Options-a-Plenty
There is a seemingly endless amount of water to fish in NZ and an endless number of ways to fish it, let’s start here.
We’re proud to offer a wide range of guiding options throughout the lower south island. Walk and wade or drift fishing, from the front country to the back. Heli fishing, multi-day and even multi-week excursions. We throw streamers, dry flies and do a whole bunch of nymphing in-between. The way we see it, fishing isn’t conventional and neither are we.
The Day Trip.
Rate: $1100-$1200/Day 1-2 Anglers
Day trips are a great option if you plan on basing yourself out of Wanaka or Hawea during your stay. This is also a suitable option for anglers who are limited on time or have a busy itinerary and are just passing through.
We can access a huge variety of water from our base in Lake Hawea and spend our time on the rivers and lakes around Wanaka, Mackenzie Country and Central Otago.
You will be picked up from your accommodation or asked to meet your guide at a pre arranged time and head to the waterway that is most suited to the days conditions. Drive times can vary from 15 minutes to 2 hours depending on time of year and conditions at hand. You will spend a full day on the water and return to Wanaka in time for dinner.
We are excited to be offering drift fishing as an fun and new option for day trips from the Wanaka are - some anglers choose to make the trip over from Queenstown as well (read more below.)
Heli fishing can be arranged on day trips from Wanaka and Hawea (read more below.)
Drift Fishing.
Rate: $1100-$1200/Day 1-2 Anglers
We live within 15min. of two of the largest lakes in New Zealand, Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea. The mighty Clutha Mata-Au drains these two bodies of water and further downstream the inflow of Lake Wakatipu joins in earning it the title of the largest river in the country. There’s no better way to fish these pristine, trout rich waters than out of a drift boat.
This is typically big water, high volume fly fishing so stripping streamers often makes up a big part of the day and it can be pretty exciting in the gin clear waters. We get ample opportunities at sighted fish using both dry flies and nymphs throughout the season too.
While the Clutha Mata-Au is our local, we fish a huge variety of rivers and lakes from our rafts. Sometimes we even tow a raft along on a road trip to really mix things up! From floating down a wild and scenic river to casting at cruising trout on the lake edges, fly fishing from a specialty designed drift boat is a fantastic way to enjoy a day on the water.
Finally, we love the comfort of the drift boat. Many of our guests have varying abilities from the very fit to folk who may be less mobile. The standout upside of these boats is that no one needs to miss out on the magic that is fly fishing in New Zealand nor be limited by their ability to walk.
The Road Trip.
$1100-$1200/Day 1-2 Anglers
*Rate exclusive of expenses
The road trip is a classic and an resounding favourite of the serious angler. It is designed to maximise the quality of your fishing experience through flexibility. There is a two day minimum required to book this option but a minimum of three days is recommended and many guests book 5-7 day trips.
You will be picked up from your accommodation in Wanaka at a pre arranged time and head off to enjoy your first day of fishing. Each day you will go where the fishing is best, based on current conditions. This will also determine where you will stay for the evening. Accommodation can vary from hotels, backpackers and pubs to campground cabins, cottages or an Airbnb. We will have dinner and breakfast at a local restaurant, café or pub or cater to ourselves.
You will be responsible for all accommodation and dining expenses for yourself and your guide. There will be an additional fee of $175 per night for a single and $225 for a double if food and drink is provided by your guide. Lunches are included in the day rate.
Backcountry walk in’s, Heli Fishing and even drift fishing can be added to the road trip - let us know if this interests you.
The Backcountry Adventure.
$1250-$1400/Day 1-2 Anglers
This is for the physically fit and adventurous angler. Don't mind putting in big days with a heavy pack on? Eating freeze dried foods and living amongst the sandflies? Look no further. Walking into New Zealand's backcountry takes the New Zealand fishing experience to a whole new level. This is where New Zealand really stands out as a fishing destination. There are not many places on the planet that offer as many walk in fishing options as the South Island does. The power of your own two feet can get you to some of the most remote, scenic and unspoiled fisheries that there are.
It's a genuine experience that goes beyond the fishing. You come out of the bush feeling accomplished, content and in need of a shower. Food is basic but filling, often consisting of freeze dried meals for dinner, porridge for breakfast and dried meats and cheeses or noodles for lunch. High quality tents, inflatable mattress and backpacking packs can be provided for this excursion. This is truly one of the great fishing experiences available today.
Please note: These trips are very weather dependent for a multitude of reasons. Most importantly, safety, comfort and quality of fishing. In the case of poor weather, a road trip or day trip will be the alternative option.
Heli Fishing.
Costs vary from departure location and duration of flight. Average cost is approximately $3000 but can vary a great deal, please let us know if you would like to discuss pricing further.
*Estimated costs are for the helicopter only and do not include guide fees or overnight fees.
Helicopter Fly Fishing is another exciting way to experience the backcountry fisheries of the South Island. A helicopter can make short work of what might otherwise be a multiple day walk in. Going to a fishing destination by helicopter is not necessarily a 'Silver Bullet' to fishing success. What it does however, is quickly give you access to some of the most remote, scenic and un spoiled river valleys on the planet. Flying over the mountain tops and through the steep and rugged river valleys of the Southern Alps in a helicopter adds an element of adventure to a day of fishing that is second to none.
Fly outs are subject to weather conditions and are never guaranteed. A helicopter can be added to any of the above trip options and can be a great way to make the most of a backcountry adventure.
The Nitty Gritty.
Rates include snacks, water and lunch while we are on the river. High quality Scott fly rods, Hatch reels and premium fly lines are available for your use during the day. All terminal tackle including, leaders, tippet, flies and floatant will also be provided. Wet wading is very common during the hot summer months of the NZ fly fishing season. However, there will be a wide range of quality Simms and Patagonia boots and waders available for your use.
A 50% non refundable deposit is required to secure all bookings. Please see bottom of page for terms and conditions.
Rates do not include licensing fees, helicopter fees or gratuities.
We are a small family run, bespoke tour operator. All trips are fully customisable and can comprise any combination of the above options so if there is something you want to do, just ask!
Deposit, Cancellation and Payment Policy:
· A 50% deposit is required to confirm all bookings.
· Full Payment is due 90 days before the trip.
· Any remaining balance for additional trip costs (ie overnight fees etc.) will be due upon completion of your trip.
· All payments are non refundable and non transferrable.
· All pricing is in NZD and inclusive of GST. Payments can be made by either bank transfer or credit card. All credit card payments will incur a 3% surcharge.
Operator Cancellation:
Aotearoa Anglers reserves the right to cancel or postpone any trip at any time. This could be due to reasons including but not limited to sickness, family emergencies, safety and extreme weather. In this very unlikely event we will do our absolute best to find a replacement guide or alternative dates for your booking.
Insurance:
We highly recommend that all of our guests take out a comprehensive travel and medical insurance policy at the time of booking to cover any sudden change of plans or unforeseen circumstances, including trip cancellation for any reason. These policies vary but are typically required to be purchased at the time of booking or within 14 days of booking. Please check with your provider. Aotearoa Anglers shall not be responsible for any loss, damage, theft, injury, death or claims of any kind or nature.
