WHAT TO BRING


​All anglers are responsible for purchasing their own licenses.  

Licenses can be purchased online.  For non residents the price is $ NZD  per day, or $264 NZD for the season.  Fishing some backcountry rivers also requires a separate DESIGNATED WATERS LICENSE.  This also requires a non resident purchase a full season license.  Fishing without the right license can result in a fine of $5,000 and seizure of gear.

Make sure that you check out the fishing regulations for where you plan to fish before anything else.

I can offer clients the use of a selection of fine rods and reels.  One of my current favorites is Thomas and Thomas' Avantt.   I also provide custom flies, leaders and tippet; fresh gourmet lunches; and a safe, clean four-wheel-drive vehicle. You should bring everything else you want or need.

New Zealand is a long, narrow country with mountains close to the sea. Because wind is often an issue, and the trout are large, most anglers prefer medium- or fast-action, nine-foot, #5 and #6-weight rods for trout fishing.  Seven weights can come in handy for throwing streamers.

Waders can be purchased here, but it’s less expensive to bring them. In a pinch I can provide a selection of common sizes, but as with your favorite clothing, you’ll be most comfortable with your own. Rental fees on waders and boots are $30 and $20 per person per day, respectively.

If you want to bring a fly-tying kit to NZ, all natural ingredients, i.e., feathers or furs, require a license to import. You can apply for this a month before your trip. For a nominal fee, the Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries can fumigate your fly tying materials, but this often takes them a week or more to process. And it requires a forwarding address. If you, like me, want a fly tying kit to decompress after international travel, you have a couple of options. You can stick to synthetics or bring a few items of commercial products with receipt in unopened packages and the customs folks are sometimes quite reasonable, particularly if the items are dyed. Always declare these items if you attempt to bring them in.
  • New Zealand fly fishing is active. Felt wading boots are banned in New Zealand to prevent the spread of microorganisms.  So bring boots with studded sticky rubber soles like those made with Aqua Stealth.
  • In midsummer conditions, locals often wade wet in boots and shorts, or synthetic trousers or long-john bottoms in sandfly country. This is fine, and I often do this myself on warm days.   But you have to be careful if you do it  more than one day in a row.   Walking in wet shorts long distances can cause chafing.  But something hydrophobic synthetic underwear and personal lubricants can help you avoid it.
  • Gore-Tex or other breathable rainwear.
  • Polar fleece with wind block.
  • Synthetic wicking under-wader wear. Cotton is worthless in the outdoors here.
  • Wool or synthetic gloves.
  • Sun protection. This includes sun block and a synthetic long-sleeved shirt with a collar high enough to protect your neck.
  • Insect repellent. Always have more than you think you need.
  • Your favorite polarized fishing glasses. This is one of the single most important items. I recommend Smith Optics yellow Low Light Ignitor glasses.
  • A wide-brimmed hat is essential. You may want to bring two: a wool one for cold, wet conditions and a straw or waxed cotton, canvas or synthetic one for hot, sunny days. The New Zealand company Drizabone makes a nice oilskin hat you may want to purchase here.
  • Camera and waterproof bag
  • Fly lines in dull tones, ie, olive, camel or gray. Leave neon-bright lines at home.
  • Dull colored clothing, ie, olive green, brown or tussock colors. White, blue, red or yellow won’t help your chance of stalking cagey wild trout.
  • A positive attitude and sense of adventure.