There is a minimum drive of 40 minutes from Queenstown to the nearest good fly fishing rivers so full day expeditions are the only real option to get guests to good fishing opportunities. Many of the rivers I access from Queenstown take 2 hours driving one way to get to. The way the weather patterns work makes this a very good thing as on any given day we can work with or around the weather to offer good fishing opportunities depending on where the weather is coming from and where the rivers will be in the best condition. Once we get to the river we are going to fish, the day is yours to fish – when you are satisfied or too tired to carry on and quite possibly both we start walking back to the 4WD and then head back to Queenstown.
My rate for the day is NZ$ 785.00 for one angler or NZ$ 800.00 (NZ$ 400.00 each) for two anglers. This is inclusive of: 4WD transport, fishing guide, equipment, lunch and non-alcoholic refreshments, video (and editing), digital still images, safety and risk management, DoC concessions and GST. NB. 2 persons maximum per guide – additional guides can be arranged for larger groups.
NZ Fly Fishing Expeditions - Happy Memories
Fishing Licenses – I do not include fishing licenses as part of our trips as many places in our region (Otago and Southland) require different ones and many customers if they are fishing in other places through out NZ may have already purchased a full season license and we do not wish to penalize you by including it in our pricing structure. A NZ Full Season fishing license costs NZ$ 105.00 (subject to change each year) per person and covers every where in NZ with the exception of the Taupo region. A Backcountry stamp and/or a Fiordland license or Controlled fishery license may be required additionally to this but is free of charge. A Day fishing license costs NZ$ 21.00 (subject to change each year) per person and does not allow the ability to fish in certain Backcountry areas such as the Greenstone River and some other areas. Fishing licenses are not included in my pricing – please let me know if you need help in choosing the correct one.
One Day Fishing Trips Brief Description
4WD Fly Fishing – I will pick you up from your Queenstown accommodation at a pre-arranged time. From here we will drive for between 1 to 2 hrs to take you to the waterways that will suit you and the weather/river conditions on the day. You will spend the day casting to stalked and sighted fish ranging in size from 3lbs – 5lbs, (20+ inches) always with the possibility of seeing and hooking into much larger fish. The landscapes range from lush green farmland to open tussock lands to mountain beech forests and stunning mountain scenery with spring creeks, freestone rivers, alluvial rivers and alpine lakes to choose between. The day is yours and there is no time limit – unless you have one!
I recommend early starts if you are a serious angler. Early usually means a pick up between 0530 to 0730 (depending on your preference we can leave earlier or later). Leaving early means we have a chance to get to good water and be set up before others do to maximize your time and chances of success.
Heli-Access – We have many rivers that are only easily accessible by helicopter from Queenstown or Wanaka so if you prefer we can organize heli fly fishing expeditions to get into remote back country areas. Please note that a NZ full season license and back country stamp may be required for trips of this nature. If you really want to unlock some of the very best fishing in New Zealand, day outings by helicopter can be arranged by talking to your guide and worked to fit in with the best weather during your stay in then area. 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 s will incur an additional expense for the helicopter and landing permits. NB. POA for heli-fishing trips.
NZ Fly Fishing Expeditions - Heli Fishing
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 NZ. 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 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.
Please inquire here if you would like a day fishing expedition.
Phone: +64 (3) 4421950
Mobile: +64 (0) 27 216 3787
Email: siwilkinson@xnet.co.nz
