Our Otago and Southland day trips are a relaxed way to experience South Island fly fishing without needing multi-day fitness or experience. We choose waters to suit you – from easy-access rivers and streams to quietly productive lakes – always keeping conditions, safety and your goals in mind.
You will fish for wild brown and rainbow trout in clear, cold water, learning how to read the river, spot fish (where visibility allows) and present your fly naturally. Your guide offers patient coaching for beginners, and tactical support and local insight for experienced anglers.
Typical duration: Full day on the water, with travel time from the Glenorchy / Queenstown area depending on chosen location.
Fitness & skill: Suitable for beginners through to experienced anglers; walking is generally on formed tracks or riverbanks with moderate uneven ground.
What is usually included:
- Private guiding for you, your partner, friends or family (small group only).
- Transport from an agreed meeting point to the fishing location.
- Use of quality fly rods, reels and terminal tackle if needed.
- Basic tuition in casting, presentation and river craft.
- Simple picnic-style lunch and hot drinks on full-day trips.
What is not included:
- Fishing licences (we will advise which licence you need and how to purchase it).
- Personal clothing layers, waders and boots (we will send a packing list).
- Travel to and from Glenorchy / Queenstown.
Seasonal notes: Prime fishing is generally from spring through autumn; specific rivers and lakes are chosen according to river levels, weather and seasonal fish behaviour.
For experienced anglers seeking remote, lightly fished water, our backcountry heli fishing days open up a world of crystal-clear rivers and dramatic mountain valleys. Working with trusted local pilots, we access stretches of water that would otherwise take days to reach on foot.
You will stalk sighted brown and rainbow trout in clear pools and runs, often using longer leaders and delicate presentations. Your guide will help you read subtle currents, choose flies and approach fish quietly to give you the best possible chance.
Typical duration: Full day on the water, with helicopter flights from a suitable helipad in the region (location confirmed at booking and again based on weather).
Fitness & skill: Best suited to anglers with solid casting skills and reasonable balance and fitness. Terrain can include boulder-hopping, river crossings and off-track walking in uneven country.
What is usually included:
- Private guiding and hosting for your small group.
- Helicopter flights in and out with experienced local pilots.
- Use of premium fly tackle if required.
- Backcountry-style lunch and hot drinks.
- Safety equipment appropriate to the terrain and conditions.
What is not included:
- Fishing licences.
- Personal clothing, waders and boots.
- Any additional helicopter time beyond the agreed plan (for example, optional scenic extensions).
Seasonal notes: Backcountry heli fishing is highly weather and river-level dependent. We will always prioritise safety and river care, and we will discuss back-up options with you in case conditions are not suitable on the day.
If you would like to slow down, unplug and truly settle into a river valley, our wilderness fly fishing camp-out adventures are for you. We combine guided fishing with simple, comfortable camping so you can wake and fall asleep beside the water.
Depending on conditions and your preferences, we may walk or fly in by helicopter to reach camp. From there we explore nearby pools, runs and side streams, adjusting the pace to suit your fitness, experience and energy levels.
Typical duration: Usually 2 days / 1 night or 3 days / 2 nights, customised to suit your timeframe.
Fitness & skill: Requires moderate fitness and confidence walking on uneven ground with an overnight bag. Suitable for keen beginners through to very experienced anglers who enjoy time in wild places.
What is usually included:
- Private guiding and hosting throughout your camp-out.
- Shared camp equipment (tents or fly camp, cooking gear, lighting).
- Main meals and hot drinks while in camp (we will discuss dietary needs).
- Use of fly tackle if required.
- Transport or helicopter access as agreed in your itinerary.
What is not included:
- Fishing licences.
- Your personal clothing, sleeping bag and sleeping mat (we can advise what to bring).
- Travel to and from our agreed meeting point.
Seasonal notes: Camp-outs are usually offered in the more settled parts of the fishing season. Dates and locations are carefully chosen around weather, river levels and daylight hours for both safety and comfort.
Every fly fishing day is different, but the rhythm is usually calm and unhurried. We start with a check-in about your goals for the trip – whether that is learning the basics, refining particular skills or chasing a dream fish in wild country.
Travel & safety briefing
After meeting at the agreed time and place, we travel to the chosen river, stream or lake. On arrival your guide will walk you through a clear safety briefing covering river crossings, weather, terrain and how we will look after each other during the day.
Gearing up & reading the water
We set up rods, leaders and flies together, talking through why we are choosing each piece of equipment. On the water you will learn to read current seams, drop-offs, structure and likely holding areas, and how trout behave in different conditions.
Casting coaching at your pace
Whether you are picking up a fly rod for the first time or polishing double-hauls and reach casts, coaching is offered in a patient, step-by-step way. We keep instructions clear, supportive and free of pressure so you can relax and enjoy the process.
Respecting the river & the fish
Where possible we practise catch-and-release, handling fish gently and keeping them in the water as much as we can. Your guide will talk about local river care, access etiquette and how we can minimise our footprint while still having a memorable day.
Wrap-up & next steps
At the end of the day we debrief what you have learned, celebrate the moments that stood out and talk about future trips you may like to plan.
Licences
All anglers require a current New Zealand Sports Fishing Licence for the waters we visit. We will confirm the correct licence type for your trip and can help you purchase it online before you arrive.
Gear – what we can supply
We can provide quality fly rods, reels, lines and terminal tackle if you do not wish to travel with your own gear. If you have favourite equipment you are welcome to bring it, and we can advise on suitable rod weights and line types for the season.
What to bring
We will send a detailed packing list before your trip, but as a guide you should plan to bring:
- Layered clothing suitable for changeable mountain weather.
- A waterproof jacket and warm mid-layer, even in summer.
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen).
- Any personal medications, snacks and water bottle you prefer.
Waders & footwear
Chest waders and sturdy wading boots are recommended for most river trips, particularly in cooler months. In warmer weather there may be options to wet-wade in appropriate footwear. We will talk through the best option for your chosen adventure.
Weather & contingency plans
New Zealand mountain weather and river levels can change quickly. We monitor forecasts and conditions closely and will always put safety and river health first. If conditions are not suitable for the original plan, we will discuss alternative locations, dates or activities with you.
Accessibility & pace
Trips can often be adapted for different ages, abilities and confidence levels. Please let us know about any mobility, health or support needs in advance so we can plan safe access, appropriate walking distances and suitable terrain.
Families & mixed-experience groups
We welcome families, couples and groups where not everyone fishes at the same level. Some guests are keen to fish all day, while others enjoy photography, walking, time in nature or simply being beside the river. We work with you to create a day that feels enjoyable and respectful for everyone.
Health & safety information
Before your adventure you will be asked to complete our Health & Safety Disclosure form so we understand any relevant health information and can plan accordingly. You can read more about our approach on the Health & Safety page.
Every trip with Top Of The Lake Guiding is personalised. Share a little about your ideal day – or days – on the water, and we will come back to you with options and honest advice about what is realistic for the season and conditions.
If you are not sure which option suits you best (day trip, heli fishing or a wilderness camp-out), simply tell us about your experience level, fitness, preferred dates and who will be travelling with you.
Once we receive your enquiry we will be in touch to confirm availability, talk through ideas and outline next steps, including licences and any forms we may need.