Reel Life March 2026 - Northland

Trout Fishing in the Mid North

The Bay of Islands area boasts some wonderful and exciting Rainbow Trout Fishing opportunities centred near the township of Kerikeri.

Image above: A lively rainbow caught in the Kerikeri River upstream from Waipapa

A Trout rearing facility located near the Rainbow Falls, upstream from the famous Stone Store in Kerikeri, was operational until the late 1980’s. It was used for stocking of Trout in suitable Northland Rivers by the previous Northern Acclimatisation Societies.

Today these rivers have become completely self-sustaining with stocks of wild Rainbow Trout. Most of the rivers and streams are spring fed so keep coolish over the summer allowing for trout survival in what is a subtropical area of New Zealand.

Kerikeri River

The Kerikeri River originates on the eastern edge of the Puketi Forest and runs gradually downstream to where it flows out into the sea in the Kerikeri Inlet.

There is a walking track beside the river from the Stone Store in Kerikeri right up past Waipapa as part of the Te Araroa Trail. Trout are present throughout the catchment, above and below the falls and large rapids.

The surrounding riparian vegetation and indented nature of this river make for some challenging fishing. Trout are often found lurking in the deep shaded pools. The river mainly runs over volcanic bedrock creating some dramatic scenes.

All fishing methods work well. Fly fishing can be difficult so short accurate casting is necessary.

Main access points:

• Rainbow Falls Road, Kerikeri
• SH 10 – Waipapa Bridge
• Landing Road, Kerikeri

Please select here to view the Northland Fishing Regulations 2025-26