Experience Fly Fishing
Fishing Options
Guided Day TripS
Our guided day trips are the perfect way to experience the outstanding fly fishing of New Zealand’s Central North Island. Within 30–90 minutes of Taupō, an exceptional variety of rivers, spring-fed streams, backcountry waters and high-country lakes provide opportunities for anglers of all abilities throughout the year.
Whether you’re new to fly fishing, looking to improve your skills or an experienced angler seeking local knowledge, every trip is tailored to your goals, experience, fitness and mobility. We carefully select each destination based on the prevailing weather, river conditions and seasonal fishing opportunities to maximise your time on the water. From nymphing and dry fly fishing to streamers and sight fishing, every season offers its own unique experience.
Guided Multi-Day tours
Our multi-day tours allow you to experience the remarkable diversity of the Central North Island’s trout fisheries while exploring some of New Zealand’s most spectacular landscapes. Travelling between carefully selected rivers, lakes and backcountry fisheries, these tours provide the flexibility to follow changing conditions and fish a wider variety of waters than is possible on a single-day trip.
Whether you choose two days or a week on the road, each itinerary is individually designed around your interests, experience and preferred style of fishing. Accommodation, transport and daily logistics are all taken care of, allowing you to simply relax and enjoy the journey. Multi-day tours are ideal for anglers wanting to maximise their time, discover new fisheries and experience the unique character of each region.
Guided wilderness adventures
For anglers seeking something truly unforgettable, our wilderness adventures provide access to some of New Zealand’s most remote and pristine trout fisheries. These are places where spectacular scenery, crystal-clear rivers and genuine solitude combine to create the ultimate fly fishing experience.
Choose from helicopter-accessed day trips, multi-day wilderness camping expeditions, backcountry hut adventures or drive-in wilderness lodge experiences. Each adventure is planned around the season, prevailing conditions and your preferred level of comfort and fitness, with the flexibility to explore remote rivers that few anglers ever experience.
Whether casting to sighted trout in untouched backcountry water or spending several days immersed in New Zealand’s wilderness, these adventures offer far more than exceptional fishing—they provide an opportunity to disconnect from everyday life and experience some of the country’s most extraordinary landscapes.
Your Fly Fishing Guide
Rob Henderson
Fly Fishing Guide
Rob specialises in taking anglers beyond the obvious—combining extensive local knowledge, personalised guiding and a passion for exploring quieter waters to create memorable fly fishing experiences throughout New Zealand’s Central North Island.
His passion for trout fishing began as a ten-year-old, harling on Lake Rotorua before discovering fly fishing as a teenager. For over 40 years he has explored rivers, lakes and backcountry waters throughout New Zealand and, since 2014, has professionally guided clients across some of the country’s most diverse trout fisheries.
Today, Rob focuses on the Tongariro region, Ruapehu, South Waikato, King Country, Rotorua, Eastern Bay of Plenty, Rangitīkei and Hawke’s Bay. Having spent decades exploring these waters in every season, his local knowledge allows him to select the right fishery for the prevailing conditions rather than simply fishing the same river every day. He is continually exploring new water and enjoys taking clients beyond the familiar to experience quieter rivers, spectacular scenery and genuine wilderness.
Complementing his guiding experience is a professional background in environmental management and sustainability, which has fostered a strong conservation ethic and a deep appreciation for healthy freshwater ecosystems. He is passionate about responsible angling and sharing an understanding of the rivers, landscapes, wildlife and culture that make New Zealand such a remarkable destination.
Whether introducing someone to fly fishing for the first time or helping experienced anglers refine their skills, Rob believes a memorable trip is about far more than catching trout. Every experience is tailored to each client’s goals, experience, fitness and mobility, combining quality instruction, careful planning and genuine hospitality. Client reviews consistently highlight his patience, professionalism, coaching and ability to create relaxed, enjoyable and rewarding days on the water.
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, 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, 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, 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, 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 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 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.”
Llew & Adam Dowley, Australia, January 2016
