Trout Fishing in the Upper South Island

Few places in the world offer as much high quality fly fishing for trout as the upper portion of New Zealand’s South Island. Legendary stories are told of wily brown trout caught in glass-clear rivers after an exciting chase. It’s sighted fishing at its very best.

So, where best to fish, and which guide to use? Where are the best places to stay? And how do you get there?

Fishing from Owen River Lodge

The Top of the South, as the area is known, encompasses the top third of the South Island of New Zealand. It’s an area rich in natural beauty, challenging back country rivers and three superb national parks. There are several well-placed luxury fishing lodges, a good number of very talented local fishing guides and enough wilderness rivers and streams that you can easily go a full day without seeing another fishing party.

Some of these rivers are well known on the trout fishing circuit – the Buller, the Wairau, the Maruia, the Motueka. Others are tucked away in remote areas where the only reasonable way of reaching them in a day is by helicopter. And each of these rivers is fed by countless tributaries, also riddled with fine fishing spots.

Being a great outdoors area the region is blessed with a good number of experienced fishing guides. Each has his own favourite spots, and the lodges always have a number of good guides available, so there’s generally enough to go round. Having said that it’s advisable to book a guide when you book your accommodation, just to be sure. The main trout fishing season runs October through to the end of April, but there is good winter fishing in the lower reaches of some rivers throughout winter. Brown trout rule here but there are also a few rainbow trout in several rivers and small numbers of quinnat salmon caught in summer on the eastern side of the region (remember this season is the southern hemisphere summer).

Where to stay? There are several luxury fishing lodges in the region, and a number of smaller high quality lodges and B&Bs.

 Owen River Lodge has developed an excellent reputation over the years, and is located right in the heart of brown trout country near Murchison. This area offers some of the best brown trout fishing in the world. Owen River Lodge is a dedicated fishing lodge, attracting passionate fishermen from around the world, year after year. Ask us to book you a place early in the season so you don’t miss out.

Stonefly Lodge

Stonefly Lodge is in the northern part of the region, overlooking the Motueka River and stunning mountains of the Kahurangi National Park. This tasteful fishing lodge is once again close to excellent fishing for trout and is open all year. They have also recently opened a separate private villa with high end accommodation for groups or extended families.

River Haven Lodge

The third option in the Top of the South is River Haven Lodge, also near Murchison. This small lodge has 3 comfortable self-catering chalets. The fishing is excellent with a huge range of options for fishing, either by riverbank access or helicopter. This small lodge offers a price difference to the other higher service level options in the area.

Fishing licences can be obtained from all these lodges, starting at NZ$35 for a single day, up to NZ$250 for a season.

When flying to New Zealand you’ll find most international flights arrive through Auckland, on the North Island, although some flights from Australia arrive into Christchurch. There are several flights a day from either city to the regional airport at Nelson. None of the above lodges are more than 90 minutes drive from Nelson airport and Christchurch is a minimum 4.5 hour drive to the south. Rental cars can be picked up at either airport, or lodge transfers are available from Nelson.

There are currently Covid-19 restrictions in place for entering New Zealand.

Email us with your questions about fishing for trout in the Top of the South or elsewhere around New Zealand.