TARATA FISHAWAY LODGE- Kienes' Premier Destination
Destination Overview
Tarata Fishaway is nestled in bush in the remote Mokai valley where the picturesque Rangitikei River meets the rugged Ruahine Ranges. Tarata's private River Retreat and Tree House have million dollar views of the Rangitikei River and there is trout fishing right at your doorstep. Your host offers guided fishing, rafting and heli-fly outs for all ages, including overnight wilderness trout fishing safaris.
In addition to the breath taking views, we have lots of things to keep you entertained including farm pets, river swimming, spa pools, Clay bird shooting, ‘magic carpet’ rides, farm tours, spot light safaris and unique trout fishing right at our doorstep.
Stephen, Brylee & Mikayla offer guided fishing and rafting trips for all ages.
Whether it is by the River on a hot summers day with a book or taking one of the wonderful walks in the valley, there is something special for the whole family.
We will even deliver a candle light dinner to your door if you prefer.
We think Tarata is truly a magic place and we would love sharing it with you.
At a Glance
Target Fish: Brown and Rainbow trout
Location: Mokai valley, North Island NZ
Seasons: October through April for trout
Nearest Airport: Palmerston North Airport
Electricity: 230 volts
Documents needed: Passport
Fishing Program
Raft Fishing with your guide. Raft to secluded pools and runs on the magnificent Rangitikei River.
Some of New Zealand's best trout fishing only accessible by raft. Enjoy fishing on "your river" for the day. On foot fishing with your guide also available. Half or full day. Picnic lunch provided. Suits all ages and abilities.
Flies and Licences available from Tarata Fishaway
Best Fly Fishing Seasons
Early Season
October and November
Early season fishing in New Zealand has some advantages and disadvantages. On the very positive side, the fish haven’t seen an angler for five months and there are few anglers about.
Some of the rivers will be running high due to recent rain and this can make a few of the larger river crossings challenging. However, with over 29 rivers to choose from (within a 90 minute drive), we can normally find a wonderful stream to spend the day fooling an early season fish or two!
What’s more, many of our smaller streams are at their very best at this time of year. For some of our regulars, this fishing for two-foot trout in 20-foot wide streams is the highlight of the fishing year.
This early in the season, the local brown trout seem to love big nymphs — the stonefly is a classic, early season fly. The fishing is still very much casting to sighted fish, and some rivers usually have mayfly hatches on a sunny afternoon.
Early season will often see you fishing 50% of the time using a dry fly. The weather this time of the year can be changeable, so it’s always an idea to pack your dull-colored rain coat.
High Season
December, January, February and March
This is summer in New Zealand. It’s the busiest time to fly fish here (busy being a very relative term) as it’s classic New Zealand dry fly fishing at its best.
The river levels have dropped and the weather is usually quite warm and more stable. Mid-way through summer, the sound of cicadas fills the air and the brown trout seem to spend a lot more time looking up for a tasty morsel to float by.
Typically, 75% of your fish will be caught using a dry (Cicada, Blowfly or Grasshopper patterns work really well).
Late Season
April
April sees the weather cooling and this in turn sends a message to the browns that it’s time to stack on weight in preparation for their spawning in winter. Mayfly activity increases, so it’s Parachute Adams and small nymph time!
The weather is less stable than high summer but the good news is that there are very few anglers on the river and thus any angling pressure is greatly diminished.
Accommodations
The Homestead
With two bedrooms one with a queen bed and the other with a queen and single bed.
Also has a spa.
Guests share a guest bathroom and a lounge with an open fire.
Meals
Meals - 3 course dinner, picnic lunch and continental & cooked breakfast available.
River Retreat
The River Retreat is complete with an air-bath with a romantic view of the Rangitikei River, Lounge, Kitchen, Bathroom, second bedroom with king/twin bed, laundry facilities, bbq and a private decking with a spa pool to relax and enjoy the magnificent million dollar views of the Rangitikei River and surroundings. This is peace and tranquillity at its best.
River Retreat
Honeymoon suite
The River Retreat is perfect for your honeymoon or that special occasion. Complete with roses and candles and we can deliver a candle light dinner.
Meals
Meals - 3 course dinner, picnic lunch and continental & cooked breakfast available.
Tarata’s Tree House
Our Tree House is situated on the edge of the canyon and has amazing views of the Rangitikei River complete with waterfall.
The Treehouse is perfect for Couples, families or a large group (easily sleeping 12). Enjoy a spa on the edge and see the Rangitikei in the moonlight.
There is Laundry facilities, Full kitchen, BBQ, Portacot and a sunny deck with awesome views
All rooms have spectacular views overlooking the Rangitikei River and Surrounding Ranges.
Two Bedroom Unit (Upstairs)
This has two bedrooms with private decking, bathroom, Full kitchen, BBQ, Dining Room/ Lounge with the view from the bay window.
2 king beds or four singles.
Ensuite Unit (Upstairs)
This has a Queen bed plus roll out bed if needed, Bathroom and Kitchenette with a Private covered Decking.
Courtyard
This has a private decking and bathroom with Kitchenette and Bbq. It also has a fully Fenced in Courtyard.
1 king bed or two singles, 1 single and fold down couch
Meals
3 course dinner, picnic lunch, continental & cooked breakfast available.
Courtyard – Dog friendly
Our Courtyard unit consists of two bedrooms and a bathroom. The first room has a King or 2 singles and a single bed. The second room has a couch (can fold into a bed), TV and dining table with a kitchenette. The unit opens out onto your own private fenced courtyard with a BBQ on the decking.
Our Dog Friendly Unit comes complete with a 5 star dog kennel and water/food bowls. Your furry friend is allowed into the lounge area to enjoy your company.
There is a spa pool over looking the Canyon for you to relax in and enjoy.
On Site Amenities and Activities Include
Satellite TV and VCR
Wi-Fi/internet access
Guest Lounge
Helicopter Pad
Spa Pool
Tennis Court
Bar
Pool Table
Gourmet Food
Helicopter hiking, skiing, nature viewing
Getting There
Daily flights to Palmerston North Airport connect with international flights into Auckland.
Shuttle service from and to airport Included
Rates
Rates are per person double occupancy.
Includes: Shuttle to and from Palmerston North Airport, All meals. Accommodation & guiding,
Not included: Fishing licenses
$3995 - 7 Night 6 Days