NEW ZEALAND SOUTH ISLAND
FLY FISHING BEYOND ORDINARY

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.

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