Last updated November 2026
The Ōhau River is a small Tararua river that crosses SH1 just south of Levin, about 50 km south-west of Palmerston North. Fish & Game says the fishing is poor inside the Forest Park but improves downstream, and it recommends careful stalking with a small nymph or dry fly.
Kimberley Scenic Reserve, upstream of SH1, is the last public access point; below it you need a landowner’s permission. The whole river is open all year, with fly, spinner and bait allowed. This is not the Ōhau in Canterbury.
Ōhau River at a Glance
- Location
- Just south of Levin, crossing SH1
- Type
- Small Tararua river with pools and riffles
- Water
- Freshwater river (Fish & Game Wellington)
- Main species
- Brown trout; some sea-run fish below SH1
- Season
- Open all year, whole river
- Methods
- Fly, spinner and bait
- Public access
- Kimberley Scenic Reserve off Kimberley Road; Muhunoa East Road
- Private land
- No public access downstream of Kimberley Scenic Reserve
- Licence
- Fish & Game licence required
- Flow
- Horizons: Ōhau at Rongomatane
No tides. A flood-prone Tararua river: fish numbers follow the floods, and clear, settled water suits sight fishing.
Flow now: 3.109 m³/s, falling (Horizons Regional Council gauge, Ohau at Rongomatane, 12:55 pm)
The Background
The Ōhau drains the western Tararua Range and runs a short course to the sea south of Levin. It is vulnerable to flooding, so Fish & Game says fish numbers vary greatly from year to year. Inside the Tararua Forest Park the fishing is poor, but it improves as you head downstream.
From above, Kimberley Road runs across flat farmland on the terrace north of the river, with the Ōhau winding through a bush-lined channel below. Kimberley Scenic Reserve is the downstream limit of public access along the river.
Below SH1 the river slows and deepens into good pools, with a late-summer evening rise, according to Fish & Game’s nzfishing site, which puts the browns at about 1 kg and notes some sea-run fish.
How to Fish the Ōhau River
Where and when
Walk slowly, look for trout holding in clear water and cast to them. In low summer flows, stick to small flies; outside those low flows, small spinners also do well. Below SH1, wait for the evening rise in late summer.
What to catch and what to use
- Brown trout: a small nymph or dry fly cast to sighted fish.
- Spinners: small ones, outside low summer flows.
- Bait: allowed, and useful when the river is slightly coloured.
Getting There and Facilities
- Upstream: off SH1 via Muhunoa East Road or Kimberley Road; Tararua and Gladstone Roads lead to the Forest Park.
- Kimberley Scenic Reserve: off Kimberley Road, the last public access point on the river.
- Downstream: Kuku Beach Road and Muhunoa West Road reach the lower river, but there is no public access along it, so ask the landowner first.
- Riverbed rules: Fish & Game’s Kāpiti rivers guide asks for no dogs, firearms, camping, fires or vehicles on the riverbed, and to leave gates as you find them.
Rules and Safety
- Fish & Game Wellington rules apply and you need a licence. The Ōhau is open all year along its whole length, with fly, spinner and bait.
- Check the current Wellington regulations for limits before you keep a fish.
- The river floods easily after rain in the Tararua Range. Check the Horizons flow at Rongomatane and do not cross when it is up.
Tackle and Bait Nearby
- Hunting & Fishing has stores in Ōtaki and at 35 Grey Street, Palmerston North.
- Licences are also sold online through Fish & Game.
From locals
Where can I buy tackle near the Ōhau River?
Are there any toilets at Kimberley Scenic Reserve or nearby?
No answers yet. If you know, a local would love to hear it.
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Common Questions
Where is the Ōhau River?
Just south of Levin, where it crosses SH1, about 50 km south-west of Palmerston North.
Is the Ōhau open all year?
Yes. The whole river is open all year under the Wellington regulations.
Can I use bait?
Yes. Fly, spinner and bait are all allowed.
Where is the public access?
Kimberley Scenic Reserve off Kimberley Road is the last public point. Below it you need the landowner’s permission.
What is the best method?
Fish & Game recommends careful stalking and casting a small nymph or dry fly to sighted fish.
Is this the Ōhau in Canterbury?
No. This is the Horowhenua Ōhau River near Levin.
Do I need a licence?
Yes. You need a Fish & Game licence, and Wellington rules apply.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Related links 3
- Fish & Game: Horowhenua-Kāpiti waters: Ōhau access and methods.
- Wellington sports fishing regulations: seasons, methods and limits.
- Horizons river levels: live flow for the Ōhau.