South Island of New Zealand recommendations?

[fishbonz]

Hello. I may be traveling to South Island of New Zealand and would like information from someone who has been there. I'm reading about different accesses, like drive-to rivers, remote access requiring 4WD, helicopter trips. I read that some of these remote areas require additional access fees. Are they worth it? I may only get one, maybe 2 days to fish, so I want to get the best info. Reason is: I'd love to do a helicopter trip, mainly for the sightseeing, but the fishing is supposedly not any better, and you could land near where someone else hiked in. Also, I've read that hiking around after helicopter can be a lot more grueling. I guess that is the price to try to get away from the crowds. I'd love to hear from someone who has done one or more of these options to see what you think.

Thank you.

[DLJeff]

My family and I lived in Australia for three and half years and during that time I fished the South Island 4 or 5 times, each a week in duration. This was over 20 years ago so my info may be dated. Here's my thoughts. First, I don't know what the restrictions are on your trip but I wouldn't go all the way to NZ or AUS for only 1 or 2 days of fishing or sight seeing. NZ weather can be as fickle as anywhere and your 1 or 2 days could be for naught. Second, with only those days to experience NZ at it's best, I'd definitely go with a guide, or at least someone who knows the waters and the conditions. Remember too that NZ seasons are opposite ours - their summer is our winter etc. Third, I never did a helicopter trip, thought they were too expensive and great fishing was available without spending that money. I have heard that NZ streams are beginning to get crowded and you can easily find yourself boxed out by fishermen already in place. So a heli trip could get you away from some of that and you'd definitely see country you won't see from a road. As for more grueling or less grueling, I guess it depends on where you go. If you're on a stream, it should be any different than rock hopping a stream in the Rockies or Sierras.

[PV_Premier]

My family and I lived in Australia for three and half years and during that time I fished the South Island 4 or 5 times, each a week in duration. This was over 20 years ago so my info may be dated. Here's my thoughts. First, I don't know what the restrictions are on your trip but I wouldn't go all the way to NZ or AUS for only 1 or 2 days of fishing or sight seeing. NZ weather can be as fickle as anywhere and your 1 or 2 days could be for naught. Second, with only those days to experience NZ at it's best, I'd definitely go with a guide, or at least someone who knows the waters and the conditions. Remember too that NZ seasons are opposite ours - their summer is our winter etc. Third, I never did a helicopter trip, thought they were too expensive and great fishing was available without spending that money. I have heard that NZ streams are beginning to get crowded and you can easily find yourself boxed out by fishermen already in place. So a heli trip could get you away from some of that and you'd definitely see country you won't see from a road. As for more grueling or less grueling, I guess it depends on where you go. If you're on a stream, it should be any different than rock hopping a stream in the Rockies or Sierras.

All of this is accurate.

I’ve been to NZ 3x. With a day or two to fish, bite the bullet and get a guide. Yes, the bushwhacking and wading on back country trips can be intense. But you don’t have to do that to get fish. Usually in my DIY trips I give myself 9-15 days. This allows me to cover a good amount of water and have the flexibility to move around if rivers are too high/low or the weather isn’t favorable in one area.

The road network isn’t like here. Sure, there are rivers you can drive right up to and catch fish but many of the best ones aren’t on a paved road.

If you want to DIY, the NZ Game and Fish maintains an amazing resource of public access details and tips. For example here is the link to the Wellington area info, but they have info for all the regions: https://www.fishandgame.org.nz/fresh...fo/wellington/

Note that your wading gear will be heavily scrutinized for cleanliness when you enter the country. Typically I’ve used my trips as a reason to buy new boots.

The fish are not as picky as you hear. They are drift picky, but not pattern picky. Standard issue mayfly and caddis nymphs and dries are all you need, and some bigger attractor dries if you’re going to be there in January-March timeframe.

The most dramatic scenery is in the Queenstown/Wanaka/Te Anau area but there is beautiful country all over NZ. A personal favorite of mine for fishing and beauty is the town of Murchison. Good luck and mostly have fun!