This was a great fly fishing experience with a top guide (Craig Farrar).

I highly recommend this experience and would happily do it again.

The weather was poor but Craig found a way round and through it to produce 2.5 days of excellent fly fishing on the Hinemaiaia and Tongariro Rivers. This is important when you book ahead because you really don't want your fishing spoilt by poor weather. We brought no fishing kit (aside from basic clothes) so used waders, boots, rods, reels, lines and flies provided by Craig. This was high quality kit in excellent condition.

Craig is an expert fisherman (twice NZ representative in the World Championships) and an outstanding guide. The two don't always go together so it is noteworthy when they do. In spite of the high level of his own fishing achievements, I found Craig very friendly, helpful and not at all intimidating. He passed on very useful tips and advice on finding fish, casting, hooking and playing fish in a pleasant low-key way. He was great to chat to about fishing and patiently answered questions about his own experiences and championship fishing. He is good company and has a very nice approach to fly fishing.

Craig found plenty of fish for us to catch and we netted some of them. We spent most of the time fishing nymphs with indicators but, when we found rising fish, went after them with dry flies. We caught (and released) more than enough fish to be satisfied but really the whole experience was so enjoyable that counting was the last thing on my mind.

Craig took a number of photos to supplement our own and sent them on as promised.

Overall, an experience to treasure and recommend to others.

Reviewed almost 15 years ago