Riversdale, Southland · New Zealand

Mataura River Lodge

Sight fishing for wild brown and rainbow trout with guide Dean Whaanga, five minutes from the Mataura River -- the Brown Trout Capital of the World.

Enquire about this trip
30+
Rivers within reach
40yrs
Dean's experience
Orvis
Endorsed guide
Target species
Brown Trout Rainbow Trout

Your Guide

Dean Whaanga is an Orvis-endorsed, NZPFGA-member guide with over 40 years reading the rivers of Southland, Otago, Fiordland, the Mackenzie and North Canterbury. Fiona manages the Lodge -- home-grown meals and genuine country hospitality five minutes from the Mataura River.

The Lodge

Mataura River Lodge sits in Riversdale, Southland, surrounded by extensive vegetable and flower gardens that supply the kitchen. With 30+ rivers and streams within 30 minutes, and South Island road trips available on request from Nelson to Fiordland, it's a genuine base for exploring the region, not just the Mataura itself.

Pricing

What it costs

Guiding only, full day (1-2 anglers) NZ$1,350/day
Guiding + lodge stay, from NZ$1,750/day
South Island road trips NZ$200/day + expenses
Lodge only, 2 guests / 1 room / night NZ$500

Guiding includes transport, tuition, lunch and non-alcoholic drinks. Queenstown airport transfers NZ$500 return per vehicle; gear hire NZ$60/day. Fishing licence, tackle, dinner and international airfare not included.

Source: Mataura River Lodge (mataurariverlodge.co.nz), 2026/27 season rates

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Operated by Dean Whaanga, Mataura River Lodge Contact us