Fly Fishing the South Island of New Zealand: A Comprehensive DIY Guide

New Zealand's South Island is a mecca for fly fishing addicts, offering some of the most diverse and pristine waters in the world. From crystal-clear rivers and challenging backcountry streams to lush lakes and tarns, the South Island has it all. Whether you're an experienced flyfisher or a beginner, this guide will help you navigate the best spots, essential gear, and travel tips for an unforgettable, cost effective, DIY fly fishing adventure.

Planning Your Trip: Queenstown or Christchurch?

When planning a fly fishing trip to the South Island, your entry point will often determine the direction of your journey. The two main gateways are Queenstown and Christchurch, both of which offer easy access to various fishing regions.

• Christchurch is a great starting point for exploring Central, North, and Western regions, including iconic locations like Hanmer Springs, Murchison, and the West Coast.
• Queenstown, located in the southern part of the island, is a convenient base for fishing in Central Otago, Southland, and the Eastern regions. It’s also the gateway to some of the South Island's most renowned trout rivers.

Essential Gear for South Island Fly Fishing

The South Island’s rugged terrain and diverse environments mean that your gear needs to be versatile. While the equipment required isn’t vastly different from what you'd use in Australia, there are some specific items that will make your experience much more successful.

Rods and Reels

5 and 6 weight rods are the most commonly used line weight in the South Island, perfect for both dry fly and nymph fishing. You may want to carry an extra rod or two, as you could find yourself in remote areas where breakages are more likely. A 5 weight can be undergunned when throwing large indicators and double tungsten nymphs, where a 6 weight makes casting a lot easier.

Trout are big and fit in New Zealand so you'll need a good drag system. A large arbor will help you recover line fast when they turn and head downstream. In many cases the fly reel could be considered a storage device for the line, but a reel for New Zealand has to be considered a vital tool for landing big fish.

For lines, Scientific Anglers MPX and Airflo Power Taper lines are great choices, especially when the Norwester winds pick up. These aggressive lines will help you cut through the breeze and deliver accurate casts.

Waders and Footwear

Wet wading is a viable option during the summer months, but in more rugged terrain, lightweight waders will stop your legs getting chopped up and are highly recommended. Skwala Carbon or Orvis Pro LT waders offer excellent comfort and breathability. The terrain can be harsh, so it’s important to invest in comfortable, durable boots with excellent grip. Consider Simms Flyweight boots or Orvis Pro LT boots for long hikes between fish.

Nets

The South Island is home to trophy-sized fish, so a large net is essential. Don’t bring the small stream net you might use on a stream like the Acheron; you’ll need a sturdy, larger net to handle the bigger trout you’re likely to encounter. The McLean Medium New Zealand Weigh Net will hold a big trout but is small enough to easily carry on a Magnetic Net Release.

Sun Protection

The South Island shares the ozone hole with Tasmania, meaning sun protection is crucial. Make sure to pack good sunscreen, protective clothing, and a wide-brimmed hat. The Simms Bugstopper Shirt will be your best friend when the sun gets extreme and the sandflies start biting.

Sandflies

Sandflies are worse than tiger snakes. There's few people that can spend more than a few nights in Fiordland because they are that brutal. Deet repellant may not be great for your health but it does a great job at repelling them. Wearing Simms Bugstopper Clothing will mean you won't need to apply too much of it.

Flies for South Island Trout

The variety of flies you’ll need is as diverse as the waters themselves. Trout in the South Island can be as fussy as they come, requiring an extensive selection of patterns. Some essential flies include:

• Simons Uglies
• Willow Grubs
• Blue Blowflies
• Cicada patterns
• Mayfly and emerger patterns (sizes 14–18)
• Dore’s Depth Control Nymphs (size 14)

Additionally, streamers and small wets can help cover a wide range of fishing conditions. Given the diversity of species and fishing environments, it’s always a good idea to check in with us at The Flyfisher to get advice on what’s working at specific locations.

Travel and Logistics

Arrival and Customs

Getting through NZ customs and quarantine is generally straightforward, especially if you’ve cleaned all your fishing gear and gear bags with hot water and detergent. However, tents may get inspected, so be prepared for a brief delay.

Campervans vs. Rental Cars

While campervans are a popular option, they aren’t always ideal for anglers. You'll need to be super compatible with your travelling companion. New Zealand has cracked down on freedom camping, and many areas no longer allow spontaneous camping by the river. A rental car is often a better choice, giving you the flexibility to find accommodation and adjust your plans as needed.

Accommodation in New Zealand is generally affordable, with a range of options from budget motels to mid-range lodges. Staying flexible with your itinerary is key, as weather can change quickly. If you plan to hire a vehicle, booking through third-party providers like QEEQ often gets you the best rates—expect to pay around NZD $40–50 per day for a medium car, or $60+ for an SUV.

Currency and Costs

New Zealand operates on the New Zealand Dollar (NZD), and while exchange rates tend to be favorable for Australians (around 1.10 NZD to AUD), you should budget for slightly higher costs when it comes to food and fuel. Most places accept credit card so it’s easy to get by without carrying much cash. A credit card that doesn't charge exorbitant international transaction fees is a must.

Key Fly Fishing Areas on the South Island

Christchurch and Northern Regions

If you fly into Christchurch, a good first stop is Hanmer Springs, just north of the city. It offers a variety of good waters and makes for a great overnight stop. From there, head west towards Murchison, where you can access the famous Buller River and other iconic streams. Murchison is also a gateway to Reefton and Greymouth on the West Coast.

The West Coast of the South Island is another incredible area to explore. Lake Brunner, near Greymouth, is a well-regarded fishery, while the LaFontaine Stream flows crystal clear in the upper reaches and offers superb trout fishing. The weather, however, can be unpredictable, as the West Coast is notoriously wet.

Queenstown and Southern Regions

Arriving in Queenstown, you’re immediately treated to breathtaking views of the Southern Alps and Lake Wakatipu. From here, many anglers head south towards Lumsden, the base for numerous fishing guides. The Mataura River, just east of Lumsden, is one of New Zealand’s most famous dry fly rivers, renowned for its afternoon mayfly hatches.

While the Mataura is a must-fish, there are countless other rivers and lakes to explore, including the Nevis and Oreti Rivers, known for their larger brown trout. To fish these iconic waters, you'll need a backcountry endorsement (NZD $40 per day).

In the Te Anau region, the Eglinton River stands out as a premier fishery, offering scenic beauty and quality trout fishing. Further south, the Pomahaka River and Catlins River provide unique fishing experiences with their tannin-stained waters and wild, forested surroundings.

Central South Island

If you're keen on exploring Central South Island, you might like to check out the famed Tekapo Canal, where monster-sized rainbows lurk. The Ahuriri River, known for its large rainbow and brown trout, is also a world-class fishery, offering some of the best flyfishing opportunities on the island.

Techniques

If you're comfortable fishing the rivers of Australia—such as those found in North-East Victoria, the Snowy Mountains, and Tasmania's wild rivers—then you will feel at home in New Zealand’s waters.

Sight fishing in the often gin-clear waters means trout can spot you just as easily as you spot them. Being well-equipped with a wide-brimmed hat, high-quality polarized glasses designed for trout fishing, and staying low and concealed, combined with a methodical technique to scan the water, will greatly improve your odds.

Hiring a guide for a day or two to learn where fish are likely to be positioned can boost your confidence when fishing alone. South Island browns, in particular, can be found in water that barely conceals them, as well as at the bottom of the deepest pools in the river. However, when they are actively feeding, they often lie near the color change in gravel where fast and slower water meet—creating a conveyor belt of food. When you see it, you will know.

Riffles, which are broken water filled with smaller rocks, are oxygen-rich areas where trout actively feed on mayfly nymphs. Always check and prospect the areas around the front and rear of boulders, even if nothing is immediately visible. Willows often create undercut banks that should be carefully explored.

Lowland rivers, like the Mataura, can be fished effectively using blind methods. Fishing the ripples is productive, as many larger trout rise from the depths of big pools to feed on mayfly nymphs throughout the day. Euro nymphing techniques work well here, but many guides favor indicator nymphing as the go-to method when trout are not rising. This involves casting a weighted nymph, such as a Dore’s Depth Control, trailing a small unweighted nymph upstream into the bubbling ripples. Let the drifting nymphs swing into the soft water before retrieving.

New Zealand’s terrestrial and aquatic insect hatches make dry fly fishing especially exciting in summer. The Royal Wulff has likely caught more fish in NZ than any other fly. Parachute Adams, emergers, spent spinners, and a range of sizes in Dad’s Favourite are must-haves.

In summer, if you hear cicadas, look for beech trees and cast a cicada imitation—you’ll need to hang on! Blue blowfly patterns, such as a Humpy or a parachute-hackled blowfly, are effective all year round.

Streamers are an excellent choice for targeting large fish, particularly in deeper pools. If a trout has not responded to correctly presented nymphs, try a large, rabbit-style cone-headed streamer. Stripping it past the fish as fast as possible can trigger an aggressive response.

Most rivers in NZ can only be waded by one or two anglers per day. Trout that are disturbed will retreat until the following day. If you doubt this, try following another group upstream.

Using the longest leader you are capable of casting is recommended. Many NZ anglers use leaders 14 feet or longer. Start with what you are comfortable casting and add fine tippets (4X to 5X) for delicate presentations.

A good-quality 9-foot, 5 or 6 weight rod is versatile enough for most New Zealand waters. Pair it with a reel that has smooth drag and sufficient stopping power. Use weight-forward lines designed to handle strong winds. At dusk, when fish are rising everywhere, using a more delicate line or lighter line weight can help minimise spooking fish. Sinking lines and sink tips are also useful for lakes and larger rivers or pools.

The South Island of New Zealand offers a world-class fly fishing experience, whether you're targeting wild trout in crystal-clear rivers, exploring backcountry streams, or casting to fish in remote lakes. With careful planning, the right gear, and a bit of advice, your flyfishing adventure in New Zealand will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience. Be sure to check in with us before you go, stay flexible with your travel plans, and take time to enjoy the stunning landscapes that make the South Island so special.