Why Go To New Zealand?
With New Zealand having tighter travel restrictions than many countries over the past few years it has been a long time since many of these great trout rivers have seen so little pressure. For trout fishing, there are few places like New Zealand. New Zealand is not unique in terms of the size of trout that its rivers hold. There are other destinations where you can target large river trout. What is special about New Zealand is that these fish can be sight fished using small flies and long leaders. It is genuinely extraordinary the size of trout that you can see in relatively small streams. Unlike almost anywhere I can think of, the trout in New Zealand seem to grow in size the further you travel upstream.
The fishing, especially in the South Island, feels more closely related to saltwater than traditional trout fishing. Once spotting the fish, it asks the question, are you good enough? It will be evident if you make a poor cast and you are not. Fishing in New Zealand is not for the faint of heart, for it challenges you physically and technically in equal measures. These reasons are only part of why this is such a memorable destination. It is also memorable because of the remarkable scenery and the hospitable people who call this wonderful country home. Even if you are not a die-hard trout bum, you should go because there is so much more than just ‘catching trout.’
When to go
The main fly fishing season in New Zealand runs from 1st October to 30th April – their spring, summer and autumn. A few fishing areas are open all year, and a few do not open until 1st November. The prime dry fly period runs from December through to early March.
It is also possible to arrange inshore and offshore saltwater fishing on fly and conventional gear throughout the summer period. This can be a great add-on if you are looking for more extended stays. As the popularity of fly fishing in New Zealand increases, you must plan and book ahead. The most popular fishing lodges and their guides get booked quickly with a high number of repeat guests. If you want a particular time or place, you should plan early.
How To Organise Your Trip To New Zealand
Whether you are looking for a one lodge stay, North and South combination or a more complex multi-stop fishing/non-fishing itinerary, we are on hand to help you plan. We will coordinate your lodge stays, book the guides, arrange your rental vehicles, book domestic flights, organise lodge and helicopter transfers and impart lots of knowledge at the same time.
New Zealand and Covid-19
New Zealand’s prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, announced on Wednesday that from 11.59pm on Tuesday, April 12, fully vaccinated Australians would be permitted to visit.
Two-and-a-half weeks later, at 11.59pm on Sunday, May 1, fully vaccinated people from some 60 visa-waiver nations, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Ireland, Canada, Japan, Germany and more, can travel to New Zealand.
The initial reopening plan had scheduled those reopening dates in July.
Then in October, as initially planned, New Zealand’s borders will fully reopen to visitors from anywhere in the world and normal visa processing will resume.
For more information on fly fishing in New Zealand please contact Peter McLeod or call our office on +44(0)1980 847389.