Destination: Braided rivers and spring creeks of Central South Island, and/or the bush clad rivers and streams of the West Coast; New Zealand
Season: 1 October to 30 April
Duration: 6 nights, 7 days
Accommodation: Max 6 rods per trip

Introduction

Imagine trophy trout – we are talking 10 pound wild browns and rainbows - holding in shallow, crystal clear rivers where blue waters are surrounded by epic, snow capped alpine peaks or evergreen forests with bearded lichens draping off trees and tree ferns standing 3 metres tall; still dreaming? Well wake up, for this is real and you could be standing in these beautiful landscapes with a fly rod in hand; we know, because we’ve been there!

Experience the best trout fishing in the world in the most beautiful scenery one could imagine on a Central South Island exploration trip hosted by one of the finest guides in New Zealand. For the last decade Tourette Fishing has focused on the wild rivers of Africa, now we are expanding our boundaries to the best fisheries in the world, because we understand your urge to quench your fishing thirst on a global scale!

Accommodation:

This is an expedition trip and accommodation may vary from the comfort of selected lodges, motels or hotels to ranches or tented camps in the NZ backcountry. However, due to our understanding to make this trip as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, you could pick and choose from the offered accommodation as part of a custom itinerary to suit your specific requirements.

Your Guide - Allan Kircher (New Zealand, South Island)

Allan has been fishing and hunting throughout the New Zealand backcountry since the early 70’s and while working in management in 1985 recognized the opportunity in the tourist sector for professional guiding. After some deliberation he embarked on a guiding career and has worked as a fishing and hunting guide since.

He is passionate about clear water sight fishing, free range fair chase hunting and goose and duck hunting. The alpine regions of the South Island backcountry are now his adventure playground. Combined with 40 years of experience and knowledge you can rest assured that your fishing trip to NZ will be a successful and memorable one! We look forward to showing you, under the wing of Allan Kircher, some of the amazing scenery and fishing NZ has to offer.

Fishing the rivers and lakes:

The waterways in NZ are all natural bodies that have been shaped and formed over a period of 80 million years. Most of the large braided rivers are from glacial origin and split and wind through vast open valleys before entering the ocean. A myriad spring creeks and smaller rivers drain from the surrounding landscape into large braided rivers or lakes, or may stand alone and simply disappear into the porous soil or spill into the ocean. The colour of rivers and lakes may vary from turquoise to crystal clear, while some are peat stained.

Almost all waterways have an abundance of trout, but most are frequently visited. Therefore, the rivers offered to Tourette Fishing clients have been carefully selected by our guide, Allan Kircher, who has spent 40 years exploring the South Island for hunting and fishing purposes. Majority of the fishing is done by sight in crystal clear waters, which is not only the most productive and exciting way of fishing, but also provides the best opportunity of hooking into a trophy fish!

Trophy fish

When fishing for trophy trout, the ultimate prize is a (+)10 lb fish. However, in NZ, anything from 7-8 lb is considered big and above this trophy size. Understandably, these fish have been around for some time to attain the trophy badge and should not be underestimated in any way! With the abundance of large trout in NZ waters, each person will more than likely have a shot, or a few for that matter, at trophy size fish during a 7 day trip. When a trophy is landed, make sure to handle your prize with care and get that photo to cherish for life.

Access to waters:

From a long association fishing, hunting and working on various concessions and stations in the NZ backcountry, Tourette Fishing guide Allan Kircher has established stable, long term relationships with land owners, which ensures a variety of waters are available to Tourette Fishing guests. Mostly you will be traveling in a passenger licensed 4WD to access various rivers and lakes, from where the fishing will take place on foot. However, in order to access those remote destinations that are infrequently (if ever!) fished, a helicopter or jet boat may be booked in advance.#.

An average day:

Allan will wake the guests in the morning and after breakfast the fishing party will depart to reach the water between 8-9 am. Good light is essential for sight fishing; therefore there is no need to rush in the morning. A healthy, packed lunch will be provided on the river. Depending on the weather, several venues may be visited in one day; otherwise the guide will discuss the next day’s plan the night before.

Angling species:

A variety of salmonids, including brown trout, rainbow trout, brook trout (char) and king (Chinook) salmon, are on the menu. All species will be targeted on fly and information about the necessary tackle (waders, rods, reels, lines and flies) or the tackle itself can be provided if required (all inclusive). Note that salmon will only be present in rivers from January till late April, while specific conditions are required for brook trout – the guide will point out the right conditions and make an experienced decision on when to target the desired species.

Pick up and drop off point:

Christchurch airport.

Other activities:

New Zealand is not only renowned for its world class fishing, but boasts with an assortment of outdoor activities, such as hunting, sky diving, jet boat rides, mountain biking, rock and alpine climbing, and skiing and/or snowboarding on some of the best ski slopes in the world (skiing and snowboarding relies on snow and will only be available during winter months). It is truly a playground for the adventure junky.

Allan Kircher is also a qualified hunting guide and will gladly take clients on a unique NZ hunting experience. Species such as tahr, red stag, chamois and wild boar, as well as waterfowl may form part of a separate hunting package provided, only on request, by Tourette Fishing. For those who prefer the comfort of public transport, there are countless scenic drives and sites to visit, such as Milford Sound, the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers, the Franz Josef Kiwi Conservation Centre to observe endangered kiwi species or simply enjoying sundowners on Wharariki Beach, to name but a few.