RATES, BOOKINGS, AND CANCELLATIONS


Rates quoted below do not include the price of licenses or helicopter or boat transport, which are the clients' responsibilities to pay.  

Clients are responsible for purchasing their own license, which they can do here on the New Zealand Fish and Game website.  Fishing without a license can result in a hefty fine and the seizure of gear.

Guiding Rates

Rates are quoted in New Zealand Dollars (NZD) and are subject to change. They include Goods and Service Tax (GST) of 15%. It always pays to ask if other guides have included GST in their quotations.

Main Season – 1 October 2018 – 30 September 2019

Typically, I pick up clients any time between 7-8:30 am, and we fish about seven to eight hours. The actual length of the day depends on many factors, such as clients’ energy level and attitude, their plans, and the fishing. On long summer days with an evening rise on the Mataura, we often fish the last hours of the light, so we start those days later, as neither client nor guides can spend endless 12 hour days in a row. 

Standard Full-Day Rate

Queenstown, Wanaka, Te Anau, Lumsden or days with long drives

October 1 to May 31

One angler  $850 NZD
Two anglers $895 NZD

Full day guided fishing includes:
  • local pickup from accommodation
  • Use of Thomas and Thomas rods and Einarsson reels
  • Custom flies
  • TroutHunter Fluorocarbon
  • Healthy, quality lunch
  • Nikon professional photos
  • Boots and waders can be rented for a small additional charge: $20 daily rental for boots; $30 for waders.

Not included in my daily rate:
  • Fishing Licences
  • wader and boot rental
  • Boat or helicopter charters
  • Clients pay boat or helicopter charters directly to the operators, typically either by cash or credit card, just before departure.

Full day on the Mataura

From Riversdale: 
One angler $795 NZD
Two anglers $825 NZD

From Dunedin and back (long day):
One angler $825 NZD
Two anglers $845 NZD

Half-day outings
(four hours fishing on a nearby river)

One angler     $600 NZD
Two anglers    $650 NZD

Evening Rise
(three hours fishing on a nearby river):

One angler:   $450 NZD
Two anglers:  $500 NZD

Six hours fishing

One angler     $750 NZD
Two anglers    $800 NZD 

Helifishing packages starting at NZD $2,300
(Out of Queenstown to nearby backcountry)

This includes:
  • One day guiding for two anglers.
  • Helicopter transport to nearby river like the Lochy.  More distant rivers require longer flight times and thus higher prices.
  • Pick up from and return to accommodation.
  • Use of quality rods and reels, custom flies, lunch and professional Nikon photography.
  • Licenses are an additional cost and  clients' responsibility.  

Please note, this is the price of one of the least expensive helicopter trips.  Helicopter transport for most destinations runs $2-3K NZD, for pick up and drop off, in addition to guiding and overnight fees.

OVERNIGHT WILDERNESS CAMPOUT PACKAGE:

​Chartering a helicopter to access a remote wilderness river and camping out overnight, with two full days of fishing, fine dining, and a full breakfast.

Beginning at NZD $3,400. From Queenstown or Wanaka to the closest backcountry river.
  • Includes guide fee for two days, helicopter charter, camping equipment, dinner, breakfast and two lunches.
  • Use of quality rods and reels, custom flies, and photography.
  • Fishing licences and evening beverages are additional costs.

Please note, these are the prices of two of the least expensive helicopter trips.  Helicopter transport for most destinations runs $2-4K NZD, for pick up and drop off, in addition to guiding and overnight fees.  

If you have the time, some backcountry destinations on the West Coast have cheaper helicopter costs because the rivers are closer to the hangar.  

​Boat transportation and fixed-wing aircraft are significantly cheaper, but they are more subject to cancellation when the wind kicks up.

N.B.: Queenstown and Wanaka are often places long-lost mates meet up prior to fishing trips. Take care that you’re not lured by the Sirens’ Song to overindulge the night before a wilderness helicopter trip. Being hung over in a helicopter can challenge your constitution. Save the late-night partying for your return.

* * *

 WINTER FISHING SPECIALS:
    
Available at any time from June 1st – 30th September – 1-2 anglers – NZD 775.00

  • Fishing days are shorter during winter. The best fishing is typically in the middle of the day. (Anglers must supply own lunch for this price.)
  • Guide will meet anglers at prearranged location. If my vehicle is required, anglers will refill the fuel tank at the end of the day’s fishing.
  • Fishing Licences are an additional cost.

BOOKINGS AND PAYMENTS

Please read carefully.  If you book dates with me, you agree to these terms, which are standard to our industry.
​
  • A nonrefundable deposit is required to confirm a booking. All prices will be quoted in New Zealand Dollars (NZD) and will include a Goods and Service Tax (GST) of 15%. (It always pays to ask other guides if they include GST in their quotations.)
  • A deposit invoice will be issued and can be paid by www.Transferwise.com, Paypal, Visa or Mastercard, bank cheque or by direct credit to my bank account. Details are included in my invoice.  Please included transaction fees.  If using Paypal or a credit card, please include the 4 percent transaction fee these companies charge.  If making an international wire transfer, please include the $27 incoming bank fee.  (If paying this method a single payment is cheaper.)  No transaction fees are necessary for direct deposit from a New Zealand account or cash.    www.Transferwise.com has the cheapest fees, at only $6 per $1,000.
  • Fishing dates specified in the deposit invoice will be held for seven days from the invoice date.
  • Deposits will be a minimum of 33% of the estimated total guiding fee. Another 33% is due six weeks prior to the departure date.  If clients cancel, the deposit can be applied to another date.
  • The balance is due the day before the trip begins, with any additional costs incurred due the day the trip finishes.
  • Clients accept responsibility for paying for any equipment they damage when the trip is finished.
  • Preferred methods of payment are: cash, www.TransferWise.com, Visa, Mastercard, Paypal, internet banking, bank transfer or bank cheque.
  • Foreign personal cheques are not accepted.
  • Travel insurance is highly recommended.  Ask your travel or insurance agent to go over coverage and deductibles.  Earthquakes in November of 2016 remind us of the relevance of this point. 
  • Late cancellations are a significant burden for any small business. This is especially true with fly-fishing travel companies.  In case of client cancellations, the deposit is forfeited unless the client finds a replacement angler.
  • Cancellations less than two weeks before trip result in the client owing full payment unless the date can be filled.
  • In some cases, Wild Angler will honor deposits towards another trip within a calendar year.  Late payments may incur reasonable billing, interest and collection fees as well as an Irish Tinker's curse.
  • Wild Angler Fly Fishing has an excellent safety record, is fully insured, and is certified for emergency first aid.  However, we cannot be responsible for customers’ property. By placing a deposit, you agree to release us from all liability for loss or damage to your property, previous lifestyle or marriage. You also agree to release our staff from responsibility of personal injury resulting from the failure by you or your group to follow our advice.

On tipping fly fishing guides and lodges