Queenstown fly fishing guide
Fly fishing trips from Queenstown
Daytrips near QueenstownBecause of its stunning location, international airport, wineries, boutique accommodations and dining, Queenstown is a logical travel hub for New Zealand South Island fly fishing trips.
Queenstown and Wanaka or Te Anau are often great places to cap off your New Zealand fly fishing experience. Not only do they offer eco- and luxury lodges and restaurants but also the option of overnight wilderness trips by boat, plane or helicopter. I skip the more easily accessed water near these resort towns and guide expeditions to the backcountry to sight fish for trophy trout after tuning up casting skills on more prolific rivers like the Mataura, whose middle reach has one of the densest trout and insect populations in the country. Queenstown has a wealth of activities for adrenaline junkies—like bungee jumping or jet boating —as well as more relaxed activities like golfing at the Millbrook Resort. I can also highly recommend tours of the Central Otago vineyards, which produce some of the world's finest pinot noirs. Nearby lakes like Wakatipu, Reid, Moke, Johnson and Kirkpatrick offer exceptional stillwater fishing, especially on sunny days. The upper Mataura, Greenstone, Von, Lochy and Nevis rivers and Diamond Creek are 45-90 minutes away--either by car or helicopter--and are all clear, medium to small rivers offering excellent nymph and dry fly fishing. Heli fishing options also bring half a dozen rivers within a short hop. See My High Country page for more details. Queenstown pickups possibleI can pick up clients in Queenstown if that's their preference. But with over 4 million visitor nights a year, I often suggest they meet me closer to Lumsden, Riversdale or Waikaia for some of Southland and Otago's finest dry-fly fishing on less pressured water. Beyond the Mataura system are the Oreti, Aparima, Mararoa, Waiau, tributaries and spring creeks.
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Off the beaten path
Westland
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Otago
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Overnight trips
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