THE North Island of New Zealand offers some of the world’s best fresh and saltwater fishing. A brief trip back in late February confirmed this and showed off the best of the Taupo region with some incredible backcrountry trout fishing with Chris Jolly Outdoors and luxury accommodation at nearby Huka Lodge.The current May edition of Fishing World features the full article. Meanwhile, check out the short video above and read on for more details about Huka Lodge and its fly fishing event scheduled for later in the year.Huka Lodge was built in the 1920s. It was originally built as a trout lodge and over the years has welcomed some notable guests. Famed fishing and western writer Zane Grey stayed at Huka during his well-known New Zealand expedition. Since then the lodge moved away from being an exclusive trout destination and major upgrades were made to create one of the world’s most exclusive destinations. The list of notable guests grew and includes several visits from the Queen and well-known actors and performers.Huka can arrange guiding and casting tuition through Chris Jolly Outdoors. There’s also hunting guides and other sight-seeing activities.Last year Huka Lodge, in partnership with Chris Jolly Outdoors, kicked off its inaugural fly fishing event. According to Simon Jolly, director at Chris Jolly Outdoors, the inaugural event last year was a big success and welcomed eager fly fishers from New Zealand and overseas to enjoy the area and take part in some extra activities during their stay.Participants will enjoy individual casting lessons while a Louis Roederer Champagne station to welcome you to the event. There will also be a fly-tying demonstration and a tutored Gin and Tonic tasting. Land Rover will also be bringing some of its latest models for guests who would like to test drive. Meanwhile Chef, Paul Froggatt will demonstrate his techniques for smoking fish during the event. He will also team up with EuroVintage Brand Ambassador, Ben Longhurst to create a wine dinner themed around wines produced from vineyards located in the World’s Best Fishing Destinations, including Taupo.There’s a generous prize pool for the event, including Kilwell Sports (who represent Orvis in New Zealand), bespoke goods from Rodd & Gunn and a day of fly fishing with a Helisika helicopter. Celebrity chef, author and passionate fisherman, Al Brown, is also back on board for this year’s event.Cost for a three-night stay in a Junior Lodge Suite, on a double/twin occupancy basis, incl. of all event activities, vehicle transfers for fishing, guides fishing licenses, full breakfasts pre-dinner drinks and canapés, dinners, use of all Lodge facilities and return Taupo Airport transfers = NZ$1,224.00 + GST per person, per night. Single occupancy rates in a Junior Lodge Suite, as well as rates for The Owner’s Cottage, available on request.More information at hukalodge.co.nz and chrisjolly.co.nz.Read the full article in the current May edition of Fishing World. Download an online version here or subscribe to Fishing World here.
