Taupo Fly Fishing Guide Reviews – what clients say

We take the happiness of each client very personally and do all we can to deliver a special fishing experience.

We know for many this may be the trip of a lifetime, and you may only have one day with a Taupo fly fishing guide to sample the fishing we are so lucky to enjoy in our beautiful part of NZ, or you may only have a day in Queenstown, Twizel or Tekapo. Whether you are completely new to this sport, or have fly fished many times with a guide, our goal is always the same: to provide you with the best possible experience and happy memories to take with you (and hopefully photos too). Below are some independent Google reviews and then lower down you can see what clients say in more detail:

Joan Coffing
Joan Coffing
6 August 2023
We had a great day of Dian with The New Zealand Fly Fishing Company. Roy was very helpful as we put together the trip and Pete, our guide was extremely helpful and flexible in making the day a success! He picked us up at our lodge and got us all created up. He put us on the fish and we caught some great ones! I highly recommend this outfit in the Taupo area!
Kaily Brown
Kaily Brown
30 July 2023
Our guide Pete, with the New Zealand Flyfishing Company, was incredible! We had the best time on the local rivers catching massive Rainbow Trout. Pete was a champ, despite the frigid 0 degree temperatures. We were able to get some practice casting in, find a stream away from the crowds, and even venture up to Pete’s favorite spots on another stream full of waiting trout. We would absolutely do it all over again, and maybe one day we will.
Mark Hart
Mark Hart
16 July 2023
My experience with Roy from The New Zealand Fly Fishing Company was fantastic! He was great to communicate with right from the first email and really understood what I was looking for. Roy paired me with Chris Brennan as my guide in Taupo. From the moment we met, Chris exuded a genuine passion for fly fishing that was contagious, and it was evident that I was in for an exceptional day on the water. Right from the start, Chris made me feel comfortable and at ease. Within ten minutes, I had caught my first trout! It was an exhilarating moment, and I owe it all to Chris's expertise and guidance. His knowledge of the craft is truly impressive, and he effortlessly shared his wisdom with me throughout the day. I learned so much, not just about fly fishing techniques but also about the ecosystem, trout behaviour, and the art of reading the water. Chris has an incredible ability to be a teacher, guide, and host all at once. He strikes the perfect balance between imparting his knowledge and allowing you to explore and learn on your own. His teaching style is patient, clear, and tailored to your skill level. Whether you're a complete beginner like me or an experienced angler, Chris knows how to adapt and provide valuable insights that elevate your fishing experience. Beyond his expertise, Chris is an absolute delight to be around. His friendly and warm personality instantly puts you at ease, and it feels like you're fishing with an old friend. He creates an atmosphere of camaraderie and shared passion, which adds to the overall enjoyment of the day. His enthusiasm for the sport is infectious, and by the end of the trip, I was left with a newfound love for fly fishing. Chris goes above and beyond to ensure that every aspect of the trip is memorable. From providing top-notch gear to selecting the perfect fishing spots, he pays attention to every detail. He genuinely cares about your experience and works tirelessly to make sure you have the best day possible. If you've ever wanted to try your hand at fly fishing, I wholeheartedly recommend you start your conversation with Roy from The New Zealand Fly Fishing Company.
Caitlin McMenamin
Caitlin McMenamin
2 July 2023
NZ Flyfishing Company organised a full day tour for me with barely any notice! I was super impressed by their efficiency and enthusiasm. I was a novice but the guide Chris Brennan was amazing, and with his help I caught 10 fish! Strongly recommend!
Gregg Gerken
Gregg Gerken
19 June 2023
What a great fishing experience! Roy set us up with a great guide, Tomas, who set us up to catch ten big rainbows on a day when other fishermen were complaining that nothing was biting. Highly recommend!
Piero Pertile
Piero Pertile
25 May 2023
I had a fantastic time fishing with The New Zealand Flyfishing Company in the Lake Taupo region and would highly recommend Thomas as a guide! I am just a beginner at fly fishing and Thomas patiently helped me work on my tension and roll casting so that I could appropriately fish the small river with overhanging trees and brush (sorry about all the lost flies, Thomas). For me the day was as much about learning as it was about fishing and in that respect it was a great success! Thomas not only helped me improve my skills, but he helped me land no less than 12 beautiful Rainbows yelling "Legend" each time we netted a fish! Thomas loves fishing and it showed as we fished until dark, at least an hour or two past when we were meant to end the day. Now, I am far from a fishing legend, but if you are hoping to do some fly fishing in NZ definitely give NZFFC a call and ask for Thomas!
Glenn MacRill
Glenn MacRill
17 April 2023
Had a fantastic time fishing with our guide Dustin. Landed a few trout and lost several very large fish. Dustin was very knowledgeable and patient with us new fly fishers. He worked hard to put us on fish and was a great teacher as well. I would highly recommend New Zealand Flyfishing.
nigel Young
nigel Young
7 April 2023
My son and I had a fantastic time with our guide Chris, his patience and knowledge are a credit to him. Within 5 minutes of reaching the water, my son got his first rainbow trout, and they just kept coming. Thanks again NZFC.
John Thompson
John Thompson
6 April 2023
Many things to Dustin for an unforgettable day on the water! He put together a plan that addressed our level of experience (i.e., not very much) as well as our goals for the day. Available fisheries were impacted by the recent cyclones, yet he worked tirelessly to put us on the fish. Thank you for everything!
Rebecca O'Neale
Rebecca O'Neale
2 April 2023
Roy and the team are fantastic to deal with. Professional, friendly and patient with learners. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them.

To fish with the best guides…

Leon Grobaski USA with Whanganui brown trout fishing guides NZFC

My vision is to fish with the best guides, make new friends, and see the most stunning scenery. I got all that and more the minute I arrived.

You gave me the true Kiwi experience fishing several rivers, spring creeks, and a lake. Stalking big fish on a lake, let alone rivers and creeks was something very foreign to me.

Fly fishing on the Tongiriro by raft, taking a helicopter into the wilderness, seeing nature in all its glory only seen by a few who wants to push himself to his limits. My mind cannot get anywhere else but thinking about my awesome Taupo trip.  Every waking moment is spent looking at the pics and videos.

Leon Grobaski
USA

Best couple of days fishing…

Happy Aussies fly fishing Tongariro

Our guide was excellent. His confident and relaxed approach spread to the rest of us and we felt expert by association. The fish were awesome but the mountain and lake wilderness setting stole the show – how lucky you are in NZ. I had a fantastic holiday returning home properly rejuvenated. Can’t wait to get back.

The best couple of days fishing I have ever experienced.

Glenn Irvine
Australia

Best resource for fly guides…

Allyson Maxey USA Tongariro trout with Taupo fly fishing guides NZFC

The New Zealand Fly Fishing Company is the best resource for fly guides in the area. They gave me the most amazing day of fishing in my life!

I had the most incredible day out with Gareth this January 2019. They took my booking very last minute, and went above and beyond to make it the perfect day.

After Roy answered dozens of questions for me, he helped me with accommodations and even other activities to do in Taupo. Gareth picked me up from the airport and we got straight to it.

The best part of the day? The incredible photos he took for me so that I can remember this day forever! Thank you Roy + Gareth!

Allyson Maxey
USA

Exactly what I needed…

Pete Bevan UK with Taupo Rainbow trout caught fly fishing with Taupo fishing guides NZFC

Roy was helpful from the start, with organising exactly what I needed for my day’s fishing in Taupo, New Zealand.

Peter my fly fishing guide gave me a first-class day and brilliant experience. His expertise and local knowledge made a big difference, also his tips improved my weaknesses. And those browns Peter spotted for me were proper lumps. He is definitely a credit to your company, thanks for a great day.

Pete Bevan
UK

Storybook ending…

Anne Elam USA Rainbow trout caught with Taupo Fishing Guides NZFC

Back in North Carolina now – it is my great pleasure to say that the day fishing with Alex was absolutely the very best guiding that I have ever experienced. (Not my first rodeo).

Everything was well communicated, from checking in the day before to making sure I felt safe wading. Alex is a great guy, he wanted to hone in on what I wanted to do and to achieve for the day and he got busy making sure it happened. It is so heartwarming to see a guide who is not jaded (particularly at the end of summer) and who genuinely loves to fish. He knows the water like the back of his hand and put me onto good fish time and again.

Thanks to Alex, I caught some very nice fish. At the end of the day, we fished some really tough still water and the man never gave up. Finicky fish were refusing everything we presented – finally he tied on a soft hackle and I said, “Okay, this is the last cast of the day.” Storybook ending to a fantastic day – we landed a nice big Rainbow.

Suffice it to say that anyone who gets to fish with Alex is a lucky soul and his photography skills are legend. I can not wait to come back and do it again!

Anne Elam
USA

The very best guiding…

Best Taupo Fly Fishing Guides for Peter Holst-Grubbe USA

My wife and I spent a day on the river with Zac in December 2017 after reaching out during our honeymoon. We spent a few days in Rotorua, and with minimal advanced notice (poor planning on my end), Roy and Zac were able to accommodate our request for a morning/afternoon outing near Taupo.

Zac arrived with an upbeat attitude and all the gear we could possibly need for a successful day, and it paid off almost immediately.

Zac was exceedingly knowledgeable of the water and had us on trophy fish within 20 minutes! As it was my wife’s first fly fishing experience, Zac spent most of the day teaching her the basics and making sure she was comfortable and happy, while still providing me constant direction through our tour of the river.

I couldn’t recommend this outfit enough – we made enough memories to last a lifetime, but we’ll certainly be back sooner rather than later to make some more!

Peter Holst-Grubbe
USA

A ton of knowledge…

Jeremy Jones USA with NZ rainbow trout caught with Taupo Fishing Guides

Amazing day on the water with these guys. I highly recommend fishing with the New Zealand Fly Fishing Company.

Zac and Gareth have a ton of knowledge and experience, and were both great guides. Roy is a truly professional outfitter, going out of his way to make sure we enjoy our time in New Zealand.

Jeremy Jones
USA

Expert instructors…

First Tongariro Rainbow Trout caught by Beck McRae Australia

The highlight of our New Zealand holiday! We absolutely loved it.

Roy’s organization and communication was exceptional! Garreth and Alex were expert instructors, who took the time to get alongside each of us and give encouragement, support and the instruction we needed as beginners!

They could pick where the fish would be, happily took us to a few different spots, and shared in our excitement when we each caught multiple rainbow trout! Trying a few different spots was awesome too, each place offering a beautiful backdrop to the catch photos.

A full day of fun, and the rain showers didn’t dampen our spirits at all! Highly recommend making a day of this!

Beck McRae
Australia

Knowledgeable guides…

Greg Van Der Riet Zimbabwe

Absolutely fantastic experience. Even when the weather forced a change of plan, we were excellently taken care of!

Fishing Mecca with incredible and knowledgeable guides, will be back for sure! Thanks Gary and Roy!!

Greg Van Der Riet
Zimbabwe

We had a great day…

Taupo Brown Trout caught fly fishing by Robert Croft USA

Epic day with Zac! He did a fine job. I know it must be difficult to take on a one-off day like the one I had, but he embraced the situation well and worked very hard for me, all day coming up with creative and fun ways to deal with the situations we encountered.

We had a great day, hooked 4 fish, landed 3. 2 of the hook-ups and one of the landed fish were very nice large browns. Really great day thanks.

Robert Croft
USA

It don’t get much better…

Monster NZ Brown Trout caught fly fishing by Johnny Schuster USA

Man, if you want an adrenalin rush then you wanna get these guys to take you out in New Zealand!! Just Awesome!!

I’ve fly fished round the world but this was something else!! Three double-digit Browns in one day and next day out on a stunning lake for my biggest ever Rainbow!!

It don’t get much better. I wish I’d booked longer!!!

Johnny Schuster
USA

Hugely insightful…

Taupo Flyfishing Guides client Daniel Love with Rainbow Trout

My time with the New Zealand Fly Fishing Company was hugely insightful for my fishing. I have been fishing for some time and the knowledge they gave significantly improved my understanding of reading the river, fishing technique and kit set up.

Their style is fun, engaging and non-judging and I would be very keen to spend more time being guided to continue my fishing education.

Daniel Love
New Zealand

I had a great day…

Taupo Rainbow Trout caught fly fishing by Barney Geerligs Spain

Thanks guys I had a great day and really appreciated you taking me to two different locations in one day. The scenery was stunning, the company great, and I learnt a great deal. I am definitely keen to come back for more.

Barney Geerligs
Spain

A perfect guide…

Andy Smith Tongariro River Rainbow Trout New Zealand

I have fished with Chris on a couple of occasions and cannot recommend him highly enough. His affable laid-back approach belies a deep knowledge and ability to read the water and pull trout out of pools where others have caught nothing.

He is a perfect guide to spend a day with.

Andy Smith
New Zealand

See also

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