The Fish & Game brochure describes the Manganuioteao River as follows: “Considered by many anglers to be the jewel in the crown of the Taranaki F&G Region’s fisheries, this river is rated very highly by anglers who travel great distances to enjoys its outstanding scenic and recreational values.” That is an accurate description. OK?

the brochure goes on to say: “The high water quality, sourced from snow melt and glacial runoff, with abundant insect life, good cover from large boulders, overhanging bush, deep pools and papa ledges, allows trout to average 1.5 kg. with some growing up to 3.5 kg. and beyond. The sequence of pools, runs and rapids gives anglers a diversity of fishable water to choose from.

But did you know it is much closer to Turangi than to Taranaki towns. The scenic qualities are so good it is also one of the few rivers which enjoy a National Water Conservation Order granted in 1989. It should be on every fly fishos bucket-list.

I do not remember this river ever being mentioned in over 5,000 TRM reports during the last 15 years as we were so busy encouraging anglers to fish the Tongariro River. Some rivers prefer to remain hidden from the Taupo anglers. But at this time of the year – particularly during such a remarkable cicada season – it is well worth considering for a change of style and scenery on your fishing holiday itinerary.

It is a long drive – over 100 km – but well worth the effort. All the signage leads to the Ruatiti Domain which is a popular camping spot and it needs some investigation to locate other river access spots as they are surrounded by farms. The F&G map even provides names of the various farming land owners and their phone numbers to contact them if you want to access the more remote sections of river.