Taste of The North Island

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Contact us to plan and book your NZ fly fishing adventure.

The North Island of New Zealand offers great fly fishing in addition to excellent opportunities to experience some of the best wines and most innovative restaurants in the country. The trend of NZ menus today often feature a range of fresh ingredients supplied through artisanal markets and local producers including lamb, beef, fresh seafood, and in-season vegetables and fruits. 

A fishing itinerary that touches exploring wines and Kiwi cuisine need not separate a great fly fishing experience from great food. In fact, some lodges and accommodations specifically feature celebrity chefs and local wines pairings, as done here

No matter how many in your party our team has worked with travelers, families and groups of varying sizes to ensure that all members gain the experience they they want from their time in New Zealand.

The Northland and Auckland

As the country's largest city, Auckland is one of the centers of New Zealand's culinary world and home for many of the country's innovative restaurants and up-and-coming chefs. Much of the farm-to-table fresh fruit and vegetables, wine and craft beers will be sourced from farms and specialty producers based in the Northland, which has the country's most temperate climate.

Freshwater fy fishing in Auckland and to the north are unfortunately limited, while near-shore salt water fly fishing and deep sea can be excellent. Anglers who wish to include Auckland and the "winterless North" into their itinerary will do so to augment their fishing in other parts of the country and explore this area's museums, cultural centers, pre-European forest walks, wineries and near-shore ferry island hops.

Central North Island

Anglers who travel to New Zealand do so in order to cast to large trout- and this happens in the central region of the North Island. No North Island fly fishing itinerary is complete without a stop here. And although farmland dominates this area one should not overlook opportunities to experience a few of the more special activities and cuisine offered.

Accommodations range from the ultra-luxurious Huka Lodge to authentic fly fishing lodges and boutique B&Bs/ Hotels. Meals at each of these locations will be excellent in addition to our team's ability to augment your experience with restaurant recommendations and reservations.

As an example of an exciting cultural opportunity combined with cuisine is a privately guided tour of a geyser field followed by a meal cooked in traditional methods (Hangi)- via boiling thermal pools and buried pots in the ground (similar to the style used in Hawaii). Other activities may include enjoying canapés and wine on a chartered sailboat in the late afternoon/ evening as the sun fades and stars present themselves.

Hawke's Bay

Located on the east side of Island, a stay in Hawke's Bay is perfect for a couple or small group comprising a mix of anglers and friends.  Expect roadside farm stands, small farms and tucked away restaurants, making it an ideal place to wander and relax. Fly fishing in this area is available via beautiful wide rivers that flow into the ocean in addition to access to spring streams. The Best of New Zealand team will arrange for a private guide to meet anglers in the morning and take them to the water while others in the party may explore other activities, including:

Wine Culture: Hawke’s Bay is New Zealand’s second largest wine growing region and its oldest. Early missionaries planted the first vines in this area in the mid-1800’s and today it is home to close to 100 wineries- traditionally known for full bodied red wines like Syrah and Cabernet grapes. A day in Hawke's Bay may include being met by a private tour guide who transports you into the region to explore a tastings, have lunch and a meet a winemaker or two. Interesting locations include Bilancia and Bridge Pa, Clearview, Craggy Range, and Mission Estate among many others.

Biking and Outdoors: For those more adventurous, self-guided or private bike rides will stretch along the Bay and allow stops into small producers and wineries as well. With the nearby Art Deco city of Napier this region is dry and temperate. Summers will tend to be longer and ideal for growing grapes and riding long into the afternoon.

Golf: A round of golf at Cape Kidnappers is a must for even the occasional player. Founded in 2004 and designed by Tom Doak, this super-luxury golf course and boutique accommodation is ranked amongst the best in the world. Views from the cliffs over the water will rival any in the world for its beauty.

Accommodations in this area can range from the super-luxurious, to boutiques, to charming B&Bs, to  private homes and cottages nestled amongst the vines of a winery. Upon  returning to your accommodations we may have for you an arranged private chef to prepare the evening dinner while your group relaxes over a bottle of wine. However with excellent restaurant options in the area, including more upscale winery restaurants as well as a few preferred local places, our team is happy to recommend and secure reservations.

Wellington

As the capital of the country this city is home to a strong cafe culture and art scene stemming back to the early 20th century. Wellington has a way of inviting downtime as one slowly sips coffee and enjoys a book while city life moves past. And although not particularly a fresh water fly fishing spot, the town has constantly new and innovative food options. The Te Papa museum and guided day tours round out a visit by allowing one to understand more deeply the country's history and cultures.

The Martinborough/ Wairarapa wine region is a little over an hour's drive from Wellington CBD and features colonial architecture and a town square with cafes. With a private tour guide as an option you will not need to worry about driving as your party is provided escort for private tastings of wineries in the area. Interesting locations in this area may include Ata Rangi, Palliser, Enscarpment, and Stonecutter.

Although New Zealand is known throughout the world for the Marlborough region's Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot is the second largest variety grown in the country... and the high-quality of wines produced in Martinborough may be under the radar for the less familiar with New Zealand wine. Plantings in this area stem back to the 1970s when scientific study concluded the soils and climate were perfect for the cultivation of Pinot. In very humble Kiwi fashion however many top producers do not submit their wines for international competitions or reviews.

Some photos provided by Tourism New Zealand.

Booking Enquiry

Contact us to plan and book your NZ fly fishing adventure.