There’s something about the way a Taranaki river moves—clear, quick, and full of secrets. If you’ve ever watched a brown trout rise just as the light hits the water right, you’ll know what I mean. That’s where Adam Priest comes in. He’s been guiding folks through these waters for 30 years, and honestly, I’m not sure which he knows better: the rivers or the fish.
TnT Guided Fly Fishing isn’t one of those slick, corporate outfits. It’s more like fishing with a mate who happens to know every bend in the river. Adam’s based out of Oakura, just a stone’s throw from New Plymouth, but the real magic starts where the roads end. Forty-plus streams spill down from Egmont National Park, and Adam’s got a knack for finding the spots where the trout don’t see many flies.

You’ll hear a lot about the Tongariro region, and yeah, it’s great—but Taranaki? It’s quieter. The trout here aren’t as jaded, and the average fish runs about 1.5kg, though I’ve seen Adam pull out a few monsters pushing 4.5kg. Sight fishing here is stupidly good; the water’s so clear you can watch the whole dance unfold. And with Mount Taranaki looming over you, it’s hard to tell whether you’re there for the fish or the view.

Adam’s the kind of guide who’ll tell you about the mayfly hatch while untangling your leader with one hand. He’s done everything from guiding VIPs at Cedar Lodge to leading camel treks in Australia (don’t ask how he ended up there—it’s a long story). But it’s the rivers here that stuck with him. He’s big on catch-and-release—not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because he’s seen what happens when a fishery gets loved to death.
Whether you’re a first-timer or someone who’s tied more flies than they can count, Adam’s got the patience of a saint and the stories to match. Saltwater fly fishing? Skiing? Surfing? The man’s got opinions on all of it. But it’s the trout that keep him coming back—rainbows and browns, mostly, the kind that make you forget to check your phone for hours.

So if you’re after the usual brochure spiel, look elsewhere. This is fishing like it should be: messy, unpredictable, and absolutely worth the wet boots.