamic mix of conditions, offering a diverse habitat for aquatic life.
Link in Bio to Read More!
https://www.bestofnzflyfishing.com/fly-fishing/what-new-zealand-trout-like-to-eat/
Looks like another successful day courtesy of our friends @tongariro_lodge !
The 2025-26 season is just around the corner! Get in touch with our experts today and start planning your epic fly fishing adventure in New Zealand’s stunning landscapes.
Looks like another successful day courtesy of our friends @tongariro_lodge !
The 2025-26 season is just around the corner! Get in touch with our experts today and start planning your epic fly fishing adventure in New Zealand’s stunning landscapes.
What’s not to love? Beautiful day, beautiful hat and beautiful fish for Les!
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
Proud to once again have seen the Selvages enjoy their trip to New Zealand. A few beautiful photos of Browns here.
Why not try your hand in 2025-26 and reach out to one of our experts today!
#bestofnzflyfishing #nzflyfishing #luxurynztravel #newzealandvacation #wildtrout #flyfishing #newzealandflyfishing
Proud to once again have seen the Selvages enjoy their trip to New Zealand. A few beautiful photos of Browns here.
Why not try your hand in 2025-26 and reach out to one of our experts today!
#bestofnzflyfishing #nzflyfishing #luxurynztravel #newzealandvacation #wildtrout #flyfishing #newzealandflyfishing
Exploring New Zealand’s remote rivers leads to moments like this—a great catch in unforgettable surroundings.
Start planning your 2025-26 fly fishing adventure today!
#FlyFishingNZ #WildTrout #CatchOfTheDay #NZFishingAdventures
Exploring New Zealand’s remote rivers leads to moments like this—a great catch in unforgettable surroundings.
Start planning your 2025-26 fly fishing adventure today!
#FlyFishingNZ #WildTrout #CatchOfTheDay #NZFishingAdventures
(🔗LINK IN BIO) Fly fishing in Queenstown
Known as the Fisherman`s Gateway to the `Great Wild South`, Queenstown offers an unparalleled experience for anglers. Situated just a half-hour jet flight away from Christchurch International Airport, with well-maintained roads facilitating easy access by coach or car, Queenstown beckons with its promise of exploration and excitement.
(🔗LINK IN BIO) Fly fishing in Queenstown
Known as the Fisherman`s Gateway to the `Great Wild South`, Queenstown offers an unparalleled experience for anglers. Situated just a half-hour jet flight away from Christchurch International Airport, with well-maintained roads facilitating easy access by coach or car, Queenstown beckons with its promise of exploration and excitement.
(🔗LINK IN BIO) Fly Fishing in Tongariro The Tongariro region rests within the volcanic expanse of New Zealand`s North Island, a stunning landscape characterized by the grandeur of Lake Taupo and its encircling mountains. Within this natural marvel, the famous Tongariro River courses, inviting anglers to indulge in a truly world-class fishing adventure. Year-Round Angling Adventures Throughout the year, anglers can revel in the abundance of rainbow and brown trout, averaging 4.5 pounds, with the enticing prospect of landing a trophy catch weighing over ten pounds....
https://www.bestofnzflyfishing.com/fly-fishing/flyfishing-in-tongariro/
(🔗LINK IN BIO) Fly Fishing in Tongariro The Tongariro region rests within the volcanic expanse of New Zealand`s North Island, a stunning landscape characterized by the grandeur of Lake Taupo and its encircling mountains. Within this natural marvel, the famous Tongariro River courses, inviting anglers to indulge in a truly world-class fishing adventure. Year-Round Angling Adventures Throughout the year, anglers can revel in the abundance of rainbow and brown trout, averaging 4.5 pounds, with the enticing prospect of landing a trophy catch weighing over ten pounds....
https://www.bestofnzflyfishing.com/fly-fishing/flyfishing-in-tongariro/
Omaha Beach Golf Club: A Course on the Rise
If you`re planning a golf trip to the Matakana region, or heading south from the world-class fairways of Te Arai Links toward Auckland, there`s one course along the coast you shouldn`t drive past, Omaha Beach Golf Club. While Te Arai commands the global headlines, Omaha Beach has quietly undergone one of New Zealand`s most impressive course transformations in recent years. Here`s why it deserves a spot on your itinerary…
Read more through link in our bio.
📸 Omaha Beach Golf Club
#nzgolf #luxurygolftravel #newzealandtravel #newzealandgolfcourses #bestofnzgolf
Omaha Beach Golf Club: A Course on the Rise
If you`re planning a golf trip to the Matakana region, or heading south from the world-class fairways of Te Arai Links toward Auckland, there`s one course along the coast you shouldn`t drive past, Omaha Beach Golf Club. While Te Arai commands the global headlines, Omaha Beach has quietly undergone one of New Zealand`s most impressive course transformations in recent years. Here`s why it deserves a spot on your itinerary…
Read more through link in our bio.
📸 Omaha Beach Golf Club
#nzgolf #luxurygolftravel #newzealandtravel #newzealandgolfcourses #bestofnzgolf
Few anglers have logged more casts, more catches, and more laughs on New Zealand’s rivers than Al Coble.
Year after year, he returns to test himself, which is really a testament to passion, patience, and a love for these waters that runs deep.
Here’s to another season of unforgettable moments, Al. You’ve earned your legend status for sure!
#bestofnzflyfishing #troutfishingnewzealand #catchandrealease #flyfishingadventures #newzealandtravel
Few anglers have logged more casts, more catches, and more laughs on New Zealand’s rivers than Al Coble.
Year after year, he returns to test himself, which is really a testament to passion, patience, and a love for these waters that runs deep.
Here’s to another season of unforgettable moments, Al. You’ve earned your legend status for sure!
#bestofnzflyfishing #troutfishingnewzealand #catchandrealease #flyfishingadventures #newzealandtravel
