Ruakituri River

The Ruakituri River is known by anglers far and wide as the home of some of the strongest, wildest trout in the whole country. The Ruakituri is an isolated river that rises in the remote Te Urewera National Park, draining the Huiarau Range and flowing for many kilometres through rugged bush before it tumbles 72 metres over the Waitangi Falls.

There is a huge variety of water, ranging from strenuous rapids, to deep, slow pools flanked by sentinel boulders, to riffly runs that just have to hold fish. It is no place for fine leaders and delicate techniques. Anything less than a 6 lb leader is pointless, as the violent Ruakituri trout make effective use of their angler-unfriendly environment. Brown and rainbow are found in equal proportion, dependent only on the type of water fished. The size of fish can be daunting. They average 4 lb and there are plenty of 10 lb fish in residence. Landing these monsters in the fast, bouldery water is never easy and tales of lost fish will dominate your evening story telling - even more so than usual!

Emerging from the long gorge, the river takes on a different character as it meanders through farmlands to meet the Hangaroa at Te Reinga. Access is easy through the farms bordering the river. Along this section, you have a better chance of spotting your fish, but great stealth is required as there is not much cover. The river has lost its impetus and flows wider and slower. There is more weed growth in summer, which can to be annoying. Long leaders are essential and the increased angling pressure in the more-accessible lower reaches make the trout rather wary.
The Ruakituri and Hangaroa Rivers meet at Te Reinga to form the Wairoa River. A few metres down stream the Wairoa is forced over the 35 metres (115ft) Te Reinga Falls. Trout fishing is also available below the falls.

No matter what type of water you prefer to fish, the Ruakituri can offer it. Fish dry, nymph or wet flies in big slow pools, fast turbulent water, pools of huge depth, rocky runs, and swirly backwaters. Fish in rugged native Te Urewera bush, in deep shadowed gorges, or from farmland paddocks. The Ruakituri River has something for everyone offering variety and large trout with 10lb fish common.

Ruakituri River and tributaries above Waitangi Falls

Ruakituri River and tributaries (excluding Hangaroa) above Te Reinga Falls

Ruakituri River below Te Reinga Falls

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