Who We Are & What We Do

New Zealand fly fishing is our central focus, but we are also  experts in the many other activities and accommodations available in New Zealand.  We sell customized fishing programs to meet your exacting standards. Most of our clients’ itineraries also include sightseeing and other nature-based activities such as golf, winery tours, bird watching, trekking, and sea kayaking. Each trip is planned around your wants and needs -- we do not sell "group tours" or "packaged" tours.

Click here for a recent magazine article about Mike McClelland and The Best of New Zealand Fly Fishing

Experience

For 16 years we have  specialized exclusively in New Zealand fishing and travel.  During that time we have helped plan and book individualized New Zealand trips for thousands of satisfied clients.   Our high level of repeat clients and client referrals has helped us grow our business.

Our clients travel regularly and widely; participate in a wide range of tourism experiences; actively participate in the natural environment; are environmentally and culturally aware; and seek authentic, new experiences. Therefore, our clients come to us because they know we can help them plan an exclusive, quality experience that is unequaled in other competitive destinations.  We know they want a well planned "seamless" trip; a variety of unique accommodations  (especially those that offer the opportunity to meet the locals and experience "Kiwi hospitality"); an "off the beaten path" itinerary that  concentrates on the scenic beauty of New Zealand; and an individual self-drive trip that provides ample time to enjoy and participate in a variety of activities. We also know that we need to exceed clients’ expectations in order to maintain our unique and excellent reputation.

Knowledge

We believe we know New Zealand and the quality products we recommend better than anyone.  The lodge owners and managers tell us that no one visits them as often as our award winning Best of New Zealand team --not even the travel operators based locally in New Zealand.  We do not rely on guide books (that are frequently out of date), but on our own first hand experience and knowledge. We visit an accommodation before recommending it, and spend time getting to know its owners and managers. We also place great importance on the trip reports sent to us over the years by our returning clients with their own evaluations of the various accommodations and activities. If you aren’t satisfied, we aren’t satisfied.

Each of our Best of New Zealand team travels to New Zealand at least once a year to visit the properties we use, spend time with the managers and fishing guides who take care of our clients, and experience the activities we recommend. There is no substitute for being able to describe a property or activity from first hand experience.  We truly offer "The Best" of New Zealand. We know the destinations available within New Zealand and will propose  accommodations and activities to match your expected level of service, comfort, interests, and budget.

Dedication & Pride

Before your trip starts, we all work hard to make sure your questions are fully answered and that you receive correct maps and directions; contact numbers, and other trip information.  We take great pride and satisfaction when our clients report,  as they often do: "Thanks - we had the trip of a lifetime!"

What does it cost to use our services?

Nothing -- we do not charge for our services!. You pay no more than if you did your own bookings. Like other travel agencies, we are paid by the various suppliers we book for you.  We provide our clients with a detailed quotation of the trip costs --no lump sum price with hidden fees. You receive a breakdown of place by place and activity by activity that you can compare to the costs of booking direct.  In many cases, because of our special relationships, we are able to offer prices below what you would obtain by booking direct.  We charge in US Dollars. No credit card foreign exchange transactions fees are incurred by our clients.

Do we only book luxury properties?

No-- we recommend and use a variety of types of properties --everything from farm stays to super luxury lodges and everything in between. We believe it is important that your accommodations meet your budget, and offer the opportunity to meet the locals and experience true "Kiwi hospitality" and an authentic New Zealand experience. We have carefully selected properties of varying costs where we have personally stayed and that meet our superior standards, regardless of price. We know the owners and managers and in most cases are their single largest source of business. We know our clients will be well looked after whether they are hosted at a modest beach cottage or a top-of-the-line lodge.

Why use our services now that the Internet has extensive travel information?

Most of our clients use the internet to explore New Zealand options. The internet provides access to loads of information, but identifying the best property for your needs is difficult, if not impossible. You can do as much or as little on-line research as you wish, but we can help pull all of the pieces of your trip together and make sure it is seamless and a match for your goals.  We know the driving times, unique experiences and in most cases the owners and mangers of the various accommodations.  We can organize  or integrate your list of things you want to do into an itinerary that fits your schedule at a cost that meets your budget.  We also remind each property of your booking and expected arrival time to make sure your trip is glitch-free.

Why not just visit places our friends recommend?

One of the reasons we continually visit New Zealand is to look for special properties that offer comfort, value, uniqueness, and service and allow you to enjoy true Kiwi hospitality. Not only do we visit the properties but we get trip reports about them from hundreds of our clients each season. In the last five years there has been an explosion of new properties in New Zealand.  Your friends may have been satisfied with the property they chose, but there may be even more terrific and unique options available. With our first hand and long term knowledge of New Zealand, we can help you pick from choices that include luxury lodges, Bed & Breakfasts, self-contained cottages on remote beaches and in vineyards, condos & apartments,  and delightful farm stays. As independent travel planners we can recommend what we consider the best options to meet each client's needs.