New Zealand Fly Fishing Itinerary

Welcome to Auckland, our City of Sails.

Situated amongst a cluster of extinct volcanic cones, Auckland is a large harbour that bustles with life, both on water and on land. It straddles a slim piece of land with the coastline facing both the Pacific Ocean and, on the wild West Coast, the Tasman Sea.

You will be transferred from the airport to your accommodation on arrival. After checking in, relax and stretch your legs with a stroll around our beautiful city. Explore the highly acclaimed Waterfront Restaurant Quarter or choose one of the many activities available for a more in-depth understanding of Auckland and the surrounding area.

Activity and sightseeing options if time allows:

Accommodation: Auckland - 1 Night

Today you'll drive to the North Island's west coast to meet the Waitomo glowworms before heading onwards to geothermal Rotorua.

Waitomo Glow Worm Cave Tour 
As you gently float along an underground river, a spectacular light show unfolds before your eyes. Your local guide will tell you all about these fascinating creatures and the secrets of their underground home. Emerging into daylight, take a gentle walk along a gorge path to Te Ana o te Atua, the Cave of the Spirit. Here you will find a treasure-trove of history including evidence of past explorers and the fossils of extinct giant Moa birds.

Sir David Attenborough: “An astonishing cave” and “one of natures most magical illuminations!”

Approximate Distance: 330 km | 205 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Rotorua - 2 Nights

While fishing for that trophy trout in the Rotorua regions waterways, expect to be awed by Rotorua's crystal clear, spring fed streams. Aside from the great fishing, the shorelines of the Rotorua Lakes bring other excitements such as Lake Tarawera's Hot Water Beach, Lake Rotoiti's hot pools and Lake Rotorua's Mokoia Island wildlife sanctuary.

The water generally is crystal clear, so therefore the best method of fly fishing is to stealthily stalk up the river and spot your fish first before tempting it with a dry fly or nymph. The lakes and rivers in the Rotorua region have good populations of Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout while Tiger and Brook Trout can occasionally be found.

Catch and release is practiced by most anglers but the ability to keep a fish is still up to the angler's discretion. Your guide will drive you to the helicopter port before you're flown directly to the best fishing spot. Be enchanted by the spectacular scenery of the New Zealand wilderness while you fish in a world class river with receiving angler pressure.

Today your journey will take you on to Taupō. At the midway point between Rotorua and Taupo - stop at the  New Zealand's most colourful volcanic area at Wai-O-Tapu. Enjoy unique volcanic features while walking well defined trails at your own pace, the earths crust at its most exciting and accessible, the smell of sulphur and sight of steaming vents invade the senses.

Impressive is the word best used to describe Lake Taupō! Lake Taupō is set amidst clean, green countryside, spectacular mountain scenery, beautiful native bush and the largest lake in New Zealand.

End your day with a relaxing soak at Wairakei Terraces thermal hot pools. Sit back and relax in the mineral rich pools beneath silica terraces and take in the healing properties provided by the geothermal water.

Approximate Distance: 80 km | 50 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hour

Accommodation: Taupō - 2 Nights

Enjoy a memorable half day private boating experience on Lake Taupo. Including 4 hours of private launch charter, sumptuous luncheon, wines & beverages, trout fishing & licences. View the Maori Rock Carvings, experience Taupo's renowned trout fishing or just sit back and enjoy the scenery.

The rest of the day is yours to explote Taupō. Visit Huka Falls look out and the Prawn Farm, take a jet boat down the Waikato river to see the Huka Falls or even better do the full on Rapids Jet experience. For a real thrill, partake in the New Zealand craze of bungy jumping or sky dive from 15,000 ft.

A scenic drive brings you to Turangi. Welcome to the unofficial trout-fishing headquarters of New Zealand. The mighty Tongariro River is world-renowned for fly-fishing. Its clear, fast-moving waters flow over a mixture of rock, gravel, and sand. With deceptively deep pools and boisterous rapids, it attracts huge brown and rainbow trout in the tens of thousands.

The fabulous Tongariro Lodge will be your home for the next two nights. Situated in beautiful park-like grounds on the banks of the Tongariro River, this authentic luxury fishing lodge is as close to the action as you can get.

Settle in by the open fire, and treat yourselves to a four-course meal cooked by the talented Lodge chefs: great fuel for tomorrow's trout-stalking expedition on the river.

Approximate Distance: 50 km | 31 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hour

Accommodation: Turangi - 2 Nights

Spend an unforgettable day on the largest and most important spawning river in the area with your expert Tongariro Lodge fishing guide. This morning your guide will collect you from the Lodge for an exciting day exploring the Tongariro River and its tributaries. Trophy trout over 10lbs are landed by Tongariro Lodge guests each year, so keep those camera batteries charged and ready.

Any non-fishing companions travelling with you are blessed with an outdoor lover's paradise right at the doorstep. One of the world's greatest one day walks, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, is within easy reach. There is also a gentle riverside walking and biking trail accessible directly from the lodge.

As they say – “Zane Grey made it famous, the Queen Mother stalked trout in it, Jimmy Carter found solitude beside it. The incomparable Tongariro River, yours to share and enjoy.”

Today we say goodbye to the North Island - it's time to get acquainted with the South. Return your rental vehicle to Taupō airport and fly to Nelson. As your flight descends into Nelson, get a stunning introduction to New Zealand's sunshine capital as you admire the glittering waters, forests and bays from the plane windows.

In less than an hour, you'll discover a region of golden beaches, tranquil bays and lush coastal forests: welcome to the beautiful Motueka Valley region. Here at the gateway to the Abel Tasman and Kauhurangi National Parks, another luxury fishing getaway awaits you at beautiful Stonefly Lodge. Situated on 150 acres of private forest it's an idyllic introduction to New Zealand's South Island.

Tonight you can feast on local meats, seafood and home-grown produce fresh from the Lodge garden, and soak up the serenity of your secluded valley hideaway.

Approximate Distance: 60 km | 37 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hour

Accommodation: Motueka - 3 Nights

Thanks to the wide choice of rivers available from Stonefly Lodge, your guided fly fishing experience can be tailored for gentle-flowing easy access rivers or more adventurous backcountry streams requiring accurate casting.

Average catch size for the region's wild brown trout is approx. 4lb-5lb, while catches of 8lb and above are quite common. Who knows, that 10lb trophy trout may only be a cast away!

Those who aren't fishing can enjoy some downtime wandering through the gorgeous Lodge grounds, feeding the resident alpacas or picking fresh fruits and veggies for the kitchen. Or take advantage of the stunning National Parks nearby for rafting, horseriding and guided hikes or cycling adventures.

Wake up once more to Motueka River views from your private balcony. and get ready for a second day of stalking and sight-casting to big wild brown trout with Stonefly's knowledgeable guides. With rivers from many different catchment systems to choose from, you’re blessed with unbelievable flexibility. Your guides will advise on the most appropriate fly fishing destination according to flow rates at the particular time of year.

Legendary rivers like the Motueka, Wangapeka and Baton are accessible within minutes on foot or by 4WD. Within an hour you could be at Nelson Lakes National Park trying your luck on the Travers or Waiau River.

Driving South to the Nelson Lakes region, your next destination - Owen River Lodge - lies in the centre of the best sighted brown trout fishery in the world.

Over 29 rivers and streams are accessible within a 90-minute drive, affording you an enormous choice and variety of rivers, streams and lakes to fish. The region offers huge variety, from small intimate waterways like the Owen River, to iconic freestone rivers such as the Wairau.

If you have seen New Zealand’s rivers described as “gin clear”, now you'll get to see the proof. You'll be stalking those 7lb or 8lb wild brown trout in water so clear that it looks 12 inches deep when it’s up to your waist.

Approximate Distance: 95 km | 60 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hour 15 mins

Accommodation: Near Murchison - 3 Nights

Over 29 rivers and streams are accessible within a 90-minute drive of Owen River Lodge: this affords you an enormous choice of rivers, streams and lakes to fish. The region offers huge variety, from intimate waterways like the nearby Owen River, to the iconic freestone waters of the Wairau.

The Owen River Lodge fishing guides are among the most experienced in the country, and are all members of the New Zealand Professional Fishing Guides Association. They'll make sure your two days here are full of action, excitement and plenty of fun.

Non-fishing party members are welcomed at Owen Lodge, and the team will ensure they have a sensational stay. If they can bear to leave the mountain views from the outdoor jacuzzi spa, there are beautiful swimming holes by the river (one of the Lodge's dogs will probably invite themselves along!), rafting and kayaking, golf, hiking and adventure activities galore.

The rivers around Murchison / Nelson Lakes have huge reputations: anglers travel from all over the world to fish the waters of D’Urville, the Sabine, the Wairau, the Karamea, the Hope and the Boyle. With so many outstanding choices, you’ll find a stretch of river all to yourselves even in the busier seasons.

If you have seen New Zealand’s rivers described as “gin clear”, now you'll understand why. You'll stalk 7lb or 8lb wild brown trout in water so clear it looks 12 inches deep when it’s up to your waist. It’s easy for you to find your target, but also for your target to see you. It’s a challenge, but it makes success even sweeter!

Round off your day with a sumptuous dinner cooked with ingredients sourced fresh from the Lodge garden. Watch the sunset from the deck and enjoy your last night here: the splendour of Southern Alps beckons tomorrow.

Today fly to Queenstown and drive across the majestic Crown Range to Wanaka, a tranquil lakeside town with dramatic views of the Southern Alps. Easily explored on foot, this charming little township is packed with fine food and wine and boutique shopping. A stroll or bike ride around the picturesque shores of Lake Wanaka is a must. Spectacular walks & hikes, skiing, water sports and boating options are all available here. The mountain backdrop is perfect for a for a skydive or even a flight in a vintage Tiger Moth plane.

The pristine waterways of the region offer some of the best dry fly and sight fishing in the world. Seasoned fisherman relish the opportunity to stalk fish, testing their casting abilities to the limit in this diverse and challenging landscape. With two full days of fly fishing coming up, you can make the most of this premium fishing location.

Approximate Distance: 70 km | 43 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hour 15 mins

Accommodation: Wanaka - 3 Nights

For the next two days Wanaka's massive lakes, cascading waterfalls, remote rivers and lush valleys will be your playground. The options are immense: Lakes Wanaka and Hawea, the mighty Clutha River, the Matukituki, Makarora, Wilkin Rivers and Dingle Burn – waterways well-known in fishing circles as premier fishing locations.

The region is an outstanding “classroom” for improving technique and broadening your skills. Pick up tips from your expert guide, learning to target the local trout with remarkable precision and stay a step ahead of your target in a wide range of settings.

This picturesque alpine town will delight non-anglers too: Wanaka is as much a hub for outdoor adventurers as it is for those who like nothing better than relaxing with a glass of wine by the gorgeous lakefront. You'll want to stay forever.

Spend a second day exploring the Wanaka’s region’s freestone rivers, deep pools and spring-fed creeks while drinking in the breathtaking scenery all around you. Talk sight-fishing tactics with your guide who will whisk you away to the best fly fishing locations for the day’s conditions.

For a classic Kiwi experience take a fishing trip out on the lake amid stunning snow-capped mountain scenery and have a go at fishing for trout and salmon at the same time. Sit back and relax while your guide cooks your catch on the BBQ for a taste you'll always remember.

Say farewell to Wanaka and journey to the peaceful lakeside township of Te Anau today.

It is known as the gateway to the Fiordland region, a World Heritage area notable for its glacier-carved fiords, phenomenal alpine scenery and lush virgin forests.

It's another area of outstanding natural beauty, and several key Lord of The Rings movie scenes were filmed amid the unspoiled forests and lakes of this region.

Some of the most famous New Zealand Great Walks trails begin nearby, such as the Milford, Routeburn and Kepler Tracks. Immerse yourselves in the gorgeous surroundings: flight-seeing, kayaking, sailing and horse riding are all on offer and are great ways to get up close to nature.

Approximate Distance: 230 kms | 143 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours

Accommodation: Te Anau - 2 Nights

Discover the mighty Waiau River today on a thrilling jetboat fishing expedition through pure wilderness habitat. Winding along the edge of Fiordland National Park, the Upper Waiau is packed with hard-fighting brown and rainbow trout, ready to take on all challengers.

Soak up the scenery as you drift-fish your way along this immensely wide and powerful river. Bordered by pristine forest, this remote haven is inaccessible by foot and the trout here are in great condition, living relatively undisturbed.

Non-fishing companions will love the experience too, with the chance to stop and walk on the Kepler Track, traverse swing bridges and linger on secluded beaches along the way. Few people get to access an isolated and untouched paradise like this. As your jetboat speeds homewards towards Te Anau with white water frothing in your wake, you'll be pinching yourselves to check that it wasn't a dream. 

No visit to New Zealand is complete without a pilgrimage to the "Eighth Natural Wonder of the World": Milford Sound. The Milford Road takes you from Te Anau to Milford Sound on one of the most scenic drives on the planet. A glorious labyrinth of soaring peaks is punctuated by unspoiled rainforest, plunging valleys, azure lakes, waterfalls, and glaciers.

Arriving in Milford, you will board your purpose-built cruise vessel and sail the length of the Sound, dwarfed by towering cliffs and waterfalls all around you. The onboard nature guide will tell you all about the seals, penguins, and dolphins who frequently visit this mesmerising location.

After your cruise, you'll return to Queenstown, the perfect setting for your final night in New Zealand. For a memorable end to your adventure, toast your trip with a glass of award-winning local pinot noir at one of the wonderful eateries overlooking Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps.

Approximate Distance: 410 km | 255 miles  Total Driving Time: 5 hours 30 mins 

Accommodation: Queenstown - 1 Night

"Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage! Today we say farewell. We take care of your transfer to Queenstown Airport where you will board your onward flight to Auckland, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional New Zealand holiday.

We know you will flyfishing in the North Island and our promise is to make your travels through New Zealand as hassle-free and hospitable as possible - ensuring that today you leave with a memory card full of photos, and huge smiles on your faces when recalling your time in New Zealand! Have a great homeward journey, farewell and hope to see you again soon in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Before you arrive in NZ...

Practicing your basic casting techniques before arriving in New Zealand will allow you to maximise the many opportunities to catch "the big one". This will help to prevent excessive false casts which could spook your target unnecessarily. New Zealand trout can be very unforgiving of poorly presented flies!

Felt-soled boots are prohibited for use by freshwater anglers in New Zealand. The felt may harbour microscopic waterborne pests, particularly didymo which is a major concern here. MAF Biosecurity New Zealand also requires ALL used freshwater fishing equipment brought into New Zealand to be clean and dry.