New Zealand South Island Hosted Trip Report – February 2025

There are a few things that truly stand out about trout fishing on the South Island of New Zealand. For one, it’s the totally and utterly insane natural beauty of the place. Not only is the landscape pristine and stunning, it is also incredibly diverse in its ecology. One moment you’re driving through lush sheep meadows that remind you of Ireland and the next thing you know, you’re in a high desert surrounded by snow capped mountains and then 20 miles down the road you’re in a rainforest and subtropical beaches. Coming from the Rocky Mountain West where nothing changes for hours and hours of driving, this biodiversity crammed into such a small geographic space is tantalizing.

Secondly, the people of New Zealand are true miracles of the human species. They are incredibly welcoming and generous while also being shockingly witty and humorous with a lingo and terminology that will make your ribs sore from laughter. There is no such thing as a quick conversation and there is never a quiet moment around the dinner table or pub counter. In my opinion, a trip to New Zealand is just as much about spending time with the Kiwis as it is marveling over the natural beauty of the island nation. Arguably my favorite part of this trip program is that we do not stay at a fishing lodge but rather immerse ourselves into the Kiwi way of life. This particular trip was split between a comfortable, modern motel and a “farmstay”, the NZ equivalent of a bed and breakfast, where the host family serves you breakfast and dinner every day and joins you for the meals. It is such a warm and fun way to make travel feel a little more homey while also learning so much more about the culture and people of the country. As someone who is often traveling and staying at fishing lodges, I cannot imagine a better place in the world to not do so than New Zealand.

Lastly, there is the fishing which in my mind offers the pinnacle of trout angling on planet earth. Take everything you know from western trout fishing and leave it at home with the snowblower and ice scraper! Long leaders, like 18-22 feet long, short but incredibly accurate requiring casts, the slowest hook sets known to mankind and then the quickest hook sets that seem completely impossible. It might be the same target species but it is a whole different ball game. This is more hunting than it is fishing, with zero blind casting and a daily ritual of walking 5+ miles upriver keenly observing the river’s every centimeter for a sign of a life. These long and beautiful walks are periodically interrupted with the excitement of discovering a target – a trout that is not only accessible but likely to eat a properly presented fly.

Then comes my personal favorite part – the strategic meeting of anglers and guide. How is the fish behaving? Will it eat a dry fly? What fly rod? What rig? What fly? What depth? Where should the angler position themselves to cast as to not spook the fish but also have the best chance at a drag free drift? What is the target distance to land the fly above the fish? If the fish eats and we hook it, where will it likely run first and how should we be prepared for it? I live for these moments and truly get so much joy and fulfillment from being part of the game planning and then watching the execution of the game plan and the fish’s behavior from an inconspicuous, high elevation vantage point. It’s the best.

Trout fishing on the South Island of New Zealand is truly a team sport where everyone on the team has a role to play throughout the day. There is not a single dull moment. If you’re not finding fish or they are being especially finicky – just look around and appreciate the scenery. It never disappoints. Or while taking in your surroundings, get your guide going on the All Blacks rugby squad and his last big night on the “piss” at the pub. You’ll be keeled over laughing before you know it.

As we wrapped up our whirlwind 9 day fishing bonanza, having fished a new piece of water every day, none of which were like the other, Tim and I were alarmed and disappointed. We were incredulous that it had taken this long for us to make this trip happen. It is such an awesome fishing and travel experience, timed perfectly with the depths of winter in North America and hits all the right notes that you look for in your adventure travel – engaging and rewarding sight fishing, beautiful scenery and great people. As we boarded our plane from Auckland to LA, I told myself there is absolutely zero chance that I go another 13 years of my life without returning to this fishing paradise. In fact, WCA will be hosting and offering this trip every year and maybe even twice a year from here on out. It is a no brainer and we cannot wait to share it with our friends and guests. Stay tuned!