A fly angler casting along a clear backcountry stream with a turquoise lake and snow-capped peaks behind

Wild Trout · Southern Lakes · Since 1999

Guided Fly Fishing in Queenstown, New Zealand

Henare and his son Jazz specialize in guiding 1 to 1 private fly fishing adventures throughout the Lower South Island and Southern lakes regions wild rivers & lakes - for first time anglers and experienced fishers alike -

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Reviews

What our anglers say.

Real words from real days on the water.

"We first fished with Henare and Jazz on a single-day trip in New Zealand, and had such an incredible experience that we knew we had to come back for more. So we organised a week-long fishing adventure with them, and somehow they managed to exceed our already very high expectations. The entire week was brilliantly planned, taking us into some of the most spectacular and remote locations imaginable. The scenery was mind-blowing, the fishing was phenomenal, and every day brought something new and unforgettable. What really sets these two apart, though, is the guides themselves. Hen is genuinely one of the nicest blokes you’ll ever meet, and his experience in guiding and connection to the rivers really shines through. Jazz, meanwhile, has an almost supernatural ability to spot fish. His skill on the water really has to be seen to be believed. When you hear that he guided his first fish at just seven years old, it all starts to make sense. Guiding trout in New Zealand seems to come as naturally to him as breathing. And of course, when you know that Jazz learnt everything he knows from Hen, you get a pretty good idea of just how exceptional Hen is too! Together, Hen and Jazz make an incredible team. We were lucky enough to have both of them on our trip. Their different personalities and strengths complement each other perfectly, yet either one would be an outstanding guide on their own. Their knowledge, enthusiasm and genuine passion for what they do shine through every single day. If you’re considering a guided fishing trip in New Zealand, I honestly couldn’t recommend these two highly enough. Whether you’re booking a single day or a full-blown adventure, you’re in for something pretty special. We’ve been lucky enough to experience some incredible fishing around the world , but this trip was right up there with the very best. The combination of world-class guiding, breathtaking wilderness and outstanding fishing is hard to beat. We’re already dreaming about our next trip back!

Evan, Paz and Adam

Friends visiting from Perth

25+

Years Guiding

45+

Iconic Rivers & Lakes

100%

Wild Fish

Professional Guides

Oct–May

Season

Henare and Jazz in a helicopter cockpit over the Queenstown backcountry

Two generations,

one river

Our Story

A father, a son, and the rivers they call home.

With a foundation in hospitality, Henare started his guiding career in November 1999 under the guidance of Dick Fraser, founder of the famous Cedar Lodge — New Zealand's first fly-in fly-out lodge. A family-run business with his wife Robyn and daughter Juliet, Cedar Lodge became a launching pad for many fly fishing guides and helicopter pilots alike. Dick was a mentor to many, and his influence shaped the guide Henare would become.

Henare's passion for skiing took him to Japan to experience the culture and powder snow, and fuelled his ultimate dream of becoming a heli-ski guide based in Queenstown.

Guiding clients who were interested in Queenstown real estate led to a suit-wearing office job for a few years — until meeting and marrying Ikuko from Japan, whom he met in Queenstown in 2006.

Jazz was born in May 2008. From five months old he started in the front pack, moved to the back pack until he hit 15 kg, and then he just kept up. They have fished, hunted and skied together for the last 18 years. You could say he has had no other choice. They will continue to live the dream.

From the river

A glimpse into our seasons

On the water

A wild trout, brought to the net

A moment from a guided day on one of our backcountry rivers.

Trips

Choose your day on the water.

Every trip is private and tailored to your experience. Gear, flies and 4WD transfers from Queenstown are included as standard.

Full-Day Wilderness

Perfect for absolute beginners and seasoned anglers. Many rivers, streams and lakes are accessible by 4WD as day trips, or included in a multi-day itinerary. No matter what the conditions or the weather, we can always find you fishable water — having regularly produced on days where others will often cancel. A typical day starts with pickup from your accommodation, or meeting at a prearranged location to maximise fishing opportunities. The average day allows for around 7–8 hours fishing time, and travelling times are generally 30–60 minutes each way.

From

$1350 NZD

2–5 days

Multi-Day Expedition

Probably the best way to experience the wide variety of fishing Southland has on offer, counter the ever-changeable weather, and get your eye in. A multi-day trip keeps you close to the water at a selection of cabins, farmstays, country hotels and bed & breakfasts. This reduces travelling time, maximises the time spent fishing, and provides more flexibility for dealing with adverse weather. Ask us about backcountry campouts and car camping experiences.

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What's Included

Every Trip Includes

From pickup to your last cast — everything is taken care of.

1–2 Anglers, 1–2 Guides — small, private trips only

Door-to-door vehicle transfers

Full day on the water: 8:00am – 5:30pm (Full Day trips)

Professional guiding & tuition for all skill levels

Delicious, healthy riverside lunch & refreshments

Digital images & photography of your day

DOC concessions & full insurances for National Park access

Audited Health & Safety plan

Quality equipment provided, or available for hire

Book a Trip

Spaces fill quickly each season.

The Queenstown season runs October through May. Send us a note with your dates and experience level — we'll reply personally and design a day that suits you.

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Based in

Queenstown, New Zealand

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