Otaki River - State Highway 1 Bridge

This medium-sized river has an extensive catchment within the Tararua Forest Park and after leaving the Tararua Range, runs a rapid course to sea. It is a highly variable fishery with floods regularly turning over a relatively unstable bed. Access to the Forest Park is off SH1 via Otaki Gorge Road, which follows the south bank of the river. Walking access from the road end can take up to several days and anglers need to be fit and well equipped for mountain fishing. Downstream of the Forest Park the river passes through a gorge for 9km which is best fished from a raft, although trout numbers are usually low. Downstream again, access is best off SH1 walking up the river or by walking downstream on the south bank and fishing back up. All fishing methods are successful under most river conditions. During summer, spin and bait fishing is best focused on the faster runs and heads of pools.

Fishing Regulations