The Overnight Safari is for clients who wish to get out into the wilderness and well off the beaten track for a camp out style trip. It is generally suited to the angler who does not mind doing some hard yards, getting the hands dirty and helping out a bit (lot) with the chores of being on Safari – the fishing will pay huge dividends. Depending on the weather and river conditions, where we go is never pre-determined, but worked out to suit the conditions we encounter so we can maximize your time and chances of being in some of the most awe inspiring fly-fishing terrain on the planet and the chance to hook into truly stunning NZ trout.
NZ Fly Fishing Expeditions - On Safari
The Area & Rivers
On any given trip we will choose the most appropriate area ranging from the Mackenzie Country, Central Otago, Eastern Otago, South Westland, Fiordland and Southland to give you the best opportunity to enjoy your overnight expedition. There is a wide variety of water to fish, large alluvial riverbeds, grass and tussock lined streams, mountain rivers that cascade through sub-temperate rain forests, freestone streams, crystal clear spring creeks, small tarns and large lakes, all holding large NZ trout.
The Fishing
All of these waters have large wily brown trout and some have a mix of rainbow trout as well. A few of our southern rivers have runs of sea trout after Xmas and also some small runs of Chinook salmon in Feb and March (when the rivers are low and clear these fish can be caught on standard fly gear from time to time). The average size of fish we catch is around the 20” mark (around 3 – 5lbs) and many well over that size. The opportunities for true NZ trophy trout are always possible with 10lb+ fish being landed each year by lucky anglers.
The Accommodation
The base of operation for these expeditions is the famous “OZ tent” which in experienced hands is up in 30 seconds from start to finish (actually takes about 3 – 5 minutes in reality after a days fishing). This system is fully integrated with the 4WD vehicle. This allows us to move camp quickly or arrive late and be all setup in a matter of minutes in a new area with a gorgeous river or lake at the doorstep, getting dinner ready and settling in, ready for the next days fishing. Some other very important equipment that comes on Safari for your pleasure and enjoyment – a large gas burner for cooking on, solar shower for getting clean occasionally, camping fridge full of food and refreshments (this may require replenishing at some point on the expedition), chemical toilet (when required), luxury padded stretchers, bivvy bags for quick and light overnight missions away from base camp (when required), sleeping bags, radios (when required), emergency locator beacon (always), sat phone (when required), pots, pans, plates and utensils and a good sense of humour amongst a few other things.
NZ Fly Fishing Expeditions - OZ Tent on Safari
Best Times
The season starts on 1st October and typically the rivers will be high from snowmelt dropping as the month’s progress. The fish will be well rested, as they will not have seen an angler for five months. Dec-March is the prime season with surface insect life at its peak and 70% of fish caught will be on a dry fly. The big, bad and bold fish may take a little extra encouragement and a nymph fished under a dry can often be the recipe for success. April sees the start of more changeable conditions with a good chance of Mayfly activity on some waters. Dry fly, terrestrial and nymphs are all used depending on the conditions.
Early season: 1 Oct-30 Nov
Peak season: 1 Dec-30 March
Late season: 1-30 April
Safari Brief Trip Description
Day 1 – I will pick you up from the Queenstown airport or your Queenstown accommodation at a pre-arranged time. Depending on the forecast for the next 2 days we will head out of Queenstown and towards the area that is going be best suited to our Overnight Safari Expedition. After some awesome fishing on the way to our camp, we set up camp, eat some kai (dinner) and get ready for the next day on the river. You may be able to get the evening rise in at our selected camp site.
Day 2 – After a hearty breakfast at camp, some lunch prep we will head off hunting for those big NZ trout in our chosen area. This may mean we just walk direct from our campsite or it could involve a short drive from our camp area before starting to fish. Many of the areas we stop in have multiple options to fish different water. This is your last day to hit some great fishing as you return to your Queenstown accommodation or the Queenstown airport as required and the end of a great camping/fishing expedition.
Cost 1 pax: NZD 1,840.00
Cost 2 Pax: NZD 1,969.00
Season: The 2010 – 2011 season runs from 1st Oct 2010 - 31 May 2010
Package Includes: This is a 1 night package. Price includes: 2 days guided fly-fishing, 1 nights accommodation, all food and non alcoholic refreshments, equipment, digital images, safety and risk management, DoC concessions, all 4WD
transport and GST. NB. The guide is shared between two anglers.
Note: Price does not include: fishing licenses, helicopter excursions, boat trips, alcoholic refreshments or gratuities.
Capacity is 2 guests only.
NZ Fly Fishing Expeditions - Silver Bullets
Add Ons:
Heli-Access Trips
As we go, day or even overnight outings by helicopter can be arranged quite easily as we have all the necessary equipment with us as we travel (be prepared for a night out in a bivvy bag if you choose an overnight heli option). Talk to your guide and he will work to fit it in with the best weather during your trip. This allows unparalleled access to the wildest and most remote of streams, some of which may never have been fished by another angler all season. These add-on trips will incur an additional expense.
Boat Access Trips
Some areas we have access to do not allow the option of the aerial angler (heli-fishing) and the only way to access them is by boat. These areas do not see much in the way of human beings and can offer some of the best wilderness fishing in NZ. Your guide can arrange these trips easily and are worked in with suitable weather patterns to maximize your enjoyment. Depending on your desires these can also be turned into an overnight expedition staying in huts on the edge of the lakes. If it’s a mouse season —- wow! These add-ons will incur an additional expense.
Your Guide & Fishing Equipment
The services of a guide are key to gaining access, unlocking the potential of the rivers and maximizing your fishing trip. Simon Wilkinson is a member of the New Zealand Professional Fishing Guides association and has Department of Conservation concessions to access and guide in National Park land throughout New Zealand. He also is a licensed commercial vehicle operator, has a helicopter loading certificate and first aid qualifications not to mention a magic set of fish spotting eyes. Having spent much time working in different areas of tourism as a commercial jet boat driver, hiking and heli-hiking guide, ski instructor, heli-ski guide and fly-fishing guide, Simon has a vast knowledge for the area he guides in. He has a full array of good modern equipment for you to use or feel free to bring your own.
After booking a multi day expedition I will send you a comprehensive information pack and a check list to make sure you arrive with everything you will really need.
Please inquire here if you would like a Overnight Safari fishing expedition.
Follow this link for additional information when planing your trip.
Phone: +64 (3) 4421950
Mobile: +64 (0) 27 216 3787
Email: siwilkinson@xnet.co.nz
