Fly fishing in New Zealand 🇳🇿 is world-renowned for its pristine rivers, crystal-clear waters, and trophy-sized wild trout (both brown and rainbow). The country offers diverse fishing experiences, from backcountry streams to large rivers and spring-fed lakes. Here’s what you need to know:

Best Regions for Fly Fishing 

South Island

Canterbury & Otago: Famous for the Rakaia, Rangitata, and Waitaki Rivers, known for large migratory trout.
Mackenzie Country: High-country lakes like Tekapo, Pukaki, and Ōhau hold massive trout.
West Coast: Remote rivers like the Hokitika and Haast offer wild, unpressured fish.
Fiordland: Challenging but rewarding, with rivers like the Eglinton and Waiau.

North Island

Tongariro River: Iconic for its large rainbow trout and famous Tongariro Hat Trick (nymphing, dry fly, and streamer).
Taupō Region: The Hinemaiaia, Tauranga-Taupō, and Waitahanui rivers are legendary.
Rotorua Lakes: Great for sight fishing to cruising trout in clear waters.

When to Go 

Summer (Dec–Feb): Best for dry fly fishing (especially cicada and beetle patterns).
Autumn (Mar–May): Big brown trout move into spawning streams.
Winter (Jun–Aug): Great for nymphing in the Tongariro River.
Spring (Sep–Nov): Mayfly hatches begin, and fish become more active.

Fishing Regulations & Licenses 

A fishing license is required (buy online at Fish & Game NZ).
Catch-and-release is encouraged, especially for large trout.
Some rivers have restrictions (fly-only, single-hook, etc.).

Essential Gear 

Rods: 5–7 weight for rivers, 6–8 weight for lakes/wind.
Lines: Floating line for dry flies, sinking tip for streamers.

Flies:
Nymphs: Hare’s Ear, Pheasant Tail, Perdigon.
Dry Flies: Adams, Royal Wulff, Cicada, Beetle patterns.
Streamers: Woolly Bugger, Rabbit Fur, Sculpin patterns.

Guides & Lodges 

South Island: Gillespie’s Fishing, Troutlands Lodge, Oreti River Lodge.
North Island: Tongariro Lodge, Turangi Trout Fishing Guides.

Pro Tips 

Stealth is key—NZ trout are spooky in clear water.
Sight fishing is common—polarized sunglasses help spot fish.
Respect the environment—NZ has strict biosecurity rules (clean gear to prevent didymo).

Whether you’re chasing trophy browns in the backcountry or stalking rainbows in the Tongariro, New Zealand offers some of the best fly fishing on the planet! 
Would you like recommendations for specific rivers or techniques?