New Zealand Fly Fishing Itineraries and Travel
New Zealand Fly Fishing Itineraries and Travel
Note that as of the 2008/09 season felt-soled waders and boots are banned for use by anglers in New Zealand. To slow the spread of the invasive alga didymo and other aquatic pests in New Zealand waterways, MAF Biosecurity New Zealand requires all used freshwater fishing equipment brought into New Zealand to be clean and dry.
New Zealand has some of the most pristine rivers and lakes in the world. To help keep it that way, freshwater users must ‘Check, Clean, Dry’ aquatic equipment between use in different waterways – regardless of location and perceived didymo risk.
New Zealand’s rivers, streams and spring creeks are best fished with 8 1/2 or 9 foot graphite fly rods designed to cast a 5 or 6 weight forward fly line.
Travel rods that can be packed in your duffel bag are highly recommended. 7 weight rods can often help in windy conditions and when larger, weighted flies are required, as well as on larger rivers (where longer casts are necessary to cover the water effectively).
NOTE: Lodges and most of the fishing guides are equipped with good quality rods and reels available for their guests’ use.
New Zealand’s fish are large, on average, and a top quality, single action fly reel with a reliable drag system and capacity for a full line and minimum 75 yards of backing will help ensure success.
Long leaders are the standard in New Zealand fly fishing. Fly fishing in New Zealand requires delicate and accurate casting with leaders up to 15, and sometimes 18, feet. The ability to cast a long line is rarely necessary, whereas the ability not to slap the water with false casts may make the difference in catching the large, easily spooked fish of New Zealand. The most important thing to do before leaving on your trip is to practice – practice – practice your casting.
Dry fly leaders are usually 12, 14 and even 16 feet long, tapering to 4x or 5x.
Nymph leaders are equally long and often as light.
The Umpqua Spring Creek Tapers in 13 foot lengths, tapered to 4x, 5x and 6x, are preferred by many experienced New Zealand fly fishermen with matching tippet spools in 3x, 4x, 5x and 6x.
Most experienced New Zealand anglers feel that the only line necessary is a floating line for all river situations, though a sinking tip line may be occasionally useful. The contemporary floating fly line preferred by anglers in New Zealand is the Scientific Anglers Mastery fly line in Slate Gray or Camo.
Take a broad brimmed, dull colored hat- preferably one of ours! If you do catch a fish with a BNZFF hat on, be sure to take a photo and send our way – you might be our next ‘Hat of the Week’ on Facebook.
New Zealand fly fishing is a very visual experience. Spotting the fish is part of the excitement and part of the challenge. It is also a critical element in the formula for success, in most situations, and good polarized lenses are essential. If you wear prescription glasses, order a pair from your optometrist, Action Optics or Specialized Sunglasses. If you don’t wear sunglasses, invest in a top quality pair of sunglasses; they will increase your pleasure and improve your results
A lightweight pair of sun gloves (Patagonia, Simms, Glacier Glove, Wind River, Cabelas, etc.) is recommended as protection from both the sun and sand flies. They also grip the fish for that special “catch & release” photo. Simms solarfex sun gloves are perfect for protecting your hands from the sun, wind and insects. Light and dry very easy.
New Zealand trout are big and smart. There are no natural predators, other than a few fish ducks, so their only predators are human. Anglers that wear olive and camouflage spectrum colors will be far less likely to be seen than those with bright or light colored garments. This includes rain gear!
Much of New Zealand is a veritable rain forest. It doesn’t get particularly cold, but it can, and does, get wet. A top quality, lightweight, hooded rain jacket is mandatory.
New Zealand guides are well versed in the use of indicator nymphing. The two most common and popular indicators are white or bright colored. We suggest the highly visible “Striker” material or a red shade of Glo Bug Yarn; either should be trimmed quite small and occasionally dressed.
A good floatant is a must. Effective dry flies and nymph indicators must float high and visible.
A small backpack or tackle bag is handy to have along in the helicopter, boat or guide vehicle each day to carry such items as extra glasses, medication, aspirin, snacks, camera equipment and film, rain jacket and dry socks.
Be sure to take a good insect Repellent. Perhaps 30% DEET at a minimum. We recommended a lotion with a "time release" protection means DEET is slower to evaporate and provides protection after others have dissipated.
Wonderful photos from the Sabbatinis fly fishing adventure on New Zealand’s South Island rivers!🎣🏞️
#newzealandflyfishing #southislandnz #luxurytravelnz #catchandrealease #bestofnzflyfishing
Wonderful photos from the Sabbatinis fly fishing adventure on New Zealand’s South Island rivers!🎣🏞️
#newzealandflyfishing #southislandnz #luxurytravelnz #catchandrealease #bestofnzflyfishing
After one honeymoon summer fishing New Zealand`s spectacular fly rivers and streams, Canadian photographer David Lambroughton was hooked: 25 years later he is still to miss a season. Story and photographs: David Lambroughton As a photographer specialising in fly fishing, it has been easy to fall in love with much of what I`ve seen through my lens: the big brawling salmon rivers of Norway, the massive sunsets over Argentine trout waters, the lush spring creeks of Montana, or the lovely steelhead pools on British Columbia streams....
https://www.bestofnzflyfishing.com/news/the-lure-of-fly-fishing/
After one honeymoon summer fishing New Zealand`s spectacular fly rivers and streams, Canadian photographer David Lambroughton was hooked: 25 years later he is still to miss a season. Story and photographs: David Lambroughton As a photographer specialising in fly fishing, it has been easy to fall in love with much of what I`ve seen through my lens: the big brawling salmon rivers of Norway, the massive sunsets over Argentine trout waters, the lush spring creeks of Montana, or the lovely steelhead pools on British Columbia streams....
https://www.bestofnzflyfishing.com/news/the-lure-of-fly-fishing/
While in the Northland many will not have the chance to play Waitangi GC. It’s a shame because the setting and proximity to the excellent museum is a great way to spend a day enjoying this beautiful area! #waitangigolfcourse #waitangi #newzealand #northisland @bestofnz_travel
While in the Northland many will not have the chance to play Waitangi GC. It’s a shame because the setting and proximity to the excellent museum is a great way to spend a day enjoying this beautiful area! #waitangigolfcourse #waitangi #newzealand #northisland @bestofnz_travel
Fly fishing guides in New Zealand do so much to make your trip a success. They know great spots to fish and can really spot trout!
Thinking about travelling to New Zealand? Spots for the 2025-26 season are filling fast. Reach out to one of our Experts today!
Fly fishing guides in New Zealand do so much to make your trip a success. They know great spots to fish and can really spot trout!
Thinking about travelling to New Zealand? Spots for the 2025-26 season are filling fast. Reach out to one of our Experts today!
Mastering Fishing Tackle for New Zealand’s Trout Waters
Essentials Fishing tackle is the foundation of success for New Zealand trout fishing, where the rivers and lakes offer unparalleled opportunities for anglers to test their skills. Fishing in New Zealand isn’t just a pastime—it’s an art form. Across the country, anglers have embraced lightweight fly fishing gear, especially during the summer months.
Link in Bio to Read More!
https://www.bestofnzflyfishing.com/fly-fishing/mastering-fishing-tackle-for-new-zealands-trout-waters/
#bestofnzflyfishing #nzflyfishing
Mastering Fishing Tackle for New Zealand’s Trout Waters
Essentials Fishing tackle is the foundation of success for New Zealand trout fishing, where the rivers and lakes offer unparalleled opportunities for anglers to test their skills. Fishing in New Zealand isn’t just a pastime—it’s an art form. Across the country, anglers have embraced lightweight fly fishing gear, especially during the summer months.
Link in Bio to Read More!
https://www.bestofnzflyfishing.com/fly-fishing/mastering-fishing-tackle-for-new-zealands-trout-waters/
#bestofnzflyfishing #nzflyfishing
It’s been a while since we posted so here a reminder of what awaits you in New Zealand. Look at this monster! Look at that smile on Mr Amero! Nice hat too! @tongariro_lodge
It’s been a while since we posted so here a reminder of what awaits you in New Zealand. Look at this monster! Look at that smile on Mr Amero! Nice hat too! @tongariro_lodge
(🔗LINK IN BIO) Hooked on New Zealand: A Fly Fishing Primer
When it comes to fly fishing, there are three primary techniques used to present your fly to a fish: nymphing, dry fly, and streamer fishing. While each method involves enticing a fish to strike, they differ significantly in their approach.
(🔗LINK IN BIO) Hooked on New Zealand: A Fly Fishing Primer
When it comes to fly fishing, there are three primary techniques used to present your fly to a fish: nymphing, dry fly, and streamer fishing. While each method involves enticing a fish to strike, they differ significantly in their approach.
Congrats to Raffi B. for landing this trophy Brown in the heart of the South Island. Since 1990 the Best of New Zealand has specialized in those “don’t want to go home” moments. It’s about the people you meet, the hidden spots you discover, and the experts who make sure every detail is spot on.
Now is the time to reach out to the experts! We are officially opening the books for the 2026-27 season.
#newzealandtravel #flyfishingnz #newzealandadventures #riverviewlodge #bestofnzflyfishing
Congrats to Raffi B. for landing this trophy Brown in the heart of the South Island. Since 1990 the Best of New Zealand has specialized in those “don’t want to go home” moments. It’s about the people you meet, the hidden spots you discover, and the experts who make sure every detail is spot on.
Now is the time to reach out to the experts! We are officially opening the books for the 2026-27 season.
#newzealandtravel #flyfishingnz #newzealandadventures #riverviewlodge #bestofnzflyfishing
Few anglers have logged more casts, more catches, and more laughs on New Zealand’s rivers than Al Coble.
Year after year, he returns to test himself, which is really a testament to passion, patience, and a love for these waters that runs deep.
Here’s to another season of unforgettable moments, Al. You’ve earned your legend status for sure!
#bestofnzflyfishing #troutfishingnewzealand #catchandrealease #flyfishingadventures #newzealandtravel
Few anglers have logged more casts, more catches, and more laughs on New Zealand’s rivers than Al Coble.
Year after year, he returns to test himself, which is really a testament to passion, patience, and a love for these waters that runs deep.
Here’s to another season of unforgettable moments, Al. You’ve earned your legend status for sure!
#bestofnzflyfishing #troutfishingnewzealand #catchandrealease #flyfishingadventures #newzealandtravel
@christchurchgolfclub dates back to the 1870s and is a fantastic place to play. Updates by Peter Thomson provide an accessible and challenging round. #golfnz @bestofnz_travel
@christchurchgolfclub dates back to the 1870s and is a fantastic place to play. Updates by Peter Thomson provide an accessible and challenging round. #golfnz @bestofnz_travel
New Zealand will welcome back anglers this year. Want to be among the first to Poronui? We just released an all-inclusive ground package on our site- check it out!
New Zealand will welcome back anglers this year. Want to be among the first to Poronui? We just released an all-inclusive ground package on our site- check it out!
A few photos of Mr. Rooney enjoying a beautiful day @tongariro_lodge on his recent trip to New Zealand.
Thinking of travelling for the 25-26 season? Contact one of our Experts today!
#nzflyfishing #luxurynztravel #newzealandvacation #wildtrout #flyfishing #bestofnzflyfishing #catchoftheday
A few photos of Mr. Rooney enjoying a beautiful day @tongariro_lodge on his recent trip to New Zealand.
Thinking of travelling for the 25-26 season? Contact one of our Experts today!
#nzflyfishing #luxurynztravel #newzealandvacation #wildtrout #flyfishing #bestofnzflyfishing #catchoftheday
