Pick and and drop off at Gisborne Airport: Complementary and part of the package

Full day guiding, 4 wheel drive and ATV transport:

$NZ700 for 1-2 anglers for a full day

Extra:

• $NZ100 per extra angler

• Extra guides can be arranged for larger parties

• Helicopter trips on application

This is a large river with a huge variety of waters from deep pools to long rapids and runs. Although only open to fly fishing, it provides ample opportunities for dry fly, nymphing or wet lining. While the upper reaches require some walking the lower and middle reaches are generally very accessible.

Fish Type: A large population of both brown and rainbow trout. Above the Waitangi Falls in the headwaters only rainbow trout (many of impressive size) are present.

Upper reaches:

From above the Waitangi Falls to the headwaters (within Te Urewera National Park).

Description:

The upper reaches of the Ruakituri are by far the most scenic part of the river and offer the angler a true wilderness fishing experience. This section is remote and only suitable for those prepared to hike in.

Fish numbers and size:

The river here holds only rainbow trout which average 2- 3 kg but with many over 5 kg caught each year.

Access:

Getting to the upper reaches of the Ruakituri River requires considerable walking. Good walking tracks follow the river for much of its length but there are two gorges that can be difficult to pass especially in poor weather conditions. Anglers who make the effort to walk in are rewarded with superb fishing for well-conditioned fish in a pristine environment.

Middle reaches:

From the Erepeti Bridge to the Waitangi Falls.

Description:

The middle section of the Ruakituri, with its easy access, is by far the most popular and productive section. There are many kilometers of excellent fishing available with the

water being a series of pools, rapids and long glides. The river runs through a mixture of bush land and open farmland. Apart from a section of gorge just above the Erepeti Road junction, most of the river here is open and easy to fish.

Fish numbers and size:

The brown and rainbow trout present in this section average around 2 kg. The fish population is very high.

Access:

There is good access to the river along the Papuni road upstream from the junction with the Erepeti road. The section from the end of the Papuni road up to the Waitangi Falls (approximately 5 km) can be reached by following a well-defined track.

Lower reaches:

From the Ruakituri Bridge to the Erepeti road junction.

Description:

This part of the river is much wider and slower than in the middle and upper reaches, though still with a variety of waters, including series of long runs interspersed with very

deep pools.

Fish numbers and size:

Both brown and rainbow trout are present, mostly 1-2 kg in size.

Access:

There is easy access along the Ruakituri road which follows the true right bank up to the the Ruakituri Bridge and follows the true left bank to the junction with the Erepeti road.

Upper reaches:

Above Motu Falls:
The upper reaches are really the only easily accessible section of the river to the angler. The upper reaches flow through a mixture of open farmland and bush country.

Much of these headwaters her over open land however and holds a good population of trout (and an even larger population of eels).

The river will quickly discolour after heavy rain but will clear very quickly. Consequently, trout are not hard to spot and so 90% of the fishing is to sighted fish. It does offer excellent dry fly and nymph water as well as offering plenty of opportunity for spinning. It is a remote river and is protected by a National Water Conservation Order.

Access:

These upper reaches can be reached from the small settlement of Matawai on State Highway 2. Much of the river is over private farmland and so permission must be sought from the landowner before crossing their land.

Middle reaches:

Below Motu Falls:

The middle reaches below Motu Falls are very rugged and inaccessible. The section should be left to the very energetic and experienced angler and is really best suited to those wishing to spin fish. It is a popular rafting river and the use of a raft is the most practicable method of transport through this region. Anyone who is travelling down the river by raft would be well advised to include a small spinning rod (and camera) with their luggage.

Access:

Access to the middle reaches is via raft (and only experienced rafters should attempt this river).

Lower reaches:

Below the Magatane River confluence:

The lower reaches below the confluence with the Magatane River have little interest to the anglers this part of the Motu is silt laden and not an attractive area to fish. It is worth however, spin fishing for the number of large kahawai at the river mouth when they are running.

Access:

Road access to the river mouth on SH35.