South Island Fishing Charters

9 fishing charters

The best out of 9 charter fishing deals in South Island - enter dates to check availability

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...

Top South Island Destinations

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...

Top Fishing Charters in South Island

South Island: 9 fishing charters available

Fiordland Fishing Guide
Fiordland Fishing Guide

Te Anau • 2 persons

Experience fly fishing paradise in the surrounds of Fiordland National Park with Chris Reygaert at Fiordland Fishing Guide.

"Chris has guided me multiple times now, and I keep returning because of the amazing fishing that he has shown me and the great times we’ve had." —⁠ Tim, Lombardy
trips fromUS $776
Fish & Cruise Wanaka
Fish & Cruise Wanaka

Wanaka • 23 ft • 5 persons

Fish & Cruise Wanaka provides a classic Kiwi adventure everyone should experience in their lives.

"Second time round for us and it won’t be our last.  Captain Juno was both an excellent fishing guide, fisherman, and very knowledgeable about the lake, the fish species and the area in general." —⁠ Peter, Qld
Instant confirmation
trips fromUS $209
Takapu Charters
Takapu Charters

Orawia • 73 ft • 8 persons

Embark on an extraordinary adventure with Takapu Charters! Our charter trips unfold aboard the 73-foot vessel, The Parimar, offering a comfortable base for your exploration of Preservation Inlet and Chalky Sound.
trips fromUS $1,791
Ezifish Charters
Ezifish Charters

Moeraki • 55 ft • 20 persons

New Zealand is a country of extreme beauty and incredible fishing.
trips fromUS $1,529
Queenstown Fishing - Nikita
Queenstown Fishing - Nikita

Queenstown • 27 ft • 8 persons

Queenstown Fishing welcomes you aboard the Nikita for a day fishing the stunning Lake Wakatipu.

"Booked a 3 hours Salmon/Trout trip with Capt Simon for 4. Only one of us was an experienced fisherman." —⁠ Peter, Southland
trips fromUS $305
Reliance Fishing Charter
Reliance Fishing Charter

Bluff • 40 ft • 10 persons

Reliance Fishing Charter is located in Bluff and offers to show you a memorable time in these waters.
trips fromUS $179
Franz Josef Wilderness Tours
Franz Josef Wilderness Tours

Franz Josef / Waiau • 24 ft • 8 persons

Franz Josef Wilderness Tours invites you to join them on a scenic fishing tour on Lake Mapourika, just minutes from Franz Josef Glacier.

"Don’t expect too much in the successful fishing department if the weather isn’t good." —⁠ Sam,
trips fromUS $233
Kaikoura Fishing Tours
Kaikoura Fishing Tours

Kaikoura • 40 ft • 18 persons

How does Blue Cod or Crayfish for dinner sound? That’s what you’ll be going after on your excursion with Kaikoura Fishing Tours.

"In our sea fishing adventure today, we successfully captured crayfish using lobster traps and also caught an array of fish including Blue Cod, Great Barracuda, and Red Gurnard." —⁠ Cristina,
trips fromUS $72
Top Catch Charters – Kaikoura
Top Catch Charters – Kaikoura

Kaikoura • 18 ft • 6 persons

Come and enjoy a fishing trip that will leave a smile on your face with Top Catch Charters.

"A must try if you like fishing and visiting New Zealand. We booked a trip for early morning, managed to catch some fishes and we were also given one crayfish per angler." —⁠ Denny,
trips fromUS $143
View all fishing charters
See all 9 fishing charters in South Island

Frequently Asked Questions about Fishing Charters in South Island

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...

Fishing in South Island

The fishing South Island, New Zealand has in store is nothing short of superb, whether it’s freshwater or saltwater you prefer. On the South Island, you can hook your biggest Brown Trout yet or cast your line in the ocean waters for a variety of exotic game fish – everything is in the cards.
 

Types of Fishing

Freshwater Fishing

The South Island is famous for its spectacular freshwater fisheries, especially among fly anglers. From Gore, which is known as the ‘Brown Trout Capital of the World’, to Dunedin, which sports some of the best Salmon fishing in the country, there’s something for everyone.
 
Brown Trout are the most popular catch, and they come both in great quality and quantity. Haast River on the west coast is a great place to hook a Brown lunker, and if you’re looking for more of a challenge, then the Upper Clutha River will provide all that and then some.
 
Another big player in the freshwater kingdom is Chinook Salmon, aka Quinnat. They can only be found in the south of the country and weigh around 10–15 pounds on average. The best time to go after Salmon is from October–April, as Chinook begin their long journey upstream. Some of the most productive rivers to target them are Rangitata, Rakaia, and Waitaki.
 

Saltwater Fishing

If saltwater fishing is the name of your game, the South Island will not disappoint. While the North Island is a treasure trove for big game fishermen, its southern counterpart offers excellent Snapper, Kahawai, Blue Cod, Tarakihi, and Yellowtail fishing.
 
Hard-fighting Trevally, Hapuka, and sizeable Albacore Tuna are there for the taking as well, so there’s plenty to choose from, depending on your fishing appetite. The high season is from spring until late autumn, though you can find a solid bite year-round. Looking for the best spot? Golden Bay is one of the most diverse fisheries where you can catch just about any of the mentioned favourites.
 

What to Expect

Depending on your fishing preferences, you could be fishing in national parks, remote streams, or wild rivers surrounded by breathtaking mountains.
 
Local freshwater guides offer half day excursions that can turn into a fun family outing if you come with the kids. Full day expeditions are better suited for experienced fishermen, especially if we’re talking fly fishing. If you’d like to fish in the ocean, you don’t have to go far from the shore to prowl reefs and wrecks for a great catch and bring home a delicious dinner.
 
Fishing gear is usually provided, but you’re welcome to bring yours if you’d like. On some charters, you’ll have water, soft drinks, and coffee, as well as a variety of snacks and lunch on full day trips.
 
Stay in touch with your skipper, and he’ll tell you everything about fishing licences and additional equipment you might need. After that, the fishing South Island, New Zealand boasts is your oyster!
 

South Island

4.8/5
Based on 28443 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

South Island Fishing Seasons

January

The beginning of the year is a great time to target just about any species on the South Island. Salmon fishing is excellent, and Trout are biting as well. Pink Snapper, Giant Trevally, and Yellowtail are the prized catch in the saltwater.

February

It’s summer in New Zealand, and that can mean only one thing – it’s time to hit the water! Whether it’s Trout or Salmon, Yellowtail or Albacore Tuna, there’s a bit of something for everyone.

March

Autumn is just around the corner, the air is getting crisp, and Albacore Tuna, Giant Trevally, and Pink Snapper are all the craze. The Brown Trout action is on, while Chinook are leaving to spawn.

April

This is the time to go after Albacore Tuna, if you’re in the mood to chase giants of the deep. Yellowtail and Hapuka are very active, and Pink Snapper isn’t far behind.

May

As the temperatures are dropping, freshwater fishing is slowing down, but you can still find a decent bite. All the saltwater favourites are still on the menu, including Hapuka, Pink Snapper, Tarakihi, and more.

June
Going after Yellowtail will prove to be most productive in June, and you can hook Tarakihi and Hapuka in great numbers. Giant Trevally and Pink Snapper are also there for the taking.
July

Fish become lazier in the winter, but you can still have a great day on the water if you know where to go. This is the time to chase Tarakihi, Hapuka, and Yellowtail without going too far from the shore.

August

Hapuka, Yellowtail, or Tarakihi – the choice is yours. You can also test your hand in freshwater fishing and stumble upon a solid Trout bite.

September

The freshwater fish are looking forward to spring, which is just around the corner. While you wait for them to become more active, set your sights on Tarakihi, Hapuku, and Yellowtail.

October

Freshwater fishing is picking up, which means Brown Trout is the star of the show in the countless rivers, lakes, and streams of the South Island. On the saltwater front, Pink Snapper, Tarakihi, Yellowtail, and Hapuka are the main catch.

November

The Salmon are coming! If you’re itching for some Chinook fishing, November is the month to hit the water for the first trip of the season. Trout aren’t far behind.

December

Go after massive Pink Snapper, Giant Trevally, and Yellowtail in the ocean waters, or focus on Trout and Salmon fishing, which is fantastic at the end of the year.

South Island Fishing Calendar

Loading...

Featured photos from South Island

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...

How did anglers rate fishing charters in South Island?

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...

Top Types of Fishing in South Island

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...

Top Fishing Techniques in South Island

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...

Top Targeted Species in South Island

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...