New Zealand Fly Fishing Itineraries and Travel
Every New Zealand fishing guide develops their own favorite fly selections, and these preferences can vary considerably.
While some anglers will visit New Zealand and bring their favorite patterns, it may be best sometimes to allow the guide (who has local knowledge and experience) to match the hatch. There’s certainly no one-size-fits-all approach and the best fly choice depends on several factors throughout the spring-summer-autumn season:
Generally, larger flies work better in high water conditions (like spring) and fast-moving water, while smaller flies are ideal for low water (around February) and still water. Most Americans will not fish still water in New Zealand. The lakes in Tasmania is perhaps best known for still water fly fishing in the Southern Hemisphere.
Here’s a list of suggested fly patterns by month as suggested by Tony Orman, just to give you a starting point. Remember, every guide will likely have their own unique recommendations based on their experience and favorite flies. Feel free to adjust this list based on the specific advice you get from your guide.
Nymphs:
Dry Flies:
Streamers:
To October’s selection add:
Nymphs:
Pheasant tail size 10, 12, 14
Dry Flies:
Retain your existing fly selection, but consider adding some smaller options to cover various hatches and feeding behaviors:
Nymphs:
Dry Flies:
As the weather cools and brings a crispness to early mornings and evenings, consider making some slight adjustments to your fly selection:
Nymphs: While you can maintain your current selection, think about adding some slightly larger sizes (perhaps size 12) in hares ear and pheasant tail nymphs. These can be more effective in attracting fish during this time.
Dry Flies: Dry flies in sizes 10 and 12 with a touch of “attractor” color, like a red bodied humpy, remain a good choice this month.
Looks like another successful day courtesy of our friends @tongariro_lodge !
The 2025-26 season is just around the corner! Get in touch with our experts today and start planning your epic fly fishing adventure in New Zealand’s stunning landscapes.
Looks like another successful day courtesy of our friends @tongariro_lodge !
The 2025-26 season is just around the corner! Get in touch with our experts today and start planning your epic fly fishing adventure in New Zealand’s stunning landscapes.
...
New Zealand`s rivers are world-class, and keeping them that way starts with how we fish them. From resting your beats to respecting fellow anglers on the water, ethical fly fishing practices protect the fishery for seasons to come.
Read our latest guide on New Zealand fly fishing etiquette via the link in our bio.
#newzealandflyfishing #flyfishingetiquette #protectnzrivers #nzflyfishing #bestofnzflyfishing
https://www.bestofnzflyfishing.com/uncategorized/fly-fishing-etiquette-rules-customs-and-river-ethics/
New Zealand`s rivers are world-class, and keeping them that way starts with how we fish them. From resting your beats to respecting fellow anglers on the water, ethical fly fishing practices protect the fishery for seasons to come.
Read our latest guide on New Zealand fly fishing etiquette via the link in our bio.
#newzealandflyfishing #flyfishingetiquette #protectnzrivers #nzflyfishing #bestofnzflyfishing
https://www.bestofnzflyfishing.com/uncategorized/fly-fishing-etiquette-rules-customs-and-river-ethics/
...
New Zealand is such an incredible place to chase trout, but also is home of to one of the prizes for saltwater fishing in New Zealand, the powerful Yellowtail Kingfish. Locally known as Kingi, these fish are robust, muscular and are known for fighting dirty. Once hooked they will immediately try to break you off by diving towards rocks, reefs or the prop on a boat. Beautiful catch for Stella!
#fishbayofislands #luxurytravelnz #nzfishing #saltwaterfishing #bestofnzflyfishing
New Zealand is such an incredible place to chase trout, but also is home of to one of the prizes for saltwater fishing in New Zealand, the powerful Yellowtail Kingfish. Locally known as Kingi, these fish are robust, muscular and are known for fighting dirty. Once hooked they will immediately try to break you off by diving towards rocks, reefs or the prop on a boat. Beautiful catch for Stella!
#fishbayofislands #luxurytravelnz #nzfishing #saltwaterfishing #bestofnzflyfishing
...
Rich Benn with a New Zealand trout 🎣
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
Rich Benn with a New Zealand trout 🎣
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
...
New Zealand trout don’t come small… and the Slivkers proved it🎣 What a day on the water, what a fish, and what a memory to take home.
Thinking of traveling for the 26-27 season? Contact our travel experts today!
#nzflyfishing #luxurynztravel #trophytrout #wildtrout #bestofnzflyfishing
New Zealand trout don’t come small… and the Slivkers proved it🎣 What a day on the water, what a fish, and what a memory to take home.
Thinking of traveling for the 26-27 season? Contact our travel experts today!
#nzflyfishing #luxurynztravel #trophytrout #wildtrout #bestofnzflyfishing
...
We wanted to share a few photos of Mr. Fischer enjoying fly fishing in New Zealand this past year.
If interested to plan a trip please don’t hesitate to reach out for the 2025-26 season!
#nzflyfishing #luxurynztravel #newzealandvacation #wildtrout #flyfishing #bestofnzflyfishing #catchoftheday
We wanted to share a few photos of Mr. Fischer enjoying fly fishing in New Zealand this past year.
If interested to plan a trip please don’t hesitate to reach out for the 2025-26 season!
#nzflyfishing #luxurynztravel #newzealandvacation #wildtrout #flyfishing #bestofnzflyfishing #catchoftheday
...
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
...
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
...
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
...
Terrace Downs is a resort on the South Island- a short drive out of Christchurch. Contact our experts for how to most efficiently integrate golf into your next trip to NZ! #southisland #newzealand #tourismnz #nzgolf #golfnz #nztravel #golf #golftravel
Terrace Downs is a resort on the South Island- a short drive out of Christchurch. Contact our experts for how to most efficiently integrate golf into your next trip to NZ! #southisland #newzealand #tourismnz #nzgolf #golfnz #nztravel #golf #golftravel ...
The Hills Golf Club blends alpine beauty with striking art and the wolf sculptures are the detail that truly sets the course apart. They appear as if they are watching your next shot and they turn an ordinary walk between holes into something memorable. If you enjoy golf with personality and depth, this is the place to play.
Read more in the link in bio⛳️
📸 The Hills Golf Club
#thehillsgolfclub #luxurygolftravel #newzealandgolfcourses #sculptureart #bestofnzgolf
The Hills Golf Club blends alpine beauty with striking art and the wolf sculptures are the detail that truly sets the course apart. They appear as if they are watching your next shot and they turn an ordinary walk between holes into something memorable. If you enjoy golf with personality and depth, this is the place to play.
Read more in the link in bio⛳️
📸 The Hills Golf Club
#thehillsgolfclub #luxurygolftravel #newzealandgolfcourses #sculptureart #bestofnzgolf
...
Local course Omaha beach is often overlooked simply due to time constraints of intl visitors. However this small beach town north of Auckland is a great place to have a round followed by fresh local cuisine and wine. #omahabeachgc #nzgolf #golfnz #newzealandgolf #tourismnz
Local course Omaha beach is often overlooked simply due to time constraints of intl visitors. However this small beach town north of Auckland is a great place to have a round followed by fresh local cuisine and wine. #omahabeachgc #nzgolf #golfnz #newzealandgolf #tourismnz ...