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.