New Zealand’s South Island has a long and esteemed reputation as a top international fly fishing destination. Each season, many anglers from around the globe make the pilgrimage to the land of the long white cloud (AOTEAROA). The land too of the large brown trout, gin clear waters, and friendly locals who’s ‘kiwi hospitality’ is often as memorable as the trout fishing.
New Zealand is a small and narrow Island nation in the South West Pacific. The South Island is a rugged mountainous region, where weather is a constant factor in our fishing. We have high rainfall (600-1600mm/ year), prevailing westerly winds , relatively high sunshine hours, and snowfall in the mountain areas. The interior of the Island has hot dry summers, when we fish our favorite valleys without waders, to trout happily feeding on a variety of wind blown terrestrial insects .
Our population is a low 5 million people, and 26 million sheep. The brown trout have flourished here since their introduction in the 1860’s and are now a self sustaining, wild, and abundant population in the rivers and lakes. Come and experience one of the highest quality trout fishing sanctuaries in the world.
Our location- Otago
Coastal sea trout waters, hatch driven lowland streams, classic freestone back country mountainous wild rivers, productive inland & alpine lakes, spring creeks, braided rivers, and small to medium sized high country dry fly streams. A true world class fly fishing destination. The fishing pressure is low and the sight fishing opportunities are many. Add a fly fishing adventure with me to your New Zealand travel plans!
Getting HERE - Air Travel
Dunedin is perfectly situated in New Zealand's South Island for the international traveling fly fishing anglers. The Dunedin International Airport (DUD), just 20 minutes from the CBD provides an incredibly easy gateway to the lower South Island. I provide complimentary Dunedin airport pickups and/or drop offs for your multi day guided fly fishing adventure. Visiting Dunedin will allow you to take advantage of the best fly fishing available throughout the Otago and Southland regions.
New Zealand has its own internationally recognized air carrier - Air New Zealand, and 5 international airports across the country. You may otherwise wish to fly into Queenstown (ZQN) which is a easy hub for many travelers coming in from Australia.
A multi day trout tour around the Southland mountains… put yourself in the picture
Getting HERE - Cruise Ships
Arriving by cruise ship? No problem at all. Port Chalmers, just 15 minutes from Dunedin's CBD is the primary South Island port for the cruise ship industry and is a perfect link either before or after visiting Fiordland. Its also the best cruise ship terminal in the country. I specialize in providing cruise ship fly fishing anglers with a trip to suit their specific cruise ship timings and needs, while maximizing their time on the water. From the port, and within about an hours drive, I have rivers, streams, and still waters for you to enjoy. Whether you are a keen seasoned angler, or someone who is completely new to the sport, a fly fishing trip with me in our beautiful countryside is the perfect way to spend your day off the cruise ship.
A lightly coloured brown trout that sipped a mayfly from the film. Heavy, healthy & strong. 90 minutes from your cruise ship.
Queenstown & Central Otago - Just up the road.
Central Otago is a perfect place to add extra days to your South Island fly fishing trip. I also have a base in Cromwell, which is a small town based right in the heart of Central Otago, and very close to Queenstown. Airport transfers can be arranged for a multi day trip. Central Otago has a stunning landscape and award winning locally produced wine. A popular trip that many people take advantage of is a multi day fly fishing trip starting or finishing in Dunedin or Queenstown, with a day or two on the rivers around Cromwell.
