What an experience! Three friends , all with a love of the outdoors, drove to Rotorua and met Dennis Ward. If ever there was a true gentleman he would be it. We were instantly made welcome as guests in park-like surrounds and great accommodation.

Dennis inquired as to our experience as fresh water anglers; one expert and two novices - bunnies would be a better description! We were instantly offered some tuition if we wanted and gear selected for us. After that an early night was the chosen option for the anticipated fun the following day.

Unfortunately the weather would not allow a 100% safe helicopter ride so Dennis postponed the fishing until the next day. Being the true gentleman Dennis took us to his local golf club and a great day was had by all.

The following morning we boarded a helicopter and were flown into a remote part of the North Island. The scenery was staggering. We descended into an idyllic spot in a gorge beside a tranquil steam. One of the best days you could ever experience had just started. The plan was to fish our way up the stream and be picked up later that afternoon. The first pond we approached was an ideal spot for tuition for the bunnies. Dennis is an expert angler and excellent instructor. In no time we were able to cast flies, perhaps not experts but enough to catch the first trout within a few minutes. As we walked through the beautiful countryside we fished every pond encounted. Nearly every time a trout was caught and released. By the end of the day we had witnessed something that very few people in the world will ever get to do. Some of the most stunning scenery, heaps of fish caught (some rather large) and one of the nicest guys you will meet.

If you want to experience something very special that New Zealand has to offer contact Dennis Ward.

Ian Masefield,

Auckland, NZ