NZ Fly Fishing Health & Safety Disclosure

Fly fishing in New Zealand’s lower South Island can take us into remote, changeable and physically demanding environments. The right plan depends on the conditions, the water and the people fishing it. This disclosure helps us understand your experience, ability and any health considerations before we head out, so we can choose the safest and most suitable water for the day.

Health and fitness disclosure

Before your expedition, please let us know about any medical conditions, injuries, mobility limitations or other factors that may affect your ability to safely take part.

This may include, but is not limited to, heart conditions, balance issues, recent injuries, medication requirements, allergies, respiratory conditions or anything that could affect walking, wading, river crossings or time spent outdoors.

This information helps us plan properly. It does not automatically prevent you from joining an expedition.

Fishing experience and wading ability

Please let us know your level of fishing experience, wading confidence and general fitness before your trip.

Some expeditions may involve walking on uneven ground, crossing rivers, wading in moving water, accessing remote locations and dealing with changing weather or river conditions. Knowing your experience and comfort level helps us select water that suits the day and the angler.

Guide discretion

Your guide has final discretion on the day.

The guide may change the location, adjust the plan, delay, postpone or cancel an expedition if weather, river levels, access, client ability, safety concerns or any other factor makes it necessary.

The aim is always to give you the best possible fishing opportunity within safe and suitable conditions.

Client responsibilities

All clients must follow guide instructions throughout the expedition, particularly around river crossings, wading, weather changes, access points and backcountry environments.

Clients are expected to act responsibly, use appropriate footwear and clothing, and advise the guide immediately if they feel unsafe, unwell, fatigued or unable to continue.

Weather and river conditions

New Zealand conditions can change quickly.

Rain, wind, river levels, visibility, access and safety can all affect where and how we fish. Your guide will make decisions based on the safest and most suitable options available on the day.

Sometimes the best call is to move. Sometimes it is to wait. And occasionally, it is to not go at all.