Fishing

There is some great fishing in the Taupo area and an attendant number of guides with local expertise who work the Tongariro River and the lake. High season runs from October to April. Costs are usually around NZ$250 for a half day and include all equipment plus a fishing license (note that you need a special license to fish here and in Rotorua). Book at least a day in advance.

Chris Jolly Outdoors. Staffed by people with a love of the outdoors, this company can take you mountain biking, hiking, hunting, cruising, and, of course, fishing. Try fly-fishing or cast for trout on a chartered boat trip. A half-day fly-fishing expedition costs NZ$484 for two people, all equipment included. Berth 4, Taupo Boat Harbour, Ferry Rd., Taupo, Waikato. 07/378–0623; 0800/252–628; chrisjolly.co.nz.

Fishy Steve. Steve Sprague leads a number of trips, among them a half-day fly-fishing excursion for beginners (NZ$300); 4X4 bush outings and helicopter trips into the wilderness are available, too. Taupo, Waikato. 07/378–2192; 027/293–5335; www.fishysteve.com.

Mark Aspinall. Fly-fish for rainbow and brown trout with Mark Aspinall. He will organize a custom trip to meet your needs and collect you from wherever you are staying. A half-day trip, all gear included, will set you back NZ$300; a full-day with lunch costs NZ$500. Taupo, Waikato. 07/378–4453; 021/500–384; www.markaspinall.com.