This Fishing Tournament is at One of the World’s Most Exclusive Lodges

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The exclusive Huka Lodge Fly Fishing Tournament will serve up a whole lot more than world class fishing in 2019. 50 lucky participants can also expect a gourmet taste journey through France and a rare whisky tasting

Fishing fans and nature lovers, this one’s for you. New Zealand’s iconic luxury lodge, Huka Lodge in Taupo, has announced a fly fishing tournament taking place over three days this August.

And it isn’t just any old fishing competition.

The inaugural, exclusive Huka Lodge Fly Fishing Tournament was created in celebration of the story behind the famous lodge’s beginnings.

In the 1920s an avid Irish fisherman by the name of Alan Pye arrived in Taupo, New Zealand with a one track mind: he had heard tales about the size and fighting spirit of the magnificent Rainbow and Brown trout being caught in the numerous streams, rivers and lakes of Taupo. It didn’t take him long to realise the legends were entirely true, and he immediately set about purchasing land in a prime position that would give him perfect access to this fishing heaven. He chose a spot on the banks of the Waikato River, upstream from the mighty Huka Falls and established a simple fishing camp that quickly became known for its exceptional angling and generous hospitality.

The rest, as they say, is history.

In 2019, this exciting and exclusive three-day angling event, which is available to a maximum of 50 guests, will be an action-packed adventure both on land and on the water.

All participants in the tournament will be guided by a team of experienced and knowledgeable local guides thanks to a partnership with Lake Taupo’s premier outdoor experience provider, Chris Jolly Outdoors.

Fly fishing will take place in over 25 of the best spots, in the amazing crystal-clear rivers and streams around Lake Taupo, and for those wanting to brush up on their technique ahead of the tournament, individual fly-casting tuition will be available at the Lodge on the day of arrival.

Returning to the lodge at the end of each day of fly-fishing, relaxing activities await for the 50 lucky guests. A delicious five-course dinner prepared by Executive Chef Paul Froggatt will be served up on the first night, but not before an aperitif from the Champagne station presented by Louis Roederer.

Guests will also experience a tutored ‘Highland Tasting’ by Tom Fastier, the Glenfiddich Brand Ambassador for New Zealand, featuring seven aged and rare whisky releases that have never been tasted in New Zealand before and never will again.

And if a champagne station and limited release whisky tasting session isn’t exclusive enough for you, one evening will be dedicated to a ‘Tour de France of Wine’ dinner with Ben Longhurst, Wine Ambassador from Eurovintage, who will closely collaborate with Chef Paul to create a stunning food and fine French wine journey. Starting in famous Champagne, your gastronomic and oenological travels will take you on an extraordinary passage from Burgundy to Alsace, through the Rhone Valley and finishing in Bordeaux.

The Huka Lodge Fly Fishing Tournament will build to a grand finalé with a Prizegiving Dinner hosted by Al Brown on the last night. An impressive tournament prize pool will be up for grabs featuring the finest fishing rods by local heritage brand Kilwell Sports Ltd, worth over NZ$13,000.00, NZ$2,500 worth of Rodd & Gunn products and a Helisika helicopter adventure. There will also be prizes awarded daily, as well as a special goodie bag for all participants to take home.

The Huka Lodge Fly Fishing Tournament will take place on 29th, 30th & 31st August 2019. Bookings can be made at hukalodge.co.nz