Captain
John Hamill

Member since March 2018 Rotorua, New Zealand
Background
"My father owned a fishing and hunting store and started us young. I became a full-time guide in 1996 doing backcountry fly fishing and charter boat skipper. " With over 50 years of fishing experience, John Hamill has fished some of the best places in New Zealand but Lake Tarawera is one of his favourite spots. He's passionate about spreading the joy of fishing with anglers of any skill level, whether they're pros or total novices.
Techniques
Dry fly on a river always gets me!! Prefered on the boat is fly fishing and our form of jigging and soft baiting.

Hey, I'm Captain John Hamill

Rotorua, New Zealand
Background
"My father owned a fishing and hunting store and started us young. I became a full-time guide in 1996 doing backcountry fly fishing and charter boat skipper. " With over 50 years of fishing experience, John Hamill has fished some of the best places in New Zealand but Lake Tarawera is one of his favourite spots. He's passionate about spreading the joy of fishing with anglers of any skill level, whether they're pros or total novices.
Techniques
Dry fly on a river always gets me!! Prefered on the boat is fly fishing and our form of jigging and soft baiting.
Verified
Our Team
William John H.
Captain

My Charter Listing

Excellent
5.0 / 5
(6 reviews)
Rotorua
Trips from US $406

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
5.0 / 5
out of 5 stars from 6 reviews
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (8)
Great family activity!
Great family activity!
Great family activity!
+5
Angler rating
6
0
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Appropriate for children
88%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
100%
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Showing:
5 of 6 reviews
June T.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great family activity!

VERIFIED   3 Hour Trip โ€“ Lake Rotorua Trout on December 28, 2025
Captain John is great with kids and knows the area very well. Because thereโ€™s an algae bloom in Lake Rotorua, he recommended...
June T. recommends Cruise And Fish Rotorua
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David L.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

3 generations of fun

VERIFIED   3 Hour Trip โ€“ Lake Rotorua Trout on November 18, 2025
Took my dad and son on this trip. capt John really knows his trade inside out. Caught 5 kept 4 within 2.5hrs. Awesome day....
David L. recommends Cruise And Fish Rotorua
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Hank H.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Catch trout on a volcanic lake

VERIFIED   3 Hour Trip โ€“ Lake Rotorua Trout on January 2, 2026
Captain John was great! Knowledgeable and patient with our two teenage boys.
Hank H. recommends Cruise And Fish Rotorua
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Laurence D.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fantastic Fishing Experience

VERIFIED   3 Hour Trip โ€“ Lake Rotorua Trout on March 6, 2025
John was a fantastic guide and host. He had great gear, knew the local spots and was very friendly and helpful. Highly recommended.
Laurence D. recommends Cruise And Fish Rotorua
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Martin S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ˜Š

VERIFIED   3 Hour Trip โ€“ Lake Rotorua Trout on February 28, 2025
John was a very nice and competent captain.
Martin S. recommends Cruise And Fish Rotorua
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