Fly fishing in
New Zealand

Experience world-class fishing in the land of trophy brown trout. Pool after pool, you’ll have the chance to hook the fish of a lifetime, likely on a dry fly.

Join a guided fishing day on a serene river, with a skilled guide helping you catch big trout, run trout, and trophy trout. Experience amazing fishing in clear blue waters and take in the breathtaking scenery

Fly fishing in New Zealand

Experience world-class fishing in the land of trophy brown trout. Pool after pool, you’ll have the chance to hook the fish of a lifetime, likely on a dry fly.

Fly fishing in
New Zealand

Experience world-class fishing in the land of trophy brown trout. Pool after pool, you’ll have the chance to hook the fish of a lifetime, likely on a dry fly.

Join a guided fishing day on a serene river, with a skilled guide helping you catch big trout, run trout, and trophy trout. Experience amazing fishing in clear blue waters and take in the breathtaking scenery
Trophy brown trout caught on a dry fly in New Zealand

One day itinerary

Oct - Apr

SOUTH ISLAND TROPHY TROUT

South Island, New Zealand

Trophy brown trout caught on a dry fly in New Zealand

One day itinerary

Oct - Apr

SOUTH ISLAND TROPHY TROUT

South Island, New Zealand

Trophy brown trout caught on a dry fly in New Zealand

One day itinerary

Oct - Apr

SOUTH ISLAND TROPHY TROUT

South Island, New Zealand

Where you can fish with us

Where you can fish with us

About fly fishing in New Zealand

About fly fishing in New Zealand

Fly fishing in New Zealand is often described as the pinnacle of the sport—and for good reason. With its vast wilderness, crystal-clear rivers, and wild, trophy-sized trout, New Zealand offers one of the most rewarding and visually stunning fly fishing experiences on the planet.

From the alpine streams of the South Island to remote backcountry rivers hidden deep in native bush, New Zealand is a land built for sight fishing. Anglers come from all over the world to walk these rivers, spot fish in clear water, and make the perfect cast to a feeding brown or rainbow trout.

What makes fly fishing in New Zealand truly unique is the quality of the water and the solitude of the setting. On many rivers, you'll walk for miles and see no other anglers, just the occasional rise of a trout breaking the surface in a quiet pool. It's technical, often demanding, but incredibly rewarding—where every fish is earned and every take is unforgettable.

Fly fishing in New Zealand is often described as the pinnacle of the sport—and for good reason. With its vast wilderness, crystal-clear rivers, and wild, trophy-sized trout, New Zealand offers one of the most rewarding and visually stunning fly fishing experiences on the planet.

From the alpine streams of the South Island to remote backcountry rivers hidden deep in native bush, New Zealand is a land built for sight fishing. Anglers come from all over the world to walk these rivers, spot fish in clear water, and make the perfect cast to a feeding brown or rainbow trout.

What makes fly fishing in New Zealand truly unique is the quality of the water and the solitude of the setting. On many rivers, you'll walk for miles and see no other anglers, just the occasional rise of a trout breaking the surface in a quiet pool. It's technical, often demanding, but incredibly rewarding—where every fish is earned and every take is unforgettable.

Angler sight fishing in a crystal-clear river on New Zealand’s South Island – fly fishing New Zealand backcountry
Angler sight fishing in a crystal-clear river on New Zealand’s South Island – fly fishing New Zealand backcountry

The species you can catch

The species you can catch

New Zealand’s rivers and lakes are home to some of the most sought-after sport fish in the world.

Brown trout are the main target in most South Island rivers, known for their size, cunning nature, and explosive fights.

Rainbow trout are more common in certain regions, especially around central North Island lakes like Taupō, and offer powerful, acrobatic battles.

Most fish are wild and self-sustaining, with many reaching sizes of 5–10 pounds in the right conditions. While New Zealand doesn’t offer huge species diversity, the challenge and size of its trout more than make up for it.

Angler sight fishing in a crystal-clear river on New Zealand’s South Island – fly fishing New Zealand
Angler sight fishing in a crystal-clear river on New Zealand’s South Island – fly fishing New Zealand
Trophy brown trout caught on a dry fly during a fly fishing New Zealand adventure
Trophy brown trout caught on a dry fly during a fly fishing New Zealand adventure

The best seasons for fly fishing in New Zealand

The best seasons for fly fishing in New Zealand

The fly fishing season in New Zealand runs from October to April, with regional variations depending on altitude and river system.

October–December (Early Season): Fish are fresh and less pressured after the winter break. Great for spotting larger, aggressive trout.

January–March (High Summer): Prime time for dry fly fishing, especially during the famous cicada hatch in the South Island backcountry.

April (Late Season): Rivers quiet down, fish feed actively before winter, and the landscape turns stunning autumn colors.

Trophy brown trout caught on a dry fly during a fly fishing New Zealand adventure
Trophy brown trout caught on a dry fly during a fly fishing New Zealand adventure

The fly fishing season in New Zealand runs from October to April, with regional variations depending on altitude and river system.

October–December (Early Season): Fish are fresh and less pressured after the winter break. Great for spotting larger, aggressive trout.

January–March (High Summer): Prime time for dry fly fishing, especially during the famous cicada hatch in the South Island backcountry.

April (Late Season): Rivers quiet down, fish feed actively before winter, and the landscape turns stunning autumn colors.

best fishing guides new zealand for fly fishing
best fishing guides new zealand for fly fishing

How it works

1

Pick your destination

Choose your preferred destination, date, and number of anglers. We have selected local guides who know the river best and the prime fishing spots, ensuring an exceptional fishing day.

2

Send a booking request

Submit your request, and we will tailor the day based on your preferences and ensure a seamless planning process, so you don't have to interact with multiple people.

3

Enjoy your fishing day

Arrive at your destination and meet your guide! With fishing license, top-quality equipment, and lunch all provided by us, you can focus on enjoying the fishing.

Stay update and discover new spots!

What our clients say

Looking for advice? Let’s chat!

Looking for advice? Let’s chat!

Have questions about your next fishing adventure? We're here to assist with everything, from destinations and gear to tips and recommendations.

Reach out anytime!

While Rod Society's guides are always out on the water, we're always available to help.

Have questions about your next fishing adventure? We're here to assist with everything, from destinations and gear to tips and recommendations.

Reach out anytime!

Have questions about your next fishing adventure? We're here to assist with everything, from destinations and gear to tips and recommendations.

Reach out anytime!

While Rod Society's guides are always out on the water, we're always available to help.

Fly fishing in Italy’s stunning alpine landscape

Andrea from Rod Society

Andrea from Rod Society

With over 20 years of experience in fly fishing worldwide, he serves as the main point of contact for clients and guides

With over 20 years of experience in fly fishing worldwide, he serves as the main point of contact for clients and guides.

With over 20 years of experience in fly fishing worldwide, he serves as the main point of contact for clients and guides.

ROD SOCIETY

Epic fishing experiences in wonderful destinations with top-notch guides

© 2025 Rod Society Srl. All rights reserved. P.IVA 14310540969.

Travel packages sold by Free World Travel and Consulting SA (CH-501.3.018.578-4)

ROD SOCIETY

Epic fishing experiences in wonderful destinations with top-notch guides

© 2025 Rod Society Srl. All rights reserved. P.IVA 14310540969.

Travel packages sold by Free World Travel and Consulting SA (CH-501.3.018.578-4)

ROD SOCIETY

Epic fishing experiences in wonderful destinations with top-notch guides

© 2025 Rod Society Srl. All rights reserved. P.IVA 14310540969.

Travel packages sold by Free World Travel and Consulting SA (CH-501.3.018.578-4)