Guest Feedback From the Mountains & Rivers

Our guests come to Glenorchy and the wider South Island for many different reasons – to hunt, to fish, to hike, to fly by helicopter into the high country, or simply to slow down in the mountains and by the rivers.

Every review on this page is from a real guest who has spent time with Top Of The Lake Guiding. We are deeply grateful for their trust and for the time they have taken to share their experience. Their words help future guests understand what it feels like to be out here with us – the care, the safety, the scenery and the sense of connection.

Browse the reviews by adventure type below to find feedback that is most relevant to the trip you are dreaming about.

Hunting Adventures Reviews

Hunter and guide looking over a mountain valley at sunrise

Free-range red stag with heart

“From the first phone call I knew I was in good hands. The red stag hunt was truly free-range on stunning private land, with no pressure to rush shots. Safety, respect for the animals and time to soak in the scenery made this a once-in-a-lifetime experience.” – Mark, Australia – Red stag trophy hunt

Guide and guest walking with packs through native forest

Patient guidance for a first-time hunter

“I was nervous turning up as a first-time hunter, but was never made to feel silly for asking questions. Everything from rifle setup to stalking and shot placement was explained calmly and clearly. I left with venison for the freezer and a huge sense of achievement.” – Sarah, New Zealand – Venison meat hunt

Steep mountain country where chamois live

Ethical, low-pressure trophy hunt

“What stood out most was the ethics – no crowded game parks, no pressure to shoot something that didn’t feel right. We spent time glassing, talking through options and waiting for the right animal. I came away with a beautiful chamois and a deeper appreciation for the mountains.” – Jonas, Germany – Chamois trophy hunt

Family with guide walking across a high-country meadow at sunset

Family-friendly hunting introduction

“Our teenage son had shown an interest in hunting and we wanted him to learn in a safe, respectful way. The day was gentle-paced, with lots of teaching moments and focus on animal welfare and meat care. It felt like being out with family friends rather than on a commercial trip.” – Emma & Paul, UK – Family meat hunt

Fly Fishing Adventures Reviews

Fly angler casting into a clear backcountry river

Crystal-clear backcountry rivers

“This was my dream New Zealand fly fishing trip. Hiking into a remote valley by helicopter, sight-fishing to big browns in water so clear it looked unreal, and never feeling rushed. The guide’s calm manner and local knowledge made all the difference.” – Alex, USA – Backcountry heli fishing

Guide helping a guest with a fly cast beside a small stream

Gentle coaching for a beginner

“I had only cast a fly rod a couple of times before this trip. By the end of the day I was making clean casts, reading the water and landing my first trout on fly. The teaching was patient, positive and never overwhelming.” – Hana, Japan – Day trip fly fishing

Tents set up beside a river under a starry sky

Camp-out under the southern stars

“Waking up in a quiet valley with the sound of the river outside the tent is something I will never forget. The camp was comfortable, the food hearty and the safety briefings reassuring without being over the top. It felt like a real wilderness adventure with a very capable friend.” – Tom & Elise, France – Wilderness camp-out

Moody weather over a South Island river valley

Flexible plans around the weather

“The weather changed our original plan, but options were explained clearly and we shifted to a different catchment. It turned into an amazing day with multiple fish landed and some great photos. Professional, honest and very focused on safety.” – Liam, New Zealand – Otago/Southland day trip

Hiking & Wilderness Reviews

Guests walking on a gentle forest track surrounded by ferns

Gentle-paced wilderness day

“We wanted a quiet day in nature rather than a fast hike, and that is exactly what we received. Plenty of stops for photos, stories about the land and time to simply listen to the birds. The pace was set around our needs, not a timetable.” – Janet & Bruce, New Zealand – Exclusive Wilderness Day Hike

Helicopter and hikers on an alpine ridge with wide views

Heli hike with big views

“Flying into the mountains, landing on a ridge and then walking along with 360-degree views was breathtaking. We always felt secure, with clear guidance on footing, weather and how far we wanted to go. A brilliant way to experience the Southern Alps.” – Miguel, Spain – Exclusive Alpine Heli Hike

Still mountain lake with soft light and calm reflections

Supportive and trauma-informed guiding

“I was open about my past mental health challenges and was met with kindness and professionalism. The guide checked in regularly, explained what to expect and offered options so I could choose what felt comfortable. I felt safe, respected and uplifted.” – R., Aotearoa – Wellbeing-focused hike

Family walking together on a riverbank trail

Family hike that suited everyone

“Travelling with kids and grandparents can be tricky, but the route, timing and breaks were all tailored to our group. The kids loved spotting birds and splashing in streams, while the grandparents appreciated the steady pace and clear communication.” – The K. family, USA – Family wilderness hike

Scenic & Heli Adventures Reviews

Couple standing in the snow beside a helicopter high in the mountains

Snow landings and quiet moments

“Our heli trip was not about rushing from one photo stop to the next. We had time to stand in the snow, breathe, ask questions and simply look. Safety briefings were clear and calm, and we always felt that weather and conditions came first.” – Martin & Lea, Denmark – Alpine snow landing

Waterfall tumbling into a clear river pool surrounded by forest

Waterfalls, rivers and picnic lunch

“This was our favourite day of the trip. Short walks to hidden waterfalls, a relaxed riverside lunch and the chance to watch deer in the distance without disturbing them. The whole experience felt unhurried and very personal.” – Nicole, Canada – Waterfalls & rivers scenic day

Small group toasting with mountains and a helicopter in the background

Special occasion in the mountains

“We wanted to celebrate a big birthday somewhere wild but accessible. The guide helped us plan a surprise heli landing with a short walk and a quiet spot for a toast. Thoughtful touches and discretion made it feel truly special.” – Olivia, UK – Scenic celebration heli adventure

Photographer taking photos out of a helicopter window over mountain landscapes

Photography-focused scenic flight

“As a photographer I really appreciated the flexibility to position the helicopter and choose landing spots based on light and composition. Safety was always the first consideration, but within that there was plenty of room for creativity.” – Jai, India – Photography scenic flight

How We Collect Reviews

We collect feedback in several simple, low-pressure ways. Many guests choose to send a note or email after they return home, while others are happy for us to write down a few of their comments at the end of the trip. From time to time we also receive feedback through third-party platforms or personal referrals, and we may share short quotes from these where guests are comfortable.

Reviews are never scripted. We lightly edit for clarity or length, but we do not change the meaning of what guests have said. We also respect privacy – some guests prefer initials or a general location rather than full names, which we are happy to honour.

Our aim is to offer an honest picture of what it is like to travel with Top Of The Lake Guiding: small groups, genuine care, thoughtful safety practices and a deep respect for people, animals and the land.

Share Your Experience

If you have travelled with Top Of The Lake Guiding, we would be honoured to hear about your experience. Your words help us learn, improve and support future guests in choosing the right adventure for them.

You are welcome to share as much or as little detail as you feel comfortable with – for example your first name or initials, where you are from, the type of trip you joined and a few lines about what stood out for you. If you prefer to keep your feedback private, please simply let us know.

You can use the on-page review box below, or get in touch via our Contact & Booking page. If you would like to see more of the places mentioned in these reviews, you can also explore our Gallery of recent adventures.

Share Your Review

View Trip Photos