Overview
Imagine a week designed around New Zealand’s most iconic South Island trout waters, where every day’s fishing is paired with lodges, comfortable travel and special experiences beyond the river. This fully customisable package blends expert fly-fishing guidance with scenic adventures, great food and unforgettable local experiences.
Contact us to book or customise this tour to suit your dates, group size or interests.
Trip Details and Highlights
- Duration: 7 days, 6 nights
- Start: Queenstown
- End: Christchurch
- Customised fly fishing across South Island’s iconic rivers
- Expert local guides and river-routing service
- Boutique lodges and eco-retreats
- Helicopter-access backcountry fishing
- All transfers, guiding and activity bookings for effortless planning
- Scenic or activity add-ons available
Itinerary
Below is a sample of this tour. There are lots more surprises and details not mentioned below. Contact us with your interests and wish list, and we'll tailor an unforgettable experience for you.
Arrive in Queenstown, the adventure capital, and settle into your lakeside lodge. Begin fishing local rivers or take a helicopter-access day trip to a remote backcountry river.
Drive south to Te Anau and the jaw-dropping scenery and fishing of Fiordland. After fishing a wonderful South Island stream on the way south you'll arrive at your Fiordland Lodge accommodation. This is an ideal location for couples, with an incredible dining experience and non-fishing activities. Next day, if you have a non-angling partner, we can put them on a tour of Milford Sound, while your guide takes the angler(s) fishing for trout in their secret spots, where the scenery is just as spectacular as the trout.
Travel north to Wānaka and fish crystal-clear rivers through golden tussock country. Relax after the day’s fishing by exploring this beautiful lakeside alpine village and a local fare dining experience featuring ingredients from local farmers, hunters, and fishermen.
Continue to the West Coast to your remote luxury eco-lodge experience. Spend the day fishing for large brown trout or enjoy a scenic heli-fishing experience to an especially un-pressured backcountry river.
The journey concludes in the high country near Aoraki/Mt Cook, where glacial-fed streams and expansive mountain vistas set the scene for your final days on the water. Evenings are spent by the fire in a luxury lodge, reflecting on the fish of the day with a glass of Central Otago Pinot Noir in hand.
Your final day comprises a scenic drive, taking in the sights of Lake Tekapo (stop at Tekapo hot pools if time allows) and through the Canterbury pastoral country to Christchurch airport or a Christchurch hotel if you are staying longer.
POA
This New Zealand fly fishing trip includes:
- Airport transfers
- 6 nights lodge accommodation (alternatively talk to us about your accommodation preferences)
- Daily breakfasts and lunches
- Dinners where specified (in lodges)
- Expert local fly-fishing guides & drivers (self-drive options available)
- Helicopter-access to backcountry rivers
- Scenic add-ons such as glacier flights
- Fully customisable itinerary
- Full support from Splendid South and Isolation Outfitters before during and after your journey
Optional Extras
- Fishing licence not included, but we will send you detailed requirements and process.
- Let us know if you would like any options added to your itinerary for yourself and/or your non-angling partner, for example:
- Skyline Gondola, Wine tasting, Lake cruise & lunch
FAQs
The tour is suitable for most travellers, including families and older guests. Some short walks may be included during photo stops. If you have mobility concerns or prefer a slower pace, let us know — we can tailor recommendations.
We will send you a suggested gear list when you book. Bring a warm waterproof jacket, comfortable shoes, and a camera as the scenery is unforgettable. Water and lunch are provided, and you’re welcome to bring extra snacks and food.
Pick-ups are usually from Christchurch Airport but we are happy to arrange a hotel pickup if your prefer.
Yes – accommodation upgraded and other bespoke options can be arranged. Contact us for tailored itineraries.