South Island of NZ Fly Fishing Itinerary

As your flight descends into Nelson, admire sparkling waters, forests, and bays from above, arriving in New Zealand’s sunshine capital. Within an hour, you’ll reach the golden beaches, tranquil bays, and lush coastal forests of the Motueka Valley. At the gateway to Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks, Stonefly Lodge awaits on 150 acres of private forest, offering a luxury fishing retreat. Tonight, savor local meats, fresh seafood, and home-grown produce from the Lodge garden while relaxing in the serenity of your secluded valley hideaway.

Included Meals: Pre-Dinner Drinks & Canapes, Dinner

Approximate Distance: 60 km | 37 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hour

Accommodation: Motueka - 3 Nights

Stonefly Lodge offers a wide range of rivers for guided fly fishing, from gentle, easy-access streams to adventurous backcountry waters requiring precise casting. Wild brown trout average 4–5 lb, with 8 lb+ catches common—and a 10 lb trophy trout could be just a cast away. Non-fishers can relax in the Lodge’s grounds, feed alpacas, or pick fresh produce for the kitchen, while nearby National Parks offer rafting, horse riding, guided hikes, and cycling adventures for an unforgettable outdoor experience.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Pre-Dinner Drinks & Canapes, Dinner

Wake up to Motueka River views from your private balcony and prepare for another day of stalking and sight-casting big wild brown trout with Stonefly’s expert guides. With rivers from multiple catchments at your fingertips, your guides select the best destinations based on seasonal flow. Legendary rivers like the Motueka, Wangapeka, and Baton are minutes away, while Nelson Lakes National Park’s Travers and Waiau Rivers are within an hour. With long, sunny days, there’s plenty of time to challenge these wily brown trout.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Pre-Dinner Drinks & Canapes, Dinner

Traveling south to the Nelson Lakes region, Owen River Lodge sits at the heart of one of the world’s best sighted brown trout fisheries. Over 29 rivers and streams are within a 90-minute drive, offering incredible variety—from intimate waterways like the Owen River to iconic freestone rivers such as the Wairau. Experience New Zealand’s famously “gin-clear” waters, stalking 7–8 lb wild brown trout in streams so transparent they appear just a foot deep, even when waist-deep, for an unforgettable fishing adventure.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Approximate Distance: 95 km | 59 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hour 15 mins

Accommodation: Near Murchison - 3 Nights

Over 29 rivers and streams are accessible within a 90-minute drive of Owen River Lodge: this affords you an enormous choice of rivers, streams and lakes to fish. The region offers huge variety, from intimate waterways like the nearby Owen River, to the iconic freestone waters of the Wairau.

The Owen River Lodge fishing guides are among the most experienced in the country, and are all members of the New Zealand Professional Fishing Guides Association. They'll make sure your two days here are full of action, excitement and plenty of fun.

Non-fishing party members are welcomed at Owen Lodge, and the team will ensure they have a sensational stay. If they can bear to leave the mountain views from the outdoor jacuzzi spa, there are beautiful swimming holes by the river (one of the Lodge's dogs will probably invite themselves along!), rafting and kayaking, golf, hiking and adventure activities galore.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
 

The rivers around Murchison / Nelson Lakes have huge reputations: anglers travel from all over the world to fish the waters of D’Urville, the Sabine, the Wairau, the Karamea, the Hope and the Boyle. With so many outstanding choices, you’ll find a stretch of river all to yourselves even in the busier seasons.

If you have seen New Zealand’s rivers described as “gin clear”, now you'll understand why. You'll stalk 7lb or 8lb wild brown trout in water so clear it looks 12 inches deep when it’s up to your waist. It’s easy for you to find your target, but also for your target to see you. It’s a challenge, but it makes success even sweeter!

Round off your day with a sumptuous dinner cooked with ingredients sourced fresh from the Lodge garden. Watch the sunset from the deck and enjoy your last night here: the splendour of Southern Alps beckons tomorrow.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today you will travel back to Nelson and fly to Queenstown and drive across the majestic Crown Range to Wanaka, a tranquil lakeside town with dramatic views of the Southern Alps.

Easily explored on foot, this charming little township is packed with fine food and wine and boutique shopping. A stroll or bike ride around the picturesque shores of Lake Wanaka is a must.

Spectacular walks & hikes, skiing, water sports and boating options are all available here. The mountain backdrop is perfect for a for a skydive or even a flight in a vintage Tiger Moth plane.

The pristine waterways of the region offer some of the best dry fly and sight fishing in the world. Seasoned fisherman relish the opportunity to stalk fish, testing their casting abilities to the limit in this diverse and challenging landscape.

With two full days of fly fishing coming up, you can make the most of this premium fishing location.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 190 km | 118 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 45 mins

Accommodation: Wanaka - 3 Nights

Fly Fishing in the Wanaka Region

For the next two days Wanaka's massive lakes, cascading waterfalls, remote rivers and lush valleys will be your playground.

The options are immense: Lakes Wanaka and Hawea, the mighty Clutha River, the Matukituki, Makarora, Wilkin Rivers and Dingle Burn – waterways well-known in fishing circles as premier fishing locations.

The region is an outstanding “classroom” for improving technique and broadening your skills. Pick up tips from your expert guide, learning to target the local trout with remarkable precision and stay a step ahead of your target in a wide range of settings.

This picturesque alpine town will delight non-anglers too: Wanaka is as much a hub for outdoor adventurers as it is for those who like nothing better than relaxing with a glass of wine by the gorgeous lakefront. You'll want to stay forever.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks and Refreshments

Spend a second day exploring the Wanaka’s region’s freestone rivers, deep pools and spring-fed creeks while drinking in the breathtaking scenery all around you. Talk sight-fishing tactics with your guide who will whisk you away to the best fly fishing locations for the day’s conditions.

For a classic Kiwi experience take a fishing trip out on the lake amid stunning snow-capped mountain scenery and have a go at fishing for trout and salmon at the same time. Sit back and relax while your guide cooks your catch on the BBQ for a taste you'll always remember.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks and Refreshments

Say farewell to Queenstown and journey to the peaceful lakeside township of Te Anau today. It's another area of outstanding natural beauty, and several key Lord of The Rings movie scenes were filmed amid the unspoilt forests and lakes of this region.

Some of the most famous New Zealand Great Walks trails begin nearby, such as the Milford, Routeburn and Kepler Tracks. Immerse yourselves in the gorgeous surroundings: flight-seeing, fly fishing, kayaking, sailing and horse riding are all on offer and are great ways to get up close to nature.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Pre-Dinner Cocktails, Dinner

Approximate Distance: 230 kms | 143 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours

Accommodation: Te Anau - 2 Nights

Fiordland and Southland offer an exceptional collection of crystal-clear rivers, secluded streams, and pristine alpine lakes—an unrivalled setting for a full day of guided fly fishing or spin fishing. This bespoke trip is curated for anglers who value exclusivity, comfort, and unhurried exploration, with effortless access to outstanding waters. Whether you’re casting in flowing rivers, quiet streams, or scenic lakes, the ultimate fishing experience is thoughtfully curated using expert local knowledge and complemented by a gourmet riverside lunch in a spectacular natural setting.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Pre-Dinner Cocktails, Dinner

No visit to New Zealand is complete without a pilgrimage to the "Eighth Natural Wonder of the World": Milford Sound

Milford Sound Nature Cruise 
The Milford Road takes you from Te Anau to Milford Sound on one of the most scenic drives on the planet. A glorious labyrinth of soaring peaks is punctuated by unspoiled rainforest, plunging valleys, azure lakes, waterfalls, and glaciers.

Arriving in Milford, you will board your purpose-built cruise vessel and sail the length of the Sound, dwarfed by towering cliffs and waterfalls all around you. The onboard nature guide will tell you all about the seals, penguins, and dolphins who frequently visit this mesmerising location.

After your cruise, you'll return to Queenstown, the perfect setting for your final night in New Zealand. For a memorable end to your adventure, toast your trip with a glass of award-winning local pinot noir at one of the wonderful eateries overlooking Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Pre-Dinner Drinks and Canapes

Approximate Distance: 175 km | 109 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 15 mins (Te Anau to Queenstown)

Accommodation: Queenstown - 1 Night

"Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage! Today we say farewell. We take care of your transfer to Queenstown Airport where you will board your onward flight to Auckland, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional New Zealand holiday.

We know you will love fly fishing in New Zealand and our promise is to make your journey as hassle-free and hospitable as possible - ensuring that today you leave with a memory card full of photos, and huge smiles on your faces when recalling your time in New Zealand! Have a great homeward journey, farewell and hope to see you again soon in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Before you arrive in NZ...

Practising your basic casting techniques before arriving in New Zealand will allow you to maximise the many opportunities to catch "the big one". This will help to prevent excessive false casts which could spook your target unnecessarily. New Zealand trout can be very unforgiving of poorly presented flies!

Felt-soled boots are prohibited for use by freshwater anglers in New Zealand. The felt may harbour microscopic waterborne pests, particularly didymo which is a major concern here. MAF Biosecurity New Zealand also requires ALL used freshwater fishing equipment brought into New Zealand to be clean and dry.