Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
FISHING FOR TROUT
Early European settlers to NZ, wishing to improve the country's farming, hunting and
fishing opportunities, were responsible for the introduction of such ghastly wreckers
as possums and rabbits. One of their more successful introductions was that of trout
- brown and rainbow - released into NZ rivers in the second half of the 19th century.
Today they are much prized by sports anglers, whom you may stumble across flick-
ing their flies thigh-deep in limpid rivers or on the edge of deep green pools. While this
pastime, nay obsession, remains a mystery to the authors of this topic, it is apparent
that it brings much unbridled joy and satisfaction to the lives of its patrons. To quote
NZ author and poet Kevin Ireland in his wonderful bookHow to Catch a Fish,'It has as
much to do with simple stubbornness and personal compulsion as it does with any
complex notions of happiness and mystical fulfilment. The last thing to which it has
any reasonable relationship is success.'
The Greenstone River is one of NZ's most-lauded trout fisheries. Accessible only on
foot via the Greenstone Track (or by helicopter), the luminous green river boasts plen-
tiful fish of legendary size - both brown and rainbow - averaging between 1.5kg and
3kg. As you tramp alongside the river, keep an eye on the pools - you may well spot a
few swaying around in the clear water.
Trout fishing is highly regulated, with licences required to fish anywhere in NZ. Li-
cences and information can be obtained from Fish & Game New Zealand
( www.fishandgame.org.nz ) . However, your best bet will be to go with a local guide; i-
SITEs can help you find one. Otherwise, peruse the helpful online guide, NZ Fishing
( www.nzfishing.com ).
Day 4: Greenstone Hut to Greenstone Car Park
3-5 HOURS, 12KM
Begin the day by recrossing the bridge over the gorge and returning to the Greenstone
Track. Head right on the main track as it continues on the true left (north) side of the river.
You climb high above the gorge, and then swing left with the valley before crossing Slip
Creek on a bridge and entering the western end of Slip Flat , 40 minutes to one hour after
leaving Greenstone Hut.
It takes 1km to cross the flats and re-enter the bush close to the river. After 20 to 30
minutes the track crosses a stream and comes to a signposted junction. The track to the east
(right fork) stays close to the river before crossing a stock bridge and heading for Lake Rere
(one hour). Take the main track to the north (left fork), which remains on the true left
(north) side of the river and climbs through the rest of the gorge.
 
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