Introduction to New Zealand

Imagine a fly fishing vacation unlike any other during the American winter.  You can fish in the beauty of New Zealand.  Stalking trout amongst snow capped mountains and lush bush.  It's the ultimate fly fishing experience!

The trout here in New Zealand average 4 to 6 pounds, with excellent chances to catch trout ten pounds or more!  There is no other place in the world where you can consistently take this size fish on dry fly's!  It's incredible!!

This style of fishing is also unique in that it is almost entirely sight fishing, it's like hunting.

Our lodge is located on the north end of the south island near the city of Nelson. We are completely surrounded by rolling hills of native bush, mountains, the Tasman Sea, and Pacific Ocean. Our farm sits on a beautiful 400 acre working sheep station with a 2200 sq. ft. lodge with a beautiful botanical garden surrounding it.

Our trout streams are within close proximity to the lodge or a short flight in by helicopter. The bush trout streams are only accessible by chopper or multi-day rigorous walk-ins. The scenery is breath taking and the fly fishing is off the charts!

Land of Fairy Tale Beauty

Nestled between the Richmond range to the east and the Mt. Arthur range to the west at 45 degrees South latitude is where our lodge is located. This area is called the Waimea Plains. It has a very stable climate through out the winter, receiving almost no snow with an average winter temperature between 40° F and 60° F and the summer temps between 70° and 85° F. For this reason, with a year round growing season, the fish grow to such large sizes! 

The geographical terrain here in New Zealand is very rough, steep, and rocky with a very lush vegetation. There are no poisonous insects, snakes, plants, or carnivorous animals.  This makes tramping around in the bush very safe. The only indigenous mammal is a small cave bat. Since New Zealand terrain can get quite rough, our helicopter service has made it possible for the adventurous angler access to more remote rivers and streams where fishing and beauty is out of this world! 

World Class Trout Fishing

There has been much research on why these fish reach such large average sizes of 4-6  lbs., but there has been no firm answer. Some say it is the long growing season, the lack of people or the lack of local fishing pressures etc. A typical question is asked where are all the 14-20" fish. No one knows the right answer but what we do know is that we have a fishery second to none. With continued conservation and regulation it will remain what is its, a world class fishery.

Fly fishing in New Zealand is done by vehicular travel, hiking trips, or by helicopter.  For those with time on their side, the walk into these rivers is spectacular. You are one on one with the New Zealand bush. This is the best way to experience the flora and fauna of New Zealand. If time is of the essence driving and flying is the way to go. As our guest we walk, drive, or fly you to the best locations New Zealand has to offer.

New Zealand Flyfishing Packages

Frequently Asked Questions

Equipment Recommendations

Meet the Host and Guide