HomeTaranakiTaranaki: Where to fishManganui-o-te Ao River

Manganui-o-te Ao River

 

The Manganuioteao River is a highly rated scenic river which supports a nationally significant fishery for brown and rainbow trout. A variety of water caters for all skill levels. The Manganuioteao is one of nine nationally important North Island fisheries and is considered the jewel in the crown of the Taranaki fisheries.

Water Conservation Order A WCO was passed in 1989 to protect in particular the endangered blue duck (whio) which has a preference for clean, fast-flowing streams in the forested upper catchments of New Zealand rivers. The Manganui o te Ao River catchment is one of eight sites identified in the National Whio Recovery Plan (2007) as a priority for whio (blue duck)
management.

To read the full legislation document for the WCO applied to this waterway click here

Fish type, number and
size
The Manganuioteao River holds brown and rainbow trout, averaging 1.5kg with some growing up to 3.5 kg or larger.
Situation The Manganuioteao River is situated north of Raetihi in the Ruapehu district of the central North Island. It rises on the western flows of Mt Ruapehu and flows through native forest and farmland to its confluence with the Whanganui River 13 kilometres above Pipiriki.
Maps

Access map

Check conditions View MetService weather forecast.
Permission to fish While there are many areas open to anglers it is best to get permission from landowners. This table shows who owns which sections and their phone numbers.

See table

Description

The Manganuioteao River boasts high water quality (from snow melt and glacial runoff), plentiful insect life, good cover from large boulders overhanging bush, deep pools and papa ledges. The sequence of pools, runs and rapids gives anglers a wide diversity of fishable water to choose from.

Pools are productive early in the season, while the rapids and runs fish best during the summer months.

Because the number of anglers here is low by national standards, good fishing areas are always available in very scenic surroundings.

Access

Upper reaches

The upper section within Tongariro National Park is difficult to access.

Middle reaches

About 15km of river is accessible. About 4km north of Raetihi on SH4, turn left into Ohura Road and follow it for 8km to reach the river. The Makakahi, Ruatiti and Pukekaha Roads branch off Ohura Road to the lower, middle and upper reaches respectively.

River access and a free camping area are available at Ruatiti Domain. Bridge crossings also provide access. Please use the table to contact the relevant land-owners before moving off public land to fish.

A large sign at Ruatiti Domain shows the various property boundaries along the river and anglers must get permission from the appropriate landowner.  Landowners phone numbers are included in Fish & Game's Ruapehu Sports Fishing Information pamphlet.

See the Manganuioteao River access map.

Lower reaches

The 13 km before the river enters the Whanganui River is an inaccessible gorge. This is only accessible by raft or kayak.

Methods

All fishing methods are popular. Daytime nymphing with weighted flies is recommended. Add spilt shot to your leader to get down to the fish.

Dry fly fishing is favoured for the evening rise which in early to mid summer can be prolific as trout feed on caddis.

For spin fishing, use fine lines and the smallest spinners when the river is slow in summer; larger bright spinners when the water is discoloured.

Recommended lures

Dry flies: Coch-y-Bondhu, Brown Beetle, Black Gnat and Twilight Beauty patterns.

Nymphs: Well-weighted Halfback, Hare and Copper and caddis imitations.

Spinners: Small lures such as Veltics and Jensen in low summer water.  Try Zeds and Tobys when the water is discoloured.

Regulations (1)
Applicable to Manganuioteao River upstream of the confluence with the Makatote River
Region Taranaki region regulations
Season 1 Oct- 30 April
Methods Artificial fly, spinner, bait
Bag limit Trout: 2
Size limit (cm) None
Regulations (2)
Applicable to Manganuioteao River upstream of the Ruatiti Road Bridge to the confluence with the Makatote River
Region Taranaki region regulations
Season 1 Oct-30 Jun
Methods Artificial fly, spinner, bait
Bag limit Trout: 2
Size limit (cm) None
Regulations (3)
Applicable to Manganuioteao River downstream of the Ruatiti Road Bridge
Region Taranaki region regulations
Season All year
Methods Artificial fly, spinner, bait
Bag limit Trout: 2 
Size limit (cm) None

Other fishing waters of the region



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