New Zealand Fly Fishing Charters
New Zealand Fly Fishing Charters
Best Fly Fishing Charters in New Zealand
Best Fly Fishing Charters in New Zealand
Fly Fishing in New Zealand
Fly Fishing in New Zealand
New Zealand fly fishing needs no introduction – every passionate fly angler knows that this is the stuff fishing dreams are made of.
This is where huge wild Trout roam free in pristine mountain streams and rivers; where fly fishermen come to catch a trophy but keep coming back because they can’t get enough of those spectacular views and even better angling action.
What to Expect
It’s no exaggeration when we say that New Zealand boasts superb fly fishing, and it’s some of the best on the planet. Untouched nature and waters with little-to-no fishing pressure make it possible to head out and target the biggest Trout of your life.
Rainbow Trout is the most coveted catch, and while the average size of these beauties is around 4 pounds, you can easily land specimens weighing 10 pounds and more. Browns are very popular, too, and can fight just as hard as Rainbows.
The most productive fly fishing season usually lasts from October to April, though some parts of the country and bodies of water might have their own seasonality. The temperate climate makes it possible for fish to thrive and grow, so there’s a chance of catching something good year-round.
A foolproof way to find the best fishing spot and make sure you’re fishing within regulations is to hit the water with a skilled guide. They make it their business to keep you in the loop, as well as put you on the best bite available.
Where to Go
Both the North and South Islands are home to incredible fly fishing opportunities, so a lot depends on what kind of waters and surroundings you’re looking for. While the North Island is all about hidden streams and big productive lakes, the South Island boasts big rivers close to the ocean and mountain creeks.
There are many well-known fly fisheries on the northern side of the country, and Lake Taupo is at the very top. This is where the New Zealand fly fishing frenzy started, and from there, it spread to the Tongariro River, Rotorua, and beyond.
The South Island has every type of Trout fishing you can imagine, especially if you go to the Nelson Tasman region. Queenstown and Canterbury should also be on your list because of the easy access to nearby river systems that support even the wildest fly fishing endeavors.
What Trip to Book
Fly fishing in New Zealand is a dream come true, whether you’re a fly fisherman or simply an outdoor enthusiast. Picking a trip that suits your interests is the key to a memorable day on the water.
On half day and full day trips, you’ll spend several hours going after Trout on nearby lakes, rivers, and streams. This is a good option for all levels of fishermen who would like to see what New Zealand has to offer.
There’s also a variety of multi-day expeditions reserved for more seasoned anglers. This is the way to go if you’re looking to spend a few days in remote locations, admiring the great outdoors and catching incredible fish. Helicopter fishing is very much a thing here, but it can be considerably more expensive, though some claim that the exhilaration is worth it.
What to Bring
Very often guides will have fly fishing equipment ready for you, but you’re welcome to bring your own. It’s recommended to pack a 6 wt rod (7 wt if you’re fishing rivers), and a dull-colored fly line is a must because you’ll be in crystal clear waters. When it comes to flies, nymphs and dry flies are the best choices paired with long leaders and 3–8 lb tippets.
Talk to your guide before the trip to find out whether you need to buy a fishing license or if they’ll take care of it for you. You also might need wading gear, depending on where you’re going and what your preferred fishing style is.
Drinks like water and coffee are often included in the price, as well as lunch on full day trips. You can even have a BBQ on the bank and cook your catch right there. It doesn’t get fresher than that!
When you want a change of scenery, outstanding catches, and fishing action like you’ve never seen before, New Zealand fly fishing will offer all that and much, much more!
New Zealand
4.5
/
5
Based on 27,939 reviews by FishingBooker anglers
What anglers said about Fly Fishing in New Zealand
What anglers said about Fly Fishing in New Zealand
Fishing depends on the weather so dress appropriately for wind and rain in layers.
5.0
/
5
Fishing depends on the weather so dress appropriately for wind and rain in layers.
Allison O.
Not too cold not too hot, the water are great and not too harsh. Not too sea sick
5.0
/
5
Not too cold not too hot, the water are great and not too harsh. Not too sea sick
Azleena K.
This was our first time. We went with Marty Staine and it was the perfect day out. Caught plenty of fish with Martyโs set up. Recommend going with his fishing trips.
5.0
/
5
This was our first time. We went with Marty Staine and it was the perfect day out. Caught plenty of fish with Martyโs set up. Recommend going with his fishing trips.
Kristina G.
Napier City, HKB
Be sure the weather and enough number of customers join the charter before you plan your travel schedule. The booked date and time may be changed with short time notice.
4.0
/
5
Be sure the weather and enough number of customers join the charter before you plan your travel schedule. The booked date and time may be changed with short time notice.
Yuk Yee Helen Leung
Auckland, Auckland
Patience as the weather changing rapidly and be flexible with actual fishing trip day
5.0
/
5
Patience as the weather changing rapidly and be flexible with actual fishing trip day
Jori R.
Experienced fly fishers should target brown trout in the Tongariro River at the southern end of Lake Taupo. It seems the big Rainbow trout are located a fair few meters below the surface (i.e. deep water) so unless you have your own boat etc, then best to charter an equipped boat.
5.0
/
5
Experienced fly fishers should target brown trout in the Tongariro River at the southern end of Lake Taupo. It seems the big Rainbow trout are located a fair few meters below the surface (i.e. deep water) so unless you have your own boat etc, then best to charter an equipped boat.
David G.
Brisbane, Queensland
Great guide! He has everything you need and knows where to go, walks you through your catch and is very professional as well as fun!
5.0
/
5
Great guide! He has everything you need and knows where to go, walks you through your catch and is very professional as well as fun!
Cheryl L.
Arvada, CO
Fishing license is a must and you can do only fly fishing in the rivers and creeks.
Lake Taupo - you will need a boat to catch any fish as you can not catch anything from the banks. Lure fishing is the way to do it and no live baits.
Trout size 35cm to be legal to keep.
5.0
/
5
Fishing license is a must and you can do only fly fishing in the rivers and creeks.
Lake Taupo - you will need a boat to catch any fish as you can not catch anything from the banks. Lure fishing is the way to do it and no live baits.
Trout size 35cm to be legal to keep.
Rajarajan S.
Auckland, Auckland
This is not the best time of year for fishing in the Bay of Islands but it was still a great morning out on the water, and we did bring home dinner. For lots of fish, probably another time (not New Year's peak) better.
5.0
/
5
This is not the best time of year for fishing in the Bay of Islands but it was still a great morning out on the water, and we did bring home dinner. For lots of fish, probably another time (not New Year's peak) better.
Sue B.
Auckland, Auckland
Yes I would the boat was excellent the skipper Michelle was ist class,very polite, helpful,and tried her best to put us on the fish moved 6 times,but we got a feed,that's just fishing,we loved it.
5.0
/
5
Yes I would the boat was excellent the skipper Michelle was ist class,very polite, helpful,and tried her best to put us on the fish moved 6 times,but we got a feed,that's just fishing,we loved it.
James S.
Christchurch, Canterbury
Go with a well known charter operator so that you learn tricks and techniques for trout fishing in the lake.
5.0
/
5
Go with a well known charter operator so that you learn tricks and techniques for trout fishing in the lake.
Marilyn W.
Bethel, VT
The morning trip is best with comfortable boat and beautiful views to see in the bay of islands
5.0
/
5
The morning trip is best with comfortable boat and beautiful views to see in the bay of islands
Jake B.
Whangarei, Northland
Do it. Kaikoura is a great spot for fishing and usually always go home with a good amount of fish
5.0
/
5
Do it. Kaikoura is a great spot for fishing and usually always go home with a good amount of fish
Jo B.
Christchurch, Canterbury
Book with a reputable and experienced charter and try to find a spot on the boat at the rear.
4.7
/
5
Book with a reputable and experienced charter and try to find a spot on the boat at the rear.
David H.
Te Puke, Bay Of Plenty
We picked Koura Bay fishing charter as they were recommended to us by my cousin who did a 2 hr fishing trip last month with them. Both 1st time anglers as we were ! They were very happy with the fishing experience, the service and the catch. We shared the same sentiments.
Very experienced Captain Andy and crew. Great time. Would have been heaps better if the Mrs didn't get sea sickness !!
4.7
/
5
We picked Koura Bay fishing charter as they were recommended to us by my cousin who did a 2 hr fishing trip last month with them. Both 1st time anglers as we were ! They were very happy with the fishing experience, the service and the catch. We shared the same sentiments.
Very experienced Captain Andy and crew. Great time. Would have been heaps better if the Mrs didn't get sea sickness !!
John T.
Auckland, Auckland
I would recommend you go with Tauranga marine charters as the capt. is very active at chasing the fish.
4.7
/
5
I would recommend you go with Tauranga marine charters as the capt. is very active at chasing the fish.
Scott S.
Auckland, Auckland
Take a warm fleece and maybe a sandwich to eat But apart from that
Captain Nick did it all for us
5.0
/
5
Take a warm fleece and maybe a sandwich to eat But apart from that
Captain Nick did it all for us
Craig A.
Hamilton, WKO
Get an experienced captain and look to have a period of tide rising to get best chance of success.
4.0
/
5
Get an experienced captain and look to have a period of tide rising to get best chance of success.
Wayne B.
Auckland, Auckland
Have the correct weights and line no flashers and cushion for your comfort
5.0
/
5
Have the correct weights and line no flashers and cushion for your comfort
Angela G.
Tauranga, BOP
Make sure you have appropriate clothing and for ladies , gloves as it could be cold and windy
5.0
/
5
Make sure you have appropriate clothing and for ladies , gloves as it could be cold and windy
Ken B.
Auckland, AUK