New Zealand Private Tours, Planned Especially For You.
Experience Fly Fishing in New Zealand
Fly fishing in New Zealand is a world-class experience, known for its clear rivers, stunning scenery, and trophy-sized trout. The South Island offers sight-fishing in pristine streams, while the North Island features geothermal-fed rivers and remote lakes. With a focus on sustainability and catch-and-release, New Zealand provides an unforgettable adventure for any keen angler. We have listed the easily accessible areas to help fit in a spot of fly fishing while you are on your New Zealand Private Tour.
North Island
The North Island is a must-visit destination for fly fishing, offering an abundant supply of rainbow trout, the vast waters of Lake Taupō, and endless lush greenery. With its diverse rivers, lakes, and scenic backcountry, it provides anglers with an unforgettable fishing experience.
Rotorua
Rotorua has been a centre for Māori culture for centuries, thanks to its mild climate, hot springs, and rich natural resources.
The region’s rivers and lakes make it a top destination for fly fishing.
Notable rivers include the spring-fed Waihou, Rangitaiki, and Whirinaki, but the area's numerous lakes attract the most attention.
These still water fisheries produce more trout over 10 pounds than anywhere else in New Zealand.
March to June is the prime fishing season, as spawning runs peak and fish are at their best.
For anglers seeking large trout and exceptional lake fishing, Rotorua is a must-visit destination.
Central Plateau Fly Fishing
Lake Taupō is the geographic centre of the North Island and the birthplace of New Zealand trout fishing. The region gained global recognition through legendary angling books and stories of massive trout catches.
Anglers continue to fish Lake Taupō’s tributaries, with the Tongariro River being the most famous and historically significant.
The Tongariro River serves as a base for exploring numerous smaller trout streams.
The central North Island rivers offer a tropical-like fishing experience, with fern-lined banks, misty air, and mountainous backdrops.
Helicopter trips from Lake Taupō provide access to world-renowned backcountry rivers, creating unforgettable fishing adventures.
South Island
The South Island offers an incredible selection of fly fishing destinations, each known for its pristine waters and trophy-sized trout. Whether you prefer remote backcountry rivers, spring-fed streams, or alpine lakes, these world-class fishing spots are all easily accessible and located within close proximity of each other, making it easy to explore multiple locations in one trip.
Canterbury Fly Fishing
The Canterbury region offers a wide variety of fishing options for anglers, with its picturesque landscape and diverse waterways. From the air, Christchurch is framed by mosaic checkerboard farms leading up to the snow-capped Southern Alps.
The area is drained by three major river systems: Rangitata, Rakaia, and Waimakariri, all renowned for their excellent salmon fishing.
Numerous smaller trout rivers and streams flow into these systems, many of which were featured in the Middle-earth™ setting of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy.
Spring-fed streams in the high country are of particular interest to fly fishermen, as is the stunning Mt Cook, located further to the south.
Christchurch is a popular starting and ending point for fishing trips, with easy access to roads leading to the West Coast via Arthur's and Lewis Pass, home to pristine rivers and streams.
Lower South Island Fly Fishing
Queenstown is a central hub for visiting fly fishermen, offering a wide variety of waterways and landscapes within a short drive.
To the northwest lies Wānaka, the gateway to Mt Aspiring and the Makarora River Valley, attracting anglers with its striking blue waters.
To the northeast is the fishing hotspot of Ōmarama, home to the renowned Ahuriri River.
Many anglers head south from Queenstown, where they quickly reach the Matura River drainage, which gathers smaller tributaries and leads to Gore, known as the Brown Trout Capital of the World.
To the west lies Te Anau, and the stunning Milford and Doubtful Sounds, where abundant rainfall creates numerous rivers, including the Eglington, Oreti, and Mararoa Rivers.
Top Rivers to Fish When You Have Limited Time in New Zealand
When time is limited on a New Zealand vacation, the Ahuriri River, Ngongotahā River, Tongariro River, and Mataura River are among the best fly fishing options. These rivers are easily accessible and offer exceptional fishing opportunities, making them ideal for short trips. Whether you're looking for consistent fish populations, seasonal runs, or picturesque surroundings, these rivers provide a diverse range of experiences that can be enjoyed in a short timeframe, ensuring a memorable fishing adventure without the need to travel extensively.
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Rotorua
The Ngongotahā River, flowing into Lake Rotorua, is home to a year-round population of both brown and rainbow trout, making it a popular spot among anglers. However, it's during April and May, when the spawning runs from the lake peak, that the river truly shines. This is when catch rates soar, offering an exciting fishing experience. It's also a great time to visit the Rotorua area, as the summer warmth has passed, and the fish are actively on the move.
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Central Plateau
Famous for its spawning runs from Lake Taupō between April and November, the remarkable Tongariro River offers much more than just seasonal fishing. In the summer, anglers can target both resident trout and well-fed lake fish that enter the river to feast on cicadas. After fishing smaller rivers with more cautious trout, you'll relish the chance to fish with large rubber-legged dry flies and heavier tippets. The historic town of Tūrangi lies right at the heart of this premier fishing destination.
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Lower South Island
The quiet town of Ōmarama evokes the charm of Ennis, Montana, but instead of the Madison River, it’s the Ahuriri River that runs through this scenic spot—one of the world’s most beloved trout rivers. From the flats fishing where the river enters Lake Benmore, to the rugged upper reaches above Ben Avon Station, where it climbs into the Southern Alps, there’s plenty of water to explore, making it easy to lose track of time. The upper sections are as photogenic as they are captivating, with tarns and spring-fed ponds adding to the allure of this stunning region.
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Lower South Island
Stretching from just above the village of Garston to below the town of Gore, the Mataura River is arguably the most popular river in Southland. With its gentle gradient, numerous tributaries, reliable hatches, and impressive fish density, it has been a favourite for generations of anglers, with many choosing to fish here exclusively. It’s often described as the most Montana-like river in New Zealand, offering an unforgettable fishing experience.
What Will You Catch?
When you fly fish in New Zealand, the primary catch is trout, specifically rainbow trout and brown trout. These species are abundant in the country's rivers, lakes, and streams, providing excellent opportunities for anglers of all levels. Additionally, in some coastal areas, you might catch sea-run trout (trout that have spent time in the sea), and in the South Island, there are opportunities to catch salmon in certain rivers, such as the Rakaia River. New Zealand’s clear waters and diverse fishing environments make it a world-renowned destination for trout fishing.
New Zealand Fly Fishing Guides
New Zealand fly fishing guides are some of the most experienced and knowledgeable in the world, offering expert advice and assistance to anglers seeking the best fishing experience. With an in-depth understanding of the local waters, seasons, and fish behaviour, these guides can tailor trips to suit your needs, whether you’re a beginner or an expert. They not only know the prime fishing spots but can also provide insights into New Zealand’s unique ecosystems and the best techniques to catch the abundant rainbow and brown trout. Many guides offer personalised experiences, whether it’s a day trip to a nearby river or a multi-day adventure through the country’s remote backcountry. For an unforgettable and successful fishing experience, a New Zealand fly fishing guide is an invaluable asset. New Zealand Private Tours can arrange a guide for you, ensuring a seamless and customised fishing adventure.
What Gear Do the Guides Supply ?
All our preferred New Zealand fly fishing guides have a good supply of top brand rods, reels, waders and wading boots that guests can use, plus a good selection of flys.
Can I Bring my Own Fishing Flies and Equipment to New Zealand ?
New Zealand has some of the toughest bio security regulations in the world, it’s just not worth the risk of your gear being confiscated, just let the guides look after you.