Waipunga River

A prolific troutfishing river
Waipunga River

Description & Directions

The long journey of this great little river starts high up in the Kaingaroa Forest, the next catchment over from the upper reaches of the Rangitaiki River. The Waipunga though flows in the opposite direction; firstly south until the Waipunga Falls and then east until it joins the mighty Mohaka River. It is a river of distinct contrasts. Pine trees envelop the upper reaches and broom and lupins border the banks. Only brown trout are found in the water above the falls and they are notoriously difficult to catch. They are worth the trouble though as fish of up to 3 kg (6.5 lb) can be seen. Access is restricted to two forestry roads on either side of the river and permission is needed from the Kaingaroa Forest H.Q. There are several kilometres of fishable water before the river surges over the long drop down the Waipunga Falls.

Read the rest of the chapter in Ron's new ebook Troutfishing New Zealand here