The following are a list of packages you can use for planning your perfect fishing vacation to New Zealand. The perfect vacation would be to combine a North Island package with a South Island package....or for the ultimate fishing vacation I recommend combining 2 locations in the North Island with 2 locations in the South Island! There are plenty of other activities available if you are travelling with a non-fishing partner....please email me for further ideas!

Fly-Fishing Packages

Accommodation options

These can of course range from camping to motels or exclusive lodges - please let me know your preference and I will arrange everything for you. The following is my list of favourite fishing accommodations:-

Oreti Village, Taupo www.oretivillage.com

Poronui Ranch, Taupo www.poronui.com

Tongariro Lodge, Taupo www.tongariolodge.co.nz

Lake Brunner Lodge, Greymouth www.lakebrunner.co.nz

Lake Rotoroa Lodge, Nelson www.lakerotoroalodge.com

Riverview Lodge, Hanmer Springs www.riverviewlodge.co.nz

Cedar Lodge, Queenstown www.cedarlodge.net

Prices are valid until May 31st, 2007

Executive Apartment Fishing Trips (Lake Taupo)

Day One - Your guide will pick you up from either Auckland or Rotorua Airport at a pre-arranged time. From there we will drive south to Lake Taupo - the largest volcanic crater lake in the world. Depending on your flight arrival time and airport, you may have time for fishing one of the many rivers that feed into Lake Taupo. Your accommodation for the next 3 evenings is in a self-contained executive apartment located lakeside and surrounded by native bush at the southern end of Lake Taupo. If you prefer not to cook your catch, there are a score of top class restaurants in the area to choose from.

Day 2 & 3 - The next day your guide will take you by 4x4 to any number of favourite fishing holes in the area. A gourmet picnic lunch can be enjoyed along the banks of the pristine mountain river. The day may involve sight-fishing, casting with flies or stalking some of the larger fish. The day is yours to be enjoyed how you like and at a pace that you like.

Day 4 - Return to Auckland or Rotorua Airport so that you can fly to your next fishing location!

Cost From NZ$ 2980.00 for one angler or NZ$ 1505.00 p/p for two anglers. (3 nights, 2 full days fishing - some fishing is available on the transfer day’s dependant on time and place of arrival/departure).

NB. Extra days fishing and accommodation can be booked at the rate of NZ$ 990.00 per day/night for one angler or $580.00 p/p for two anglers. Some fishing is available on the transfer days dependant on time and place of arrival/departure.

This is inclusive of: 4wd transfers, fishing guide/host, equipment, non-alcoholic refreshments, digital images, safety and risk management, DoC concessions, accommodation and GST.

NB. 2 persons maximum per guide.

The B&B Fishing Trips (Queenstown)

Day One - Your guide will pick you up from your accommodation in Queenstown or the Queenstown or Invercargill airports at a pre-arranged time. From there we will drive into Southland, you will spend the rest of the day casting to stalked and sighted fish ranging in size from 3lbs – 5lbs, always with the possibility of seeing and hooking into much larger fish. The landscapes range from lush green farmland to open tussock lands to mountain beech forests and stunning mountain scenery with spring creeks, freestone rivers and alluvial rivers to choose between. Your accommodation is a very comfortable 1930’s railway cottage in the heart of rural Southland at Lumsden. You will dine out at one of the local restaurants or have home cooked dinner depending on your desires and after dinner have the option to go and check out the evening rise on one of the famous local rivers.

Days 2 & 3 - The next morning your guide will cook up a real Kiwi breakfast and then you will be off to explore some of the other rivers in the area and the fishing they offer. Another fantastic lunch will see you through to finishing back in your Lumsden accommodation the end of another great day full of angling tales.

Days 4 - Return to Queenstown accommodation or the Queenstown or Invercargill airports

Cost From NZ$ 3030.00 for one angler or NZ$ 1515.00 p/p for two anglers. (3 nights, 2 full days fishing - some fishing is available on the transfer day’s dependant on time and place of arrival/departure).

NB. Extra days fishing and accommodation can be booked at the rate of NZ$ 1125.00 per day/night for one angler or $562.50 p/p for two anglers. Some fishing is available on the transfer days dependant on time and place of arrival/departure.

This is inclusive of: 4wd transfers, fishing guide/host, equipment, non-alcoholic refreshments, digital images, safety and risk management, DoC concessions, bed & breakfast and GST.

NB. 2 persons maximum per guide.

On the Road Fly Fishing Trips (Queenstown)

Day One - Your guide will pick you up from your Queenstown accommodation or the Queenstown or Invercargill airports at a pre-arranged time. From here the lower half of the South Island is yours to explore with your knowledgeable guide taking you the best areas to fish given what the weather and river conditions are doing. The landscapes range from lush green farmland to open tussock lands to mountain beech forests and stunning mountain scenery with spring creeks, freestone rivers and alluvial rivers to choose between. You accommodation will be: motels, B&B’s, farm stays, back country huts as required dependant on where we travel to offer you the best fishing opportunities during your trip.

Day’s 2 -5 – Fishing as above.

Day 6 - Return to Queenstown accommodation or the Queenstown or Invercargill airports

NB. The length of these trips start at  6 days which include a transfer day either side of 4 days fishing (some fishing may be done on these transfers days depending on where and what time your arrival/departure time and place is).

Cost From NZ$ 4800.00 for one angler or NZ$ 2400.00 p/p for two anglers.

Extra days fishing and accommodation can be booked at the rate of NZ$ 1040.00 per day for one angler or $520.00 p/p for two anglers.

This is inclusive of: 4wd transfers, fishing guide, equipment, digital images, safety and risk management, DoC concessions, accommodation, food and non-alcoholic refreshments and GST.

NB. 2 persons maximum per guide.

4WD Camp Out Fishing (Queenstown)

Your guide will pick you up from your Queenstown accommodation. From here we will take you to the waterways that will suit you and the weather/river conditions on the day – flexibility is the key to success when camp out fishing. You will spend the day casting to stalked and sighted fish ranging in size from 3lbs – 5lbs, always with the possibility of seeing and hooking into much larger fish. The landscapes range from open tussock lands to mountain beech forests and stunning mountain scenery with spring creeks, freestone rivers, alluvial rivers and alpine lakes to choose between.

Accommodation will either be tent or backcountry huts depending on the fishing location. This is for 2 days fishing and one night camp out.

Cost From NZ$ 1990.00 for one angler or NZ$ 995.00 p/p for two anglers.

Additional days can be booked at the rate of: NZ$ 925.00 for one angler or NZ$ 462.50 p/p for two anglers.

This is inclusive of: 4wd transfers, fishing guide, all equipment, food and non-alcoholic refreshments, digital images, safety and risk management, DoC concessions and GST.

NB. 2 persons maximum per guide

Helicopter Camp Out Fishing (Queenstown)

Your guide will pick you up from your Queenstown accommodation. We will board our helicopter and take you to the best location dependant on the weather forecast - flexibility is the key to success when camp out fishing. You will spend the day casting to stalked and sighted fish ranging in size from 3lbs – 5lbs, always with the possibility of seeing and hooking into much larger fish. The landscapes range from open tussock lands to mountain beech forests and stunning mountain scenery with spring creeks and freestone rivers.

Accommodation will either be tent or backcountry huts depending on the fishing location.

Cost From NZ$ 3700.00 for one angler or NZ$ 1850.00 p/p for two anglers.

Additional days can be booked at the rate of: NZ$ 925.00 for one angler or NZ$ 462.50 p/p for two anglers.

This is inclusive of: 4wd transfers, helicopter transfers, all equipment, food and non-alcoholic refreshments, digital images, safety and risk management, DoC concessions and GST.

NB. 2 persons maximum per guide.

Fly-Fishing Fact Sheet

There are some significant differences in fly fishing for trout in New Zealand, compared to fishing in the UK or US. Sight fishing is perhaps the biggest difference. Our fishing guides are renowned for their remarkable ability to "spot" fish for clients, and to then coach that client into getting the right fly into the right place - and all too often the client never actually sees the fish until the fly is taken. Our crystal clear mountain streams and trophy sized brown and rainbow trout make this a hugely exciting method of catching these wild fish. This style of fishing is suitable for one or two persons per guide.

The South Island’s countryside is diverse but generally quite open. The riverbanks are a mix of tussock grasslands and open riverbeds that are relatively easy to negotiate. We access a mix of spring creeks, alluvial rivers and still waters of various sizes and offer a choice of low country or high country fishing.

The splendid fish of the high country demand respect for their sheer size and raw power. The larger, fit mountain rainbows will lead you in great leaps around the pool once hooked. And for the ultimate challenge, do battle with the cunning large brown trout that inhabit our lowland streams. They will test your nerves, skill and patience.

In general we have fewer, but much bigger fish per mile of water. The best of our rivers might boast a modest 500 fish per mile, but many of the mountain streams and rivers might only hold 10 fish per mile. They are bigger, more alert and as wild as can be, with an almost uncanny ability to sense danger! Because there are fewer fish per mile, it becomes much more important to get a good cast to every fish encountered. As a rule, you only get one chance per fish - they are very unforgiving of poor presentation!

Water clarity is exceptional, especially in low summer flow periods, and wary brown trout can see out as well as the guide and his client can see in. Stealth is essential and fish will melt away unseen by the casual, careless approach of the average angler. There are few greater pleasures than to stalk our beautiful trout among the peace, solitude and majestic scenery.

Your personal fishing guide will supply everything you need from all your fishing tackle/equipment, lunch/refreshments, digital images of the day, door to door transport and safety. If you have your own equipment and want to bring it, feel free to do so. Fishing Licenses are an additional charge but can be organized for you.

Breathable Waders are good to use particularly early and late season when the temperatures are cool and there is snowmelt in the rivers. However during summer when it is hot breathable waders are not necessary, we wet wade, so bring some wading boots or fairly sturdy boots and outdoor style pants and a pair of long johns (thermals) - as long as you don't mind getting wet. If you prefer waders (and a bit of sweat in the hot summer months) or need wading boots, we will supply them. Just let us know your foot size.

Clothing should be dull colored to blend into the surroundings. The crystal clear water means the fish are easily spooked by bright colors. Bring clothing for both warm and cool conditions (layers) and don't forget your raincoat (a wise man takes a raincoat on a sunny day). A wide brim hat or cap aids spotting fish and protects from the hot sun. Polaroid sunglasses are a must for spotting fish, so bring some of these or ask us and we will supply them for you. 

Fly-Fishing Calendar

October

The weather can be variable but there can be excellent dry fly and nymph fishing in the smaller streams. Some of our small streams are famous for their intense early season hatches of mayflies. There are also very few anglers about.

November

Early November weather conditions same as October but halfway through November the brown beetles start to hatch. The beetles plus the mayflies make for some exciting fishing on the small streams.  These streams carry some very large trout. The larger rivers are now coming into there own as most of the snow melt should be gone by now. There are still very few anglers about.

December

This is our favorite month along with April.  The larger rivers are fishing well and the small streams still have plenty of water in them. Beetle activity is at its height, there are plenty of mayflies and caddis about -- it's a great dry fly month. Angling pressure is still at a fairly low level.

January

The rivers start to get pressure now, as this is the holiday month in NZ. On the larger rivers there are good hatches early morning and in the evening, also on cloudy calm days there can be excellent spinner falls. There is good terrestrial fishing on smaller streams as the cicadas are starting to appear.

February

This is the month that gets the most pressure from visiting anglers but in Southland there are still plenty of places to go. Some of the smaller streams are getting a little low but there is some fabulous cicada fishing in the high country lakes. The regular afternoon hatches on the larger rivers start about halfway through this month.

March

Visiting anglers are starting to thin out and the weather is usually very settled.  There are regular afternoon hatches on the larger rivers often followed by a fall of spinners. The smaller streams have been freshened up by rain and there are still cicadas about. Mayfly activity also increase’s as the days get cooler.

April

This is my favourite month along with December. Most overseas anglers have gone and the cooler weather really gets the mayflies going on the larger rivers. They go on the small streams too but it is very hard to leave the larger rivers when they are fishing well. The weather is generally settled with very little wind.

May

All the low land rivers and streams have closed down for the spawning season. However the high country streams stay open to the end of this month and there is good fishing to be had with very few anglers taking advantage of the conditions.

It is generally colder now with winter fast approaching. Dry’s can still entice fish to take but the predominant method is nymph fishing.

1^st June to 1^st September

Rivers and streams closed for spawning. Lakes still open. Very cold. Very few anglers.

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