Guided Backcountry
Fly Fishing
with Heli Transfers
The ultimate fly fishing experience! Helicopter transfer to New Zealand's backcountry for brown and rainbow trout fishing, and photo opportunities. Take a trip through untouched streams and untouched waters, and put your angling skills to the test in the best fly fishing arena New Zealand has to offer.
Experience the incredible fishing in the backcountry of the Central North Island with our Orvis Endorsed guides. Our full day fly fishing with helicopter transfers are the best choice for more experienced anglers after a true adventure into untouched NZ.
Trip Highlights
Enjoy spectacular photo opportunities of the Central Plateau from the air as you’re dropped into some of the best wilderness fishing on offer.
What’s Provided
An Orvis Endorsed fishing guide
A Taupō Fishing Licence
Orvis approved rods, reels, waders, boots and jackets
Required flies, leaders and tackle
Lunch, snacks and refreshments
Transport and Timing
The Chris Jolly team provides helicopter transport to and from our fishing spots as part of the costs (and also transport to the landing zone and back if required). The trip is around 8 hours, including travel time.
Notes
We recommend the following clothing:
In warmer months:
Rubber-soled boots, with plastic studs if possible.
Light layers, a fleece/light jersey in case of a bit of breeze in the shade.
In cooler months:
Thermal layers, preferably wool-based
A winter hat and gloves.
We provide outerwear but you are welcome to bring your own gear if you have it.
Take to the sky and experience fly fishing at its’ ultimate level.
Fly Fishing in the Taupō Wilderness
The Taupō region is fly fishing heaven – Chris Jolly Outdoors has the experience and knowledge to make your fly fishing trip one to remember.
Introduced from the late 1880’s, brown and rainbow trout have flourished in Lake Taupō and its tributary rivers. The area is popular for dry fly fishing – the large insect populations make for ideal conditions. While nymph and streamer fishing can also be productive, many anglers come to Taupō specifically for the buzz of sighted dry fly fishing. Your Orvis- Endorsed guides will advise you on the best combo of flies, tackle and everything else you need for a productive day on the river for the season.
Backcountry fishing can be challenging, wading up the river between fishing holes, but no risk, no reward!
Tailor-made Heli Transfer Trips
At Chris Jolly Outdoors, we tailor make each fly fishing experience for the discerning angler. Our helicopter transfers deliver you to some of the best trout fishing in New Zealand, and our expert fly fishing guides will ensure you have a full day of world-class fly fishing.
Experience fly fishing like never before with the thrill of a helicopter transfer. We guarantee an unforgettable experience tailored just for you.
The Taupō region is a fly fisherman’s paradise, with plenty of local rivers and streams to fish all year round.
Spring – October sees fish putting on great condition with an increase of feed
Summer – Perfect try for dry fly fishing with all rivers open in December
Autumn – A bit more of a challenging time, but worth the effort – the remaining fish have learnt a thing or two
Winter – The spawning runs have made this area famous for incredible winter fishing
Local headwaters may be closed May – October. Backcountry rivers open December – May.
Your Guides
Chris Jolly Outdoors guides for our fly fishing trips are Orvis Endorsed. What does that mean? You’re in the care of a guide whom has been approved by Orvis to have a high level of competency, and incredible professional manner.
They’re put under scrutiny in lots of different areas to make sure they’re a skilled guide, prepared, with the mental alertness and physical prowess to accept any challenge – good or bad! Your guide is your leader throughout the day, and the Orvis Endorsement guarantees they’ve got what it takes to make your trip special.
As part of our Orvis Endorsement, we only use Orvis rods, reels, waders, and boots.
Experience the Backcountry
New Zealand’s backcountry is renowned the world over for its fly fishing, and with good reason – its vast wilderness rivers and streams are home to some of the best trout fishing in the world.
The backcountry rivers open from December 1st till the end of April. The rivers and streams consist of small pebbly and sandy bottoms through to larger, heavy flowing river waters. With helicopter access to the best New Zealand high country rivers, you will get access to pristine waters for brown and rainbow trout with an average weight of 1-2 kilos, with larger trophy trout up for grabs to the lucky few each season.
Fly fishing can be challenging and rewarding, but it’s not always easy to find the right guide or access prime locations. Not only is Chris Jolly Outdoors one of the most experienced fly fishing outfitters in New Zealand, but our helicopter transfers that will take you to some of the country’s best fly fishing spots.
Our full-day guided fly fishing trips are perfect for anglers who want the most fly time on beautiful, unspoiled wilderness rivers. We’ll provide everything you need, from top-of-the-line gear to expert instruction.
Explore the beauty of pristine backcountry waterways with Chris Jolly Outdoors.
Multi-day Experiences
Looking for more than one day on the water? Multi-day tours are the perfect way to experience all that New Zealand backcountry fishing has to offer. We can curate multi-day tours, including meals and overnight accommodations. If you’re after the ultimate fishing hideaway, we recommend booking the Wild Perfection Owhaoko Hut Escape.
Want to make it a true outdoor adventure? Chris Jolly Outdoors guides hiking, biking and hunting trips, as well as offering premium chartered boats on the great Lake Taupō.
For over 40 years, Chris Jolly Outdoors has been helping anglers to experience the thrill of trout fishing in Lake Taupō.
As one of New Zealand’s oldest and most experienced fly-fishing guide providers, we know all the best spots and can provide you with everything you need to make your trout fishing adventure a success.
Private charter boats with catering/bar/fishing equipment and crew
Access to private land, water and know-how of local’s secret spaces
Functions, corporate events & team building
Reliable & Experienced
Over forty years in the central North Island tourism industry
We’re a family business, with local Taupō knowledge
Our staff are experienced adventure experts
Adventure Qualified
5 Star Rated Gold Qualmark
Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guides
Trip Advisor’s Travellers Choice 2023
Partnered with Ngāti Tūwharetoa
Your Taupō Activity Partner
From beautiful lake views, to fishing crystal pools, to scenic hikes in the central North Island wilderness; Chris Jolly Outdoors are the go-to guides to tick off that bucket list.
In Taupō, the adventure possibilities are truly endless. We guarantee one thing – we’ll create a memorable experience for you that you’ll treasure forever.
You can book a trip with Chris Jolly Outdoors by either calling us on +64 7 378 0623, emailing us at bookings@chrisjolly.co.nz or filling out the form to make an enquiry. If you want to book a cruise to the Māori Rock carvings, head over to the experience page to book direct.
Do you have transport available?
Yes. Some of our trips include transfers but we can arrange helicopter or road transfers from anywhere in the country. Our guided fishing adventures have heli transfer options, with our grounds being either a 90 minute drive or a 25 minute flight from Taupo CBD.
Where is the best fly fishing in NZ?
We reckon the best fly fishing is on the rivers and streams that flow into Lake Taupō. The conditions here are just perfect for well conditioned rainbow and brown trout.
When is the best time to go fly fishing in Taupō?
From May through to October, the trout spawning gears up and runs upstream into the Taupo rivers. If you want a large trophy or very tasty rainbow or brown trout, this is the time to gear up and go!
Do I need a licence to go fly fishing?
Yes, you will need a New Zealand Sports Fishing Licence. We will supply all required licenses on our guided trips.
What is the maximum group size?
We can accommodate groups of all sizes, contact us about your group’s requirements and we can tailor a trip to suit you.
Do I need experience to go fly fishing in Taupō?
You don’t need any experience to go fly fishing with Chris Jolly Outdoors. Whether you’re an experienced fisherman looking to catch a trophy trout, or a beginner wanting to learn the basics of fly fishing, we have an adventure for you.
Can I bring my own equipment?
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own equipment! Anything you don’t have, we can supply for the best fishing experience.
What should I wear for fly fishing in Taupō?
Conditions are changeable in Taupō, so it’s best to be prepared! The locals joke that Taupō can have four seasons in a day!
Rubber-soled boots, with plastic studs if possible
Sun hat or warm beanie – pack one and wear the other
Sunglasses – wear or pack, NZ has harsh sunlight
Gloves in polypropylene/wool – wear or pack for winter
Socks in polypropylene or wool (a spare pair is always a good idea)
A fleece or light jersey just in case for summer
Thermal layers in winter
Layer up your clothes:
Base layer – top and leggings in polypropylene/wool, quick dry shorts or pants
Mid layer – long-sleeved top in wool or polar fleece – wear or pack depending on the weather
Exterior layer – Wind and waterproof jacket with hood – wear or pack depending on the weather (waterproof overtrousers optional)
Bring your own outerwear, or we can provide!
What is the best way to learn fly fishing?
Practice makes progress! We recommend learning how to fly fish on a half-day fly fishing experience with a Chris Jolly Orvis Endorsed guide.
Can I wear felt-soled boots while fly fishing?
No. Felt-soled boots are banned in New Zealand as they can contribute to the spread of invasive species in our waterways. Learn more on the Fish and Game NZ site.
Do I need to clean my gear before and after fly fishing?
If you have fished in other waterways, you should always Check, Clean, Dry your kit to protect the waterways from invasive species.
Check – remove debris from your equipment. Clean – wash gear with detergent. Dry – If cleaning’s impractical, dry the item then leave drying for an additional 48 hours.
All our activities include some level of risk. Your guides takes all practicable steps to ensure your safety, and with any activity in the outdoors you acknowledge an element of risk involved.
Scenic Cruise / Private Charters are operated on Lake Taupō, which is a deep and exposed body of water, with its inherent risks.
Mountain biking is an inherently dangerous sport.
Hiking in the outdoors is an inherently dangerous activity.
Fly Fishing is a water based activity, and that with water, risks are increased.
bookings@chrisjolly.co.nz
07 378 0623
Berth 4, Taupo Boat Harbour, 
