RATES, BOOKINGS, AND CANCELLATIONS
ALL ANGLERS MUST PURCHASE THEIR OWN LICENSES HERE. FAILURE TO DO SO CAN RESULT IN SEIZED GEAR AND FINES. IF THAT HAPPENS, ASSOCIATED COSTS ARE CLIENTS' RESPONSIBILITY.
NOTES ON RECENT FUEL COST SPIKES
New Zealand imports every drop of its diesel, petrol, and jet fuel. Global oil supply conditions directly affect what operators pay at the pump, and the current disruption to international supply has driven diesel prices to NZD $3.08 per litre — up 81% since early 2025. This is not a local condition unique to Wild Angler; it affects every transport operator and tourism business in the country.
All rates above include a fuel component based on current diesel at NZD $3.08 per litre.
Fuel Adjustment Factor (FAF)
For trips booked more than 60 days in advance, a Fuel Adjustment Factor applies. If the diesel pump price at the time of your trip differs from NZD $3.08 per litre by more than $0.20 per litre, an adjustment of NZD $50 per $0.25 per litre increment will be applied to your invoice — upward or downward.
This clause works in both directions: if prices fall, you benefit. Any adjustment will be communicated to you well before your trip date and itemised separately on your invoice. There will be no surprises.
RATES — Main Season 24 March 2026 – 30 September 2027
All prices are quoted in New Zealand Dollars (NZD) and include Goods and Service Tax (GST) of 15%. It always pays to ask other guides whether GST is included in their quotations. Rates are reviewed annually at the start of each season.
Typically I pick up clients between 7:00 and 8:30 am, and we fish seven to eight hours. The length of the day depends on weather, drive time, clients' energy levels, their plans, and the fishing. On long summer evenings with a late rise on the Mataura, we sometimes fish the final hours of light and begin those days later. Neither client nor guide wants to rush off the water.
Full Day Rates
Full day — Queenstown, Wanaka, Te Anau, or days with long drives
One angler: NZD $1,550
Two anglers: NZD $1,650
Full day — Mataura or nearby waters from Riversdale
One angler: NZD $1,395
Two anglers: NZD $1,495
Full day out of Dunedin, return to Dunedin
One angler: NZD $1,550
Two anglers: NZD $1,650
Half Day Rates
Half day — four hours, minimal drive from Riversdale
One angler: NZD $850
Two anglers: NZD $900
Half-day trips may be unavailable during peak months of December through February, except as last-minute bookings. Anglers bring their own lunch or snacks.
Additional Services
Third angler (per day)
Additional 50% of two-angler rate ($700–$825 full day, $425-$450 half day)
Private casting lessons
$110 NZD per hour — minimum two hours
Value casting course
$500 NZD for six hours
Casting lessons can be arranged in Dunedin or, weather permitting, on a local river or lake. Practicing before a trip greatly increases your chances of fooling our wily wild trout — think of it as training for an athletic event.
Overnight camping & dinner add-on
$450 per person | $800 per couple — includes fine evening dining, full breakfast, and all camping equipment.
Helicopter transport
From NZD $1,500 — contact for current pricing. THIS IS IN ADDITION TO THE DAILY GUIDING FEE.
Custom & Road-Trip Itineraries
One of Wild Angler's strengths is the flexibility to design custom multi-day or point-to-point itineraries — non-standard pickups, one-way drop-offs (e.g., Dunedin pickup / Haast or Tekapo drop-off), or extended backcountry trips. These are priced individually based on total drive time, logistics, distance, and overnight requirements.
Clients are responsible for the guide's accommodation and meal costs on any overnight trip. Please contact me for a personalised quote.
BOOKING & CANCELLATION POLICY
Wild Angler gladly accepts short-notice bookings when openings are available. But this is a specialist service dedicated to the highest quality experience. The further in advance we plan, the better we can match your skills, experience, and goals to the right water — and scout and monitor conditions accordingly. I urge deposits as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Deposits
Single day trip
50% non-refundable deposit
Two days or more
33% non-refundable deposit
Custom / road-trip itineraries
50% non-refundable deposit
The balance is due one month before the trip — though we prefer it earlier. If you pay the full amount 60 days or more in advance, I am happy to offer a 5% discount. Just remind me.
Cancellations Policy
• Cancellations more than 60 days before the trip: deposit forfeited unless the client finds a replacement angler.
• Cancellations within 60 days: 75% of the total bill applies.
• Cancellations within 30 days: full payment applies.
• Personal emergencies: Wild Angler will make every effort to rebook your slot and refund your deposit. If unsuccessful, the deposit may be applied toward another trip within the same calendar year.
Weather & Conditions
New Zealand is a mountainous island nation. We have beautiful rivers and lakes because it rains and snows, and the wind also blows. February and March are typically our most settled months, but there are no guarantees for weather, fish, or life. Wild Angler cannot control the skies. No refunds will be given for unused guiding days due to bad weather or cold feet.
We are committed to offering you the best options on any given day, but you need to allow flexibility in your travel plans for our changeable weather. Travel insurance is highly recommended for anyone on a tight schedule. Seasoned visiting anglers know this and stay as long as possible.
Itinerary Changes
Wild Angler reserves the right to update billings when the agreed itinerary changes — for example, if days with shorter drives become days with substantially longer drives, or if custom routing is required (such as point-to-point drop-offs). Any change will be communicated and agreed before departure.
HOW TO PAY
Please put all booking requests in an email. That way I have your dates and contact details and won't miss an inquiry due to a lost phone message. I am happy to schedule a phone or video call to answer questions.
Wise.com (recommended)
Lowest fees (~$6 per $1,000) and best exchange rates on foreign currency
Direct deposit — NZ bank account
No transaction fees for NZ accounts
PayPal
Please add 4% transaction fee
Visa / Mastercard
Please add 4% transaction fee. A single combined payment is cheaper than split payments.
Cash
No fees
Bank draft / traveller's cheque
Accepted — please include incoming bank fee of NZD $27 for international wire transfers
FISHING LICENCES & SAFETY
Rates do not include the cost of fishing licences, helicopter transport, or boat transport. These are the client's responsibility.
All clients must purchase their own New Zealand fishing licence before fishing. Licences can be purchased at the New Zealand Fish and Game website (fishandgame.org.nz). Fishing without a licence can result in a substantial fine and the seizure of gear.
Wild Angler Fly Fishing has an excellent safety record, is fully insured, and is certified in emergency first aid.
Please note: the industry standard is no more than two clients per guide. For groups of three or more, a second guide is strongly recommended to ensure both safety and quality of experience. Contact us to discuss options.
NOTES ON TIPPING A FLY FISHING GUIDE IN NEW ZEALAND