FLY FISHING BEYOND ORDINARY
New Zealand's South Island is unlike anywhere else on earth for fly fishing. Crystal-clear rivers tumble through alpine valleys holding wild brown trout that have never seen a hatchery, never been stocked, and grow to extraordinary size in waters of absolute clarity. For Australian fly fishers, a three-hour flight across the Tasman puts you in a wilderness that American and European anglers travel weeks to reach.
Worldwide Angler connects Australian anglers directly with UppaCreek — New Zealand's premier guided fly fishing operation on the South Island. Expert guide Aaron Ford. Zero commission charged. Plan your trip →
MEET YOUR GUIDE — AARON FORD
Born from a chance encounter at a remote hut in the Karamea wilderness in 2000, Aaron Ford's passion for fly fishing ignited into a lifelong calling. Since 2005, Aaron has guided full-time across New Zealand's most pristine rivers — managing fishing lodges in Alaska, Mexico and Russia along the way. As a proud member of the NZPFGA, Aaron now leads a team with a combined 50+ years of experience.
The backcountry rivers of the South Island — gin-clear water and trophy wild brown trout
WHERE WE FISH — THE RIVERS
- Motueka River (Nelson) — New Zealand's premier fly fishing river. Gin-clear pools, wild brown trout, stunning mountain scenery.
- Buller River (Nelson) — powerful runs and trophy browns, one of NZ's great wilderness fishing experiences.
- Wairau River (Marlborough) — braided channels and sight-fishing opportunities, a technical angler's dream.
- Clarence River (Marlborough) — remote wilderness fishing only accessible with a guide who knows its secrets.
- Karamea River (West Coast) — epic wild West Coast adventure fishing.
- Golden Bay Kingfish — sight-cast to trophy kingfish at Puponga, Farewell Spit and Awaroa Inlet. Also see our Bay of Islands Kingfish guide →
BEST TIME TO FISH — SOUTH ISLAND SEASONS
FLY SELECTION & WHAT TO BRING
- 9-foot 5-weight — the ideal NZ all-rounder for dry fly and nymph work
- Royal Wulff and Humpy — classic South Island searching patterns
- Elk Hair Caddis (#12–16) — essential during evening rises
- Parachute Adams (#14–18) — universal match-the-hatch option
- Pheasant Tail Nymph (#14–18) — most reliable South Island subsurface pattern
- 9-foot 7–8 weight for Golden Bay kingfish
Ready to experience New Zealand fly fishing with Aaron Ford? Contact Worldwide Angler for a direct introduction to UppaCreek at no extra cost. Plan your trip now →
