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A premium New Zealand Fishing escape, discover New Zealand's dramatic wilderness.
Stay at luxurious fishing lodges with everything taken care of for you.
New Zealand offers bountiful fishing opportunities, from its thousands of kilometres of undulating coastline to its crystal-clear rivers and lakes. A New Zealand fishing trip takes in the top fishing destinations and most prized catches around the country.
At New Zealand Luxury Escapes, our New Zealand fishing trip itinerary showcases the best the country has to offer. We recommend the below 14 day itinerary as a starting point. However, we find every traveler is different, so we work with each client to craft a bespoke vacation package that best suits your interests.
Our luxury fishing tours include stays at the best New Zealand lodges and fishing excursions in a variety of landscapes.
We recommend the following 14 Day New Zealand Fishing Trip Itinerary:
Read on for full details of our recommended 14 Day New Zealand Fishing Trip.
Your exclusive New Zealand fishing trip experience begins in Auckland, the gateway to the North Island. Collect your rental car from the Airport, and make your way to your luxury accommodation.
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is New Zealand’s vibrant, dynamic heart-a buzzing metropolis where the energy of urban life blends seamlessly with the beauty of the natural world. Here, shimmering harbours meet lush volcanic landscapes, and sleek city sophistication coexists effortlessly with outdoor adventure.
Located in Auckland’s bustling waterfront district, The Hotel Britomart is a boutique retreat that combines refined comfort with a strong commitment to sustainable design. As New Zealand’s first 5 Green Star hotel, it offers beautifully detailed rooms and effortless access to the lively Britomart precinct, renowned for its dining, shopping, and harbour front atmosphere. With its prime location and warm hospitality, it’s the perfect place to begin your fishing itinerary and immerse yourself in the rhythm of the city.
Accommodation: The Hotel Britomart
Driving time Auckland to Rotorua 229 km, 3.5 hours
Rotorua is known for crystal-clear streams and world-class fishing, magical forests, shooting geysers and natural hot springs, as well as showcasing our fascinating Māori culture.
Unwind at Solitaire Lodge, one of New Zealand’s premier luxury lodges. Set in lush forest with a volcanic backdrop, Solitaire Lodge enjoys breathtaking views over Lake Tarawera. The subtle design brings the outdoors in, inviting you to unwind and soak up the peace and quiet of this tranquil setting. While you are located within easy access of the multitude of activities on offer in Rotorua, the lodge is also the perfect place to simply relax, indulge, and rejuvenate. During your stay, take part in the daily changing menus that showcase the seasonal highlights of the region. Your stay includes pre-dinner drinks and canapés, a five course evening meal, a complimentary mini bar, an extensive breakfast and a light lunch.
Stay 3 nights at Solitaire Lodge, Rotorua (extend your stay for more fishing opportunities).
Accommodation: Solitaire Lodge Rotorua
Today you’ll enjoy an exclusive trout fishing experience on Lake Tarawera, departing directly from Solitaire Lodge’s private jetty aboard the lodge’s own vessel, Tarauta. Designed to suit both experienced anglers and first-time fishers, this private excursion offers flexibility and access to some of the region’s most productive fishing grounds.
Lake Tarawera is the largest lake in the Rotorua Lakes District by water volume, with an average depth of 60 metres (200 feet) and ideal conditions for rainbow trout spawning. Guided jigging and trolling techniques regularly yield impressive catches, with 2 kg (4–5 lb) trout commonly landed.
Return to the lodge to relax and take in the tranquil lakeside setting, with the option to enjoy your freshly caught trout prepared by the lodge’s chef.
Enjoy your day at Solitaire Lodge. You have the chance to launch motorised dinghies and kayaks from the private jetty to explore the Otumutu Lagoon, home to black swans and ancient Māori sites. Alternatively, discover the geothermal and forest e-bike trails or refresh and unwind at the Wilderness Spa, offering luxurious wellness treatments.
Stroll the Lakeside Native Bush Walk right on the grounds, enjoy a swim or picnic at the private secluded beach, or simply relax with a drink in the Great Room. As the sun sets, enjoy another exceptional meal sourced from the estate itself – game meats, organic produce, and fine New Zealand wines.
Driving time Rotorua to Taupo 82 km, 1 hour
Poronui is the ultimate luxury sporting retreat, a place where you can have fun and relax in the authentic New Zealand countryside. Located in the beautiful Taharua Valley on New Zealand’s spectacular North Island, the estate boasts some of the world’s best wilderness experiences. The scenery is breathtaking, the hospitality is second-to-none, but it is the attention to the little things that makes a stay here truly memorable. Be engulfed by a warm welcome, unforgettable experiences, passionate people, luxury accommodation and gourmet New Zealand cuisine.
Poronui is one of New Zealand’s most well-known fishing lodges, and is rated one of the top 10 fishing lodges in the world by Forbes magazine. A favourite of passionate fishermen for its excellent brown and rainbow trout opportunities, it also attracts a lot of sporting hunters, and is a recognised wilderness retreat as well.
Stay 2 nights at Poronui Lodge, Taupo (extend your stay for more fishing opportunities).
Accommodation: Poronui Lodge
Poronui was the site of some of the earliest trout releases into NZ waters in the late 1800s. There is world-class brown and rainbow trout fishing on Poronui’s 40 kms (25 mi) of fishing rivers. Fishing at Poronui is synonymous with gin-clear waters surrounded by native forest and big brown and rainbow trout in the heart of New Zealand’s backcountry. You can stay close to home and travel on foot or by 4WD to some of Poronui’s easily accessible fishing rivers.
Uncover the full range of incredible fishing experiences by taking a helicopter ride to one of the many rivers available to anglers, including the famed Tongariro River. The helicopter will pick you up right in front of the lodge and the guides will lead you to some of the most challenging and legendary fly fishing in the world. Take pleasure in stalking and sight casting to large browns and rainbows in the shallow, clear waters.
**There are three accommodation options – the main Poronui Lodge is a world-class wilderness sporting lodge with just 7 adjoining cabins overlooking the Taharua Valley. The rustic-luxe Safari Camp, on the banks of the Mohaka River, has beautifully appointed canvas-roofed and walled cabins where you can really get a feel for the wilderness surrounding you without compromising on comfort. And Blake House is a stately owner’s residence available for exclusive use; it can accommodate up to 16 people in four double suites and two luxury bunkrooms.
Flight transfer Taupo to Christchurch – 3 hours
Today your journey takes you to New Zealand’s South Island. There are few locations in the world where you can so easily discover the true romance of nature. Arrive in Christchurch, the perfect gateway to the South Island. Collect your rental car from the airport and spend the afternoon relaxing in the city.
Discover the vibrant and picturesque garden city, renowned for its natural beauty, lively entertainment scene, and strong cultural heritage. With its stunning botanical gardens and tree-lined avenues, Christchurch is both a sophisticated city and beautiful place to visit.
Explore Christchurch, options include; experiencing Christchurch Tramway, Gondola, Botanic Gardens, Punting on the Avon River, visiting the International Antarctic Centre, venturing to Sumner Beach or dining and shopping at the Riverside Market.
In the evening option to add dinner aboard the Christchurch Tram. The Tramway Restaurant offers curated seasonal dining combined with evening sightseeing in central Christchurch for a truly unique experience!
Stay 1 night at The George
Accommodation: The George
Driving time Christchurch to Lindis Lodge – 5 hours
Nestled in the breathtaking Ahuriri Valley, The Lindis Lodge offers an unparalleled luxury fishing retreat for discerning anglers. With exclusive access to some of New Zealand’s finest trout waters, including the iconic Ahuriri River and nearby high-country lakes, guests enjoy expertly guided fly fishing excursions tailored to all skill levels.
After a day casting for wild brown and rainbow trout amid pristine alpine scenery, return to the lodge’s elegant and intimate accommodations, featuring spacious suites with stunning valley views, cozy fireplaces, and refined décor that blends modern comfort with rustic charm. Gourmet dining, world-class wines, and indulgent spa treatments complete the experience, creating the perfect blend of wilderness adventure and refined relaxation.
Stay 2 nights at The Lindis Lodge, Ahuriri Valley (extend your stay for more fishing opportunities).
Accommodation: The Lindis Lodge
Today is your chance to dive into the breathtaking Ahuriri Valley and embrace a world of adventure. Picture yourself casting your line in some of New Zealand’s most legendary rivers, where the thrill of fly fishing awaits.
Enhance your fishing knowledge with local guide Rodger Webb. Rodger is a member of the New Zealand Professional Fishing Guides Association, and is a very passionate fisherman. Having grown up in the area and introduced to fly fishing at a very young age, Rodger has a wealth of valuable knowledge to assist your fly fishing experience.
Driving time The Lindis Lodge to Wanaka 2 hours;
Flight transfer Minaret Station to Wanaka 20 minutes
Wanaka is like no other and is New Zealand’s premier alpine destination. Here you will find stunning glacial lakes, incredible mountain vistas, world class fishing and all manner of outdoor pursuits.
Minaret Station Alpine Lodge is the epitome of comfort and luxurious accommodation in the wilds of the Southern Alps. Minaret Station is only accessible by helicopter therefore treats guests, to an authentic Alpine experience. Framed by the rugged beauty of this secluded mountain landscape, guests will enjoy a level of comfort and style never before available in New Zealand’s wilderness.
Guests staying at Minaret Station’s luxury lodge are hosted either exclusively, or accommodated as part of a group in one of the four luxuriously appointed Alpine Chalets. Impeccable cuisine is central to any luxury vacation experience. Using fresh local produce, resident chefs and kitchen staff prepare modern European and Asian Fusion cuisine coupled with an extensive range of local and award winning wines. Guests can choose to dine in the Mountain Kitchen’s dining room, alfresco on the deck or in the privacy of their own chalet.
Stay 2 nights at Minaret Station Alpine Lodge, Wanaka (extend your stay for more fishing opportunities).
Accommodation: Minaret Station Alpine Lodge
All fishing at Minaret Station is heli-fishing, so the options are endless. A stay at Minaret Station is sure to be a wilderness highlight of any New Zealand fishing trip.
Minaret Station specialises in backcountry fly-fishing experiences targeting primarily rainbow and brown trout with both species often sharing the same stretch of water. Chinook salmon provide an exciting challenge during their short season.
Minaret Station privately owns a 50,000 acre parcel of wilderness providing guests with exclusive access to prime fishing rivers in the Southern Alps. In addition to this, Minaret Station holds independent concessions to fish on conservation lands covering some four million acres including National Parks and world heritage areas.
Gin-clear water allows early spotting of fish. This clarity however means that whilst anglers can see the fish, the fish can also see the angler. Spot and stalk is the method of choice and by far the most exciting. Anglers often use dry fly, streamer and nymph techniques on the same stretch of water. South Island river fishing opens at the beginning of October and runs through to the end of April.
Minaret Station also provides exciting and unique saltwater fishing opportunities. Deep water bass species including bluenose and grouper offer exhilarating sea fishing to enthusiasts of all abilities. Further south Fiordland’s internationally acclaimed fiords provide airily calm and sheltered conditions for sea fishing. Fiordland or blue cod is found exclusively around New Zealand’s rocky coastlines, and the fiord’s deep and cold waters provide a haven for this territorial fish.
Minaret Station offers a number of chartered sea fishing options on the Southwest Coast, Stewart Island, and in and around Fiordland. Guests have the opportunity to fly by helicopter directly to charter vessels moored up in one of several sounds within Fiordland, or Minaret Station’s own purpose built charter vessel – Storm Jet.
Fly fishing for Kahawai or sea trout is also an exciting option where glacier fed rivers meet the Tasman Sea.
Non fishing companions are welcome to enjoy a wide range of exciting or relaxing activities on offer.
Flight transfer Minaret Station to Wanaka, 20 minutes;
Driving time Wanaka to Queenstown 69 km, 1.5 hours
Today your journey takes you to Queenstown, the ultimate luxury destination on New Zealand’s South Island. From world-class luxury lodges to indulgent spa experiences, superb cuisine and exclusive tours, Queenstown is a delight to experience.
Your accommodation near Queenstown is at Blanket Bay Lodge, in the picturesque and remote Glenorchy region. Voted one of the world’s best luxury lodges, Blanket Bay is the cherry on the cake as far as South Island fishing lodges go. Situated on a commanding site at the top end of beautiful Lake Wakatipu it enjoys spectacular alpine views and is surrounded by high mountains and deep rugged valleys.
The fishing is excellent, with wild brown and rainbow trout and salmon in the lake and nearby rivers. The lodge is 45 minutes from Queenstown, which is also the nearest airport. In addition to fly-fishing and heli-fishing there is also hiking, skiing and horse riding nearby and the highly regarded Otago wineries are just an hour’s drive away.
Stay 3 nights at Blanket Bay Lodge, Queenstown (extend your stay for more fishing opportunities).
Accommodation: Blanket Bay Lodge
Blanket Bay originally sprung from its owner’s love of fly-fishing. To ensure a magical fishing get a way, everything at Blanket Bay is designed to provide a world-class experience for the most demanding and experienced anglers. Blanket Bay is close to several of New Zealand’s iconic trout fishing rivers (The Greenstone and Caples are only minutes away by helicopter).
Large rivers, slow moving pools, fast runs and riffles, bush clad streams, open river floats, or small mountain lakes provide exciting options for your fishing pleasure. You may fish nearby in local rivers and streams, or the lake edge at Blanket Bay (a 10+ pound trout was caught at the mouth of Stoney Creek, just alongside the Lodge). Alternatively you may prefer to fly fish the lake banks, or the mouth of the rivers that flow into Lake Wakatipu.
Lake Wakatipu is home to Brown and Rainbow trout and land-locked Quinnat Salmon. Fishing season on the rivers runs from November through May. There is excellent nymph fishing during the early season and superb dry fly and nymph fishing during the summer months. Brown and Rainbow trout average more than three pounds, with five to six pound trout not uncommon. Trophy size trout over 10 pounds are more likely in early or late season.
Fishing on Lake Wakatipu is available year round.
The loyal fishing partner can discover endless ways to restore their physical and spiritual well-being. There is nowhere else on Earth where there are so many activities so close by – the country’s best hiking on the Routeburn or Milford Tracks, jet boating and kayaking, 4WD tours, horse riding, art trails and vineyards, plus flight-seeing over the World Heritage Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound. And let’s not forget the numerous international standard golf courses around Queenstown.
Today is yours to create the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Unwind in the luxurious surroundings of Blanket Bay, where you can indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment or simply soak in the tranquil atmosphere. But if you’re craving more excitement, Queenstown has an exhilarating array of activities just waiting for you.
Explore the breathtaking beauty of the region with a guided nature walk, or cast a line in the crystal-clear waters for a peaceful day of fishing. If your heart beats for thrills, get your adrenaline pumping with a high-speed jet boat ride through the untamed wilderness of Mt Aspiring National Park. Or take to the skies with an awe-inspiring skydive over one of the most jaw-dropping landscapes on Earth. For the ultimate adventure, heli-hike on a majestic glacier, where you’ll be dropped off by helicopter to trek across ice formations that feel like another world. The day is yours to choose your own adventure!
And if you’re not quite ready to hang up the rod, enjoy another day of fishing in this spectacular region – including the option to heli-fish remote, pristine rivers and streams that are otherwise inaccessible, offering a truly unforgettable final cast.
As your unforgettable New Zealand fishing trip draws to a close, soak in the views one last time before departing Queenstown at your leisure.
A fishing trip to New Zealand is sure to rank among your very best fishing experiences. Fishing Tips and Tricks in New Zealand.
New Zealand’s crystal-clear lakes and rivers offer excellent freshwater fishing, with abundant rainbow and brown trout as well as salmon on the South Island. In particular, Lake Taupo is world-renowned for its trout fishing.
And with 15,000 kilometres of secluded, idyllic coastline, sea fishing is equally rewarding.
Popular saltwater catches include:
The big game saltwater fishing season runs from December to June. Book a charter to catch marlin, kingfish, yellowfin tuna, and billfish.
Read more details about fishing in New Zealand here.
Contact New Zealand Luxury Escapes for more information or to begin planning your New Zealand fishing trip today.
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