Last updated October 2026
The lower Mangawhero River runs beside State Highway 4 at Kakatahi, about 30 minutes north of Whanganui, above and below the Raukawa Falls.
Fish & Game Taranaki says it holds a surprising number of brown trout averaging about 1.5 kg, with some much larger. It fishes best in dry spells when the water is clear, and it is open all year below the Raetihi-Ohakune Road bridge, with fly, spinner and bait allowed. Nearly all the land beside it is private, so ask before you cross.
Mangawhero River at a Glance
- Location
- Beside SH4 at Kakatahi, about 30 minutes north of Whanganui
- Water
- Freshwater river (Fish & Game Taranaki)
- Main species
- Brown trout, averaging about 1.5 kg
- Best time
- Dry spells, when the river is clear
- Season
- Open all year below the Raetihi-Ohakune Road bridge
- Methods
- Fly, spinner and bait
- Access
- From SH4 above and below the Raukawa Falls
- Private land
- Nearly all the riverbank: ask permission
- Licence
- Fish & Game licence required
- Flow
- Horizons: Mangawhero at Ore Ore
No tides. Clarity decides the fishing: the river colours fast after rain on Ruapehu and fishes best in dry spells.
What You'll Find Here
The Mangawhero rises on Ruapehu, runs past Ohakune and flows south to join the Whangaehu River. For Whanganui anglers the easy stretch is the lower river along the Parapara section of SH4, where the highway follows the river for much of its length.
From above, the river winds through a deep, bush-filled gorge at Kakatahi, with SH4 crossing it on a high bridge and farmland on the ridges above. The Raukawa Falls are the obvious landmark on this stretch.
Fish & Game Taranaki calls the number of browns surprising for a river so close to the main road. Upstream around Ohakune the browns also average about 1.5 kg once the river slows below the bush.
How to Fish the Mangawhero River
Where and when
Pick a dry spell when the river has dropped and cleared; it colours quickly after rain on the mountain. Fish the pools and runs reached from SH4 above and below the Raukawa Falls, working upstream so the trout do not see you first.
What to catch and what to use
- Brown trout: spinning is the preferred method, with a toby or Z-spinner.
- Bait: a worm is also effective, especially as the water clears after a fresh.
- Fly: fly fishing is allowed too; a weighted nymph through the deeper runs suits the clear, low water.
What to bring
A light spinning rod and a few tobies or Z-spinners, worms, sturdy boots for steep banks, and your licence.
Getting There and Facilities
- Driving: take SH4 north from Whanganui for about 30 minutes to Kakatahi. The highway runs beside the river.
- Raukawa Falls: the lookout on SH4 is a good landmark, with access to the river above and below the falls.
- Parking: SH4 is a winding highway with trucks. Pull right off the road where it is wide enough.
- Private land: nearly all the land beside the river is private. Ask at the nearest house before crossing, and leave gates as you find them.
- Facilities: none at the river. Raetihi and Whanganui have shops and fuel.
Rules and Safety
- Fish & Game Taranaki rules apply and you need a licence. Below the Raetihi-Ohakune Road bridge the river is open all year to fly, spinner 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 after rain on Ruapehu. Stay off steep banks and do not cross when it is up; check the Horizons flow at Ore Ore.
- Keep well away from the edge around the falls.
Tackle and Bait Nearby
- Hunting & Fishing Whanganui, 64 Carlton Avenue, Whanganui.
- Fish & Game licences are also sold online.
From locals
Where does the Mangawhero River start and where does it end up?
Has anyone taken a dog along the river here? Not sure how it goes with the farmland.
No answers yet. If you know, a local would love to hear it.
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Common Questions
Where can I fish the Mangawhero near Whanganui?
Along SH4 at Kakatahi, about 30 minutes north of Whanganui, above and below the Raukawa Falls.
Is the Mangawhero open all year?
Yes, below the Raetihi-Ohakune Road bridge. Above it the season is 1 October to 30 April.
Can I use bait?
Yes. Fly, spinner and bait are all allowed.
What fish are in the river?
Brown trout, averaging about 1.5 kg, with some much larger.
When is it best?
In dry spells when the river is clear. It colours quickly after rain.
Is the riverbank public?
Mostly not. Nearly all the adjacent land is private, so ask permission before crossing.
Do I need a licence?
Yes. You need a Fish & Game licence, and Taranaki rules apply.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Related links 3
- Fish & Game: Whanganui fisheries: the lower Mangawhero, access and methods.
- Taranaki sports fishing regulations: season, methods and limits.
- Horizons river levels: live flow for the Mangawhero.