Last updated November 2026
The Manganui River is one of the larger Taranaki ringplain rivers, running off the eastern side of the maunga past Inglewood to join the Waitara River. It holds brown trout in moderate numbers, up to about 2.5 kg, and suits nymph, spin and bait fishing. This is not the Manganui-o-te-Ao near Ruapehu, which is a different river.
Everett Park Scenic Reserve, east of Inglewood, is the only public access, and the river below Bristol Road Bridge is open all year.
Manganui River at a Glance
- Location
- East of Inglewood, about 25 km from New Plymouth
- Type
- Ringplain river with pools and runs
- Water
- Freshwater river (Fish & Game Taranaki)
- Main species
- Brown trout, up to about 2.5 kg
- Season
- All year below Bristol Road Bridge; 1 Oct to 30 Apr above it
- Methods
- Fly, spin and bait
- Public access
- Everett Park Scenic Reserve off Everett Road
- Facilities
- Grassed picnic areas and toilets at Everett Park
- Licence
- Fish & Game licence required
- Flow
- TRC: Manganui at Everett Park
No tides. Flow decides the fishing: the river rises fast after rain on the maunga and fishes best once it has dropped and cleared.
Flow now: 12.494 m³/s, falling (Taranaki Regional Council gauge, Manganui at Everett Park, 2:45 pm)
What Makes It Worth the Trip
The Manganui rises near the Manganui ski area on Taranaki Maunga, runs east then north past Midhirst, and joins the Waitara River about 10 km from the coast.
In the middle reaches a weir diverts much of its flow into the Motukawa hydro scheme and Lake Ratapiko. A fish pass and a residual flow have reopened the river to migrating fish after a 75-year break.
At Everett Park, Everett Road runs down through a strip of native bush to the river, which bends past grassy flats at the north end. DOC describes two access roads linked by a walking track along the bank, with several good swimming pools. The rest of the river runs through farmland.
Fish & Game Taranaki says the Everett Park pools suit all techniques, and spinning below Tarata Road can be productive.
How to Fish the Manganui River
Where and when
Work the pools and runs along the Everett Park walking track. Nymph blind through the runs, or to fish you can see in clear water. The river rises quickly after rain on the maunga, as it did several times over the 2025-26 summer, so give it time to drop and clear.
What to catch and what to use
- Brown trout: nymphing is the main method. Fish & Game suggested tungsten-bead hare and copper, halfback and caddis nymphs in sizes 12 to 16 for the start of the season.
- Bait: creeper and worm work well.
- Spinning: a 7 g toby, veltec or paddle-tail soft bait, especially in the lower river below Tarata Road.
Maketawa Stream
The Maketawa Stream is a Manganui tributary 4 km south of Inglewood on SH3, with good water quality and brown trout to about 2.5 kg. Access is from the SH3 and Junction Road bridges, which is difficult, or from farmland off Norfolk Road with the landowner’s permission.
Creeper works, but nymphing to sighted fish with a small hare and copper, halfback or caddis is the preferred method. It follows the standard Taranaki season, 1 October to 30 April.
Getting There and Facilities
- Everett Park: from Inglewood, head east on Tarata Road, turn left onto Bristol Road, then left into Everett Road. There are large grassed picnic areas with toilets, and an easy walk of under an hour along the river.
- Private land: the Bristol, Tarata, Tariki, Croydon and Manganui Road crossings and SH3 all need the landowner’s permission to reach the river.
- Downstream: below the confluence, see our Waitara River fishing guide.
- Map: Fish & Game’s online access map shows the public points.
Rules and Safety
- Fish & Game Taranaki rules apply and you need a licence. Below Bristol Road Bridge the river is open all year to fly, spin and bait. Above it the standard 1 October to 30 April season applies.
- Check the current Taranaki regulations for limits before you keep a fish.
- The river rises quickly after heavy rain. Stay off crossings when it is up and check the TRC flow at Everett Park.
- LAWA showed a warning at the Everett Park swim site in October 2026, and the regional council advises against swimming for three days after heavy rain. Check LAWA before swimming.
Tackle and Bait Nearby
- Hunting & Fishing Taranaki Valley, 2/20 Rifle Range Road, Waiwhakaiho, New Plymouth.
- Hunting & Fishing Taranaki, Ocean View Parade, New Plymouth.
- Licences are also sold online through Fish & Game.
Trusted Sources
Fish & Game: Taranaki ringplain rivers: Manganui and Maketawa access and methods.
Taranaki sports fishing regulations: seasons, methods and limits.
DOC: Everett Park Scenic Reserve walk: directions, facilities and the riverside track.
Common Questions
Where can I fish the Manganui River?
Everett Park Scenic Reserve east of Inglewood is the only public access. Other crossings need the landowner’s permission.
Is the Manganui open all year?
Below Bristol Road Bridge, yes. Above it the season runs from 1 October to 30 April.
Can I use bait?
Yes. Fly, spin and bait are all allowed.
What fish are in the river?
Brown trout in moderate numbers, up to about 2.5 kg.
Is this the Manganui-o-te-Ao?
No. The Manganui-o-te-Ao is a different river near Ruapehu. This Manganui flows off Taranaki Maunga to the Waitara River.
Are there toilets at Everett Park?
Yes, with large grassed picnic areas beside the river.
Do I need a licence?
Yes. You need a Fish & Game licence, and Taranaki rules apply.
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