Reel Life March 2026 - Auckland Waikato

Flooding has caused access issues

Please be aware that the recent flooding around the Pirongia/Otorohanga area has had some devastating impacts on our waterways and access to them.

One example is the road down to the Waipapa Drum Bridge (Click here to view on our Access Map), which is in serious disrepair and no longer accessible by 4x4. You can still get to the river, it's just now a 3-5km walk depending on where you park.

 

Some of the significant damage on the previously 4x4 track to the Waipapa River. 

If you have noticed other instances where access has been damaged from the flooding, please contact our local office via email. 

Access points added for Hikutaia River

New access points are available for the Hikutaia River, north of Paeroa, on our Fishing Access Map.  The Hikutaia River is a small, attractive river flowing over a boulder/cobble bed that holds rainbow trout averaging 0.5-1kg, with the occasional much larger fish during the May/June spawning runs. While the river is challenging fishing, the upper waters have great scenic value and are a great opportunity to combine fishing with a day walk or a swim in summer.

Arapuni Fishing Contest

The Arapuni Fishing Competition (run by the Te Awamutu Fish & Game Accn Inc) is this weekend (21^st and 22^nd March).

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