Website rises to lure of trout fishing fans

Rugby World Cup visitors could hook themselves a prized trout as well as bag an experience of a lifetime.

Fish & Game New Zealand has started a new website to help visitors enjoy the ultimate Kiwi experience between matches - fishing for large trout in New Zealand's stunning scenic surroundings.

New Zealand is widely regarded by international anglers as a premiere trout-fishing destination.

For Rugby World Cup visitors who would like to have a go and don't know where to start, the Fish Away website, www.fishaway.co.nz, makes it easy to experience the off-field excitement of trout fishing.

Rotorua trout guide John Hamill said he thought it was a good off-shoot to the rugby tournament and he had already fielded several inquiries.

He said he was expecting more people to take an interest towards the end of pool play and once the trout season started in earnest.

At present three lakes are suggested to visitors - Lake Okaro, Lake Ngapouri and Tikitapu (Blue Lake) but Mr Hamill knows fishing will be more popular come October 1.

"We'll have a boat on Lake Tarawera when that kicks off," he said.

"I think the website is a good idea and what we need. Rotorua has good fishing areas. Taupo has got the lake and has seen more exposure but a lot of guys prefer getting into a river."

Mr Hamill is one of the guides mentioned on the website, which launched last week.

"Part of hosting this tournament is showcasing what your country has to offer," Fish & Game communications manager Hamish Carnachan said.

"There's no better place in the world than New Zealand to be in with the chance of catching a trout of a lifetime; we think that's something to be proud of and we want to highlight that to our international guests."

Mr Carnachan said like rugby, trout fishing had a long and proud history in NZ and for some it was ingrained in our heritage and culture.

"A big part of trout fishing is visiting our iconic lakes and rivers - coming face to face with 100 per cent Pure New Zealand.

"We believe it's the ultimate Kiwi experience for visitors."

In many countries it is a complicated exercise for tourists to buy a fishing licence, find the right gear and then know where to fish, which is where the Fish Away site comes in.

As well as pointing out the great fishing locations in each of the 12 Fish & Game regions, the website gives fishing tips and information on licences.