New Zealand Fly Fishing Itineraries and Travel
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New Zealand Fly Fishing Itineraries and Travel

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Tackle and Packing for New Zealand​

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.

Other Considerations for Your Packing List

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.

The Best Of NZ Fly Fishing

bestofnzflyfishing

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🎣 Luxury Fly Fishing Travel in New Zealand
📸 Tag #bestofnzflyfishing for a feature!

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.

12 1
Open
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/

3 0
Open
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

1 0
Open
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 ...

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

45 0
Open
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 ...

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

25 4
Open
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 ...