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Eastern > Access
Click here for Eastern region access pamphlets and maps
Access in the Eastern Region The Eastern Region runs from Wairoa in the south, across to the Rangitaiki River headwaters and up through Huka Falls and Lake Maraetai on the Waikato River. The region continues along the Kaimai ranges to finally reach its northern most point at the top of the Tauranga Harbour. A huge range of fishing opportunities are available throughout the region.
Te Urewera National park in the east of the region provides spectacular wilderness fishing in both lakes and rivers. Lake Waikaremoana has exceptional summer fisheries for brown trout along the lake shores and rainbow trout for boat anglers. Spawning runs in the autumn also provide opportunities for fly fishing in the later part of the season. World renowned wilderness fishing can be experienced in rivers such as the Ruakituri and the neighbouring Waiau River which as has one of the highest catch rates of these mountain rivers.
The Bay of Plenty has a large number of spectacular river fisheries from the Waioeka River in the east through the Rangitaiki, Tarawera and Kaituna catchments to the Ngamuwahine River in the west. These rivers have excellent fly and spin-fishing opportunities only a few hours drive apart. Lakes such as Aniwhenua also provide excellent family fishing experiences and great shoreline fishing.
The Rotorua Lakes are the central feature of the region with the key attraction being the diversity of experiences they provide. With 13 fishable lakes in the district, andfour different trout species, there are a range of boat and shoreline fishing opportunities that should provide something that would interest any angler. Both shoreline fly and spin fishing can be very successful, and the boat fishing over the summer provides action and fun for all the family. Lake Rotorua has one of the highest catch rates of fish in New Zealand, with excellent boat and winter stream fishing for rainbows, while some monster browns can entice those looking for larger fish. Lake Okareka also keeps anglers busy with high numbers of good quality fish throughout the year. The trophy lakes, Tarawera, Otakaina and Rotoiti, regularly produce fish in excess of 5kg. Anglers wanting to get away from the crowds should find lakes Rotoma and Rotoehu to their liking. Lakes Rotomahana and Tikitapu also have their own special charm and local devotees, while Lake Rerewhakaaitu attracts shorebased anglers with good numbers of quality fish. The opportunity to catch tiger trout from Rotoma and brook char from Tikitapu are an added bonus. Smaller lakes such as Lakes Okaro, Ngahewa and Ngapouri with secluded bays and rising trout are also there for the more adventurous who want to get off the beaten track.
Access and Signage Programme
An intensive signage and tracking programme has been implemented in conjunction with the Angler Access information pamphlets we have produced to highlight fishing areas throughout the region. Angler tracks have been created on more popular waterways like the Ngongotaha Stream and in the Rangitaiki catchment. We urge anglers to keep an eye out for the access signs throughout the region so you can take advantage of the great number of special areas that are available.
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