Experience Fly Fishing

Guided FLY Fishing Options

Taupō-based personalised guided fly fishing day trips, multi-day tours and wilderness adventures throughout New Zealand’s Central North Island.

Guided Day TripS

Experience some of the finest trout fisheries in New Zealand on a personalised guided fly fishing day trip. Within 30–90 minutes of Taupō, an exceptional variety of rivers, spring-fed streams, backcountry waters and high-country lakes provide outstanding fly fishing opportunities throughout the seasons.

Whether you’re learning to fly fish, refining your skills or seeking local knowledge, every trip is tailored to your experience, fitness, interests and the prevailing conditions. We carefully select each destination to maximise your time on the water, with opportunities for nymphing, dry fly fishing, streamers and sight fishing depending on the season.

Guided Multi-Day tours

Our multi-day guided fly fishing tours are the ideal way to experience diverse fisheries of the Central North Island. Travelling by vehilce between carefully selected rivers, lakes and backcountry waters a flexible itinerary allows us to follow the best fishing conditions, while exploring some of New Zealand’s most spectacular landscapes.

Whether you choose a two-day escape or a week-long itinerary, every tour is individually planned around your interests, experience and preferred style of fishing. With accommodation, transport and daily logistics organised for you, multi-day tours offer the flexibility to fish a wider range of waters and experience regions that simply cannot be appreciated in a single day.

Guided wilderness adventures

For anglers wanting to venture beyond the more accessible fisheries, our guided wilderness fly fishing adventures provide access to some of New Zealand’s most remote and pristine trout waters. Whether by helicopter or drive in access, these experiences combine exceptional fly fishing with spectacular scenery, offering the opportunity to explore crystal-clear rivers surrounded by native forest, mountains and unspoilt wilderness.

Choose from wilderness helicopter day adventures, multi-day wilderness lodge or helicopter wilderness hut experiences. Every trip is individually planned around the fishing seasons, prevailing conditions and your preferred level of comfort, fitness and adventure, creating an unforgettable fly fishing experience in some of New Zealand’s most remarkable wilderness landscapes.

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Riverstone Fly Fishing Guides Taupo Tongariro

Your Fly Fishing Guide

Rob Henderson

Fly Fishing Guide

I enjoy taking anglers beyond the familiar, combining local knowledge, personalised guiding and a passion for exploring quieter waters to create memorable fly fishing experiences throughout New Zealand’s Central North Island.

My interest in trout fishing began at the age of ten on Lake Rotorua, before discovering fly fishing as a teenager. Over the past 40 years, I have explored rivers, lakes and backcountry waters throughout New Zealand, and since 2014 have had the pleasure of guiding anglers across some of the country’s most diverse fisheries.

Based in Taupō, I guide throughout the Tongariro, Ruapehu, South Waikato, King Country, Rotorua, Eastern Bay of Plenty, Rangitīkei and Hawke’s Bay regions. Years spent exploring these waters in different seasons help me choose the right locations for the conditions, often away from the more heavily fished rivers. I particularly enjoy sharing lesser-known waters, beautiful landscapes and genuine wilderness with my clients.

My background in environmental management and sustainability has also shaped my appreciation for freshwater ecosystems and responsible angling. I enjoy sharing something of the landscapes, wildlife and local character that make these places special.

Whether introducing someone to fly fishing or helping an experienced angler develop their skills, I believe a great day on the water is about more than catching trout. Every trip is tailored to each client’s interests, experience and abilities, with an emphasis on thoughtful planning, enjoyable fishing and good company.

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Client Reviews

“My husband and I had a great time fishing with Rob. He was kindly able to book us the night before, after our original plan changed. I had not been fly fishing before and really appreciated the time Rob took with me to teach and instruct me on the basics. He gave my husband some really great instruction as well, even though he already does know how to fly fish. My husband was able to land some huge fish and I became well practiced at landing a few myself that Rob had hooked for me. By the end of the day I actually was able to cast, hook, and land one on my own! The scenery was absolutely beautiful, and Rob provided all the gear. And we also enjoyed his company and talking with him during the day and the drive to and from our fishing spot. Thanks so much Rob!”

Britt Davis New Zealand Fishing

Britt Davis, California USA, January 2020

“Had an awesome day with Rob guiding ‘back Country’. Really remote, rugged beauty. Quite demanding physically but well worth the effort with wild rainbows and browns caught up to 5lb although much bigger are present. Really enjoyed Rob’s company, knowledge and enthusiasm. He is also a great photographer with many memories captured on film. Highly recommend his services for a great experience.”

Steve Mason, England, December 2019

“I was lucky enough to have a time-slot open to fish in the Tongariro region and Rob guided me for a day. He showed me where the fish were lying in each spot and, shared some of his secret locations. As I was time pressed hiring a guide with great local knowledge proved to be a sound decision. I'll certainly book him again next time I am coming through the region and would recommend the experience to others too.”

Tim Haynes New Zealand Fishing

Tim Haynes, Auckland NZ, March 2019

“Every time I’m in NZ I will not hesitate to contact Rob for a fishing trip. He has intricate knowledge of all the best spots for fishing in the area and you will never be disappointed! From where to fish and what flies to use, Rob knows it all. He’s the man to bring you to places where few have ventured. Rob is also a very good teacher and my fly fishing skills has improved under his guidance.”

Shapy Khan New Zealand Fishing

Shapy Khan, Singapore, February 2019

“Rob is an experienced guide that knows where to fish in the Tongariro and surrounding rivers to catch those big Rainbows we all dream about. He doesn’t take you to the normal spots unless the fish are active there. Rob is easy to get along with, he is willing to adjust plans to your every wish and I guarantee you will catch fish. Not only did my fishing skills improve but I got the opportunity to see and experience the beautiful wilderness surroundings of New Zealand Fishing”

David Vanacore

David Vanacore, Los Angeles, California USA, January 2018

“I had an excellent when I fished with Rob in December 2016. He introduced me to the essential Kiwi fishing techniques and got me into some good fishing off the beaten track along the TongariRiverver. In some tough conditions he kept the tension high and provided me with some very helpful advice on good fishing spots for the rest of my trip all over New Zealand. It was fun fishing with him and not to forget; at the end of a tough and hot fishing day, back at the car he had some ice cold beer ready!”

Christian Thalheimer New Zealand Fishing

Christian Thaladimer, Norway, March 2017

“My wife and I novice plus fly fishermen. Spent two days with Riverstone Fly Fishing Guides, Rob supplied all our gear plus a delicious lunch and was very patient with us casting. We anded 6 nice rainbows and lost lots of others, wonderful locations and had one fish for dinner yummy. I would highly recommend this experience for those seeking out guides who really go the extra mile in terms of catering to your needs, and providing an immersive experience with great local knowledge in beautiful New Zealand Fishing locations.”

Dave Yonders New Zealand Fishing

Dave Yonders, New York USA, April 2016

“Andrew thank you so much for your time and patience in teaching us to fly fishing in New Zealand's beautiful North Island. A 5 & 6-pound brown trout each and then 3 more rainbow trout by the end of the day! Still telling our friends how fantastic the whole experience was and how good we are at fly fishing! We'll definitely be back for more, you've got Adam hooked (he's bought a salt water fly fishing rod & reel), he's practicing in Oz on our salt water rivers to perfect his fly casting technique for our next New Zealand fly fishing trip to the Central North Island.”

New Zealand Fishing Llew Dowley

Llew & Adam Dowley, Australia, January 2016

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
    Peter Gardner 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I booked Rob at short notice as I didn't know my plans, but nothing about Robs plans for the day or service appeared rushed or hasty. He advised on where to fish for the time of year and provided a chauffeur service to the venue. The kit that he provided even included waders for my non fishing wife and good quality rod line and waders for me. His patient tutelage, knowledge and water craft helped me learn a lot about river fishing and I was rewarded with 3 beautiful rainbows one of which gave me the best trout fight of my life. We had a good laugh too, so all in all a great day. Thanks Rob.
  
 
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    Rick Spicer 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I booked Rob for a day of fishing with my son and we had a wonderful time. Rob is very knowledgable and clearly knows the local rivers very well. We caught several fish including a couple over 4 lbs and had a great day. I would fish with him again and highly recommend him for fishing in the Taupo and Turangi area. Thanks Rob!
  
 
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    Austin Shih 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I booked a last minute day with Rob doing the backcountry option in the area. It was my first trip to New Zealand and knew I needed a guide to learn how to fish the waters. Rob knows the area incredibly well and even suggested this location over others due to timing and weather, on the fly. He also knew all the likely spots on the river and gave me very useful tips on reading the water - we caught fish AND I got the equivalent of a whole casting/mending lesson throughout the day. Rob went the extra mile - when choosing our spot he even took into account where we were camping, where we were going next, and where my partner could hike during the day. He suggested other things to do in the area after our day and gave me great spots to fish the next day which got me on my first NZ trout on my own! I would highly recommend booking a trip with Rob.
  
 
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    howard waterfall 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Best days fishing for many years. Rob is a perfectionist and is extremely knowledgeable. Certainly the best guide in the Turangi area.
  
 
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    Thomas Zimmerli 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to go on a backcountry fishing trip with Rob,  and I can confidently say it was one of the most memorable outdoor experiences I’ve ever had. Rob was professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about fishing.

I would highly recommend this guide. If you’re looking for an authentic backcountry fishing experience with someone who truly knows their craft and cares about your experience, this is the person to go with.
  
 
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    Ian Dawson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I booked Rob for 2 days at the start of a week of trout fishing in the Tongariro and Turangi area. It was my first time fishing in NZ. He was great - absolutely knows his stuff and transferred a huge amount of knowledge about reading the water and effective nymphing techniques for these waters over the two days. I was able then to practice what he had taught and fish successfully on my own for the rest of the week! He is also a really nice, decent and helpful guide and worked very hard to make the guided days a real success for me. Can highly recommend. Ian D (January 2025)
  
 
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    Frisulli Aus 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. What a guide!! We booked a one-day backcountry fly fishing experience with Rob, and it was honestly the highlight of our trip to NZ. We weren't so fortunate with the weather on our holiday; there was a heavy rainfall and storm warnings at the start of our week, which meant a lot of the river levels were incredibly high, full of debris and not really fishable, but because of Rob's knowledge of the area, and of the fishery in general, he found a solution! We had one of the most memorable days fishing we've ever had. The conversation was lively and informative, laughs were abundant and the fish were biting! Rob worked with both my husband and I, taught us new techniques to practice and use (one of which was how I landed my 5lb rainbow), and explained how we could improve existing techniques. It was a pleasure to spend 10 hours with Rob and the passion he has for fishing and New Zealand. When we return, we'll be booking a multi-day journey with him! Highly recommend. Thank you for the memories Rob!!! Amy & Dom
  
 
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    Charles Napier 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Rob was a great guide - found some great fish for us to catch!