Alright, mate—so you're looking for a proper fishing guide down here in New Zealand, eh? I get it, the options online are bloody overwhelming. But let me tell ya, if you want the real deal, you gotta go with Kevin Payne. Honestly, I’ve fished with a lot of guides over the years, but Kevin? He’s something else. Born and raised right here in the Central South Island, knows these rivers like the back of his hand—which spots hold fish, how the weather’ll change by lunchtime, even which farmers’ gates you can sneak through (don’t worry, he’s got permission).

Now, here’s the thing—Kevin’s not just some part-timer. He’s been guiding full-time for ages, and he’s an executive member of the NZPFGA since, what, ’98? Plus, he’s sat on the Fish & Game Council for three terms, so yeah, the bloke knows his stuff. Oh, and get this—he’s even got his photos in The Hunt, that gorgeous book about NZ fishing. Swear down, his flies are like witchcraft. Custom jobs, top-secret patterns—I’ve seen ’em turn a skittish trout into a lunatic in seconds.

Tours run October through April mostly, but hey, if you’re keen outside that, give him a shout—he might sneak you out somewhere. And it’s not just about fishing, either. Bring your partner, your kids, whoever—Kevin’s got this knack for making sure everyone has a ripper time, even if they’ve never held a rod. He’ll pick you up from Christchurch or your hotel, no stress, and the places you’ll stay? Proper cozy. Think farm stays with hot showers and a cold beer waiting, lodges where you can stare at the stars after a day on the water.
As for the fish—browns, rainbows, the lot. Kevin’s got this sixth sense for where they’re hiding, whether it’s gin-clear streams or those sneaky deep pools. And he’s not the type to just stand there barking orders. You’ll learn heaps, laugh heaps, and if you’re lucky, land a trout that’ll make your mates back home properly jealous.

So yeah, if you want a guide who’s more like a mate—one who actually cares if you catch fish—Kevin’s your guy. Trust me on this one.