We have a responsibility to conserve our fresh water systems for future generations – to ensure that we balance our joy of the outdoors with preservation. We can learn from the past to ensure a bright future for the rivers of Aotearoa.

The Whio or Blue Duck is a marvel of New Zealand’s rivers and indicative of our challenge as humans. They rely on clean, fast-flowing streams and rivers, with good insect food sources, similar to trout and other species. Like many things natural, they have been driven to endangered status by habitat loss, and predation from introduced species.

These posts provide a variety of insights into not only the flora and fauna of our rivers, lakes and estuaries, but also their rich history. These are things that interest us, and we hope might interest you.

River Art?

River bridges are a popular canvas for graffiti in New Zealand. Is it art? We’ll let you decide.

A bike, and breaking some basic rules of fishing

Combining a bike ride up the Remutaka Incline trail and fishing the Pakuratahi River included some poor fishing choices…

A Tribute to Noel Thomas

In the small South Canterbury town of Temuka lived a fly tyer of international renown – Noel Thomas.

Summer is Cicada Season

Flyfishing during cicada season can be a lot of fun, and a reason to learn a little more about these fascinating creatures that are the sound of summer in New Zealand.

100% Pure Rivers

While 100% pure might be a stretch, we can 100% make a difference when visiting our beautiful waterways.

A Good Boat – Fishing Down the Clutha

Boating, fishing and cooking with good friends are part and parcel of an annual pilgrimage to Central Otago, while marveling at the history in plain sight on the banks of the Clutha River.

Patuna Chasm – Small & Spectacular

Patuna Chasm is a hidden gem in Wairarapa. We were so impressed – we returned to explore it again.

Sharing the Water

One of the most famous fishing stories in New Zealand is that of Sir Bob Jones punching a journalist who interrupted his solitude. There is much to learn from this mildly violent and somewhat amusing episode.

Our Mighty (Blue) Duck

New Zealand’s Blue Duck or Whio, is an endangered treasure who relies on our rivers as its home.

Hatching a Legacy

Everything has a genesis, and so it was with trout in New Zealand. Today’s world-renowned fishery was created by keen Riversmiths not long after European colonisation, and hatcheries played a huge part in building stocks, as they still do.