Plan Your Trip - Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you based?
We’re based in Fairlie, a little gem tucked away in the heart of the Mackenzie District on New Zealand’s South Island. It’s a relaxed, friendly town surrounded by stunning landscapes – the perfect base for exploring this part of the country.
Only two hours from Christchurch and just 30 minutes from Lake Tekapo, Fairlie gives us easy access to some of the best fly fishing waters in the South Island, not to mention the incredible scenery of the Aoraki/Mount Cook region.
Whether you’re here to chase trout or just soak up the views, this spot is hard to beat.
What does a typical itinerary look like?
We’ll get in touch the evening before your trip to confirm your start time and pick-up or meeting point. These details are tailored based on a few key things: your location, the weather, river conditions, and what you’re hoping to get out of the day.
We like to stay flexible so we can make the most of the conditions and give you the best possible experience on the water.
How much does a day guiding cost?
A full-day guided trip is NZD $1200 including GST, which covers up to 2 anglers per guide.
This includes the following:
All your gear: Rods, Reels, Waders & Boots as well as leaders, tippet, flies. (You are also more than welcome to bring your own gear if it is a preference.
Transport.
And a packed lunch to help you get through the day.
Refreshments at the end of the day.
What do I need on the day?
You won’t need much, but here are a few essentials to bring along:
Hat – for sun protection and to help with visibility on the water
Polarized sunglasses – if you have them, they’ll make spotting fish a whole lot easier
A good rain jacket – fingers crossed for sunshine, but it’s always smart to have something to throw on just in case
Dull or neutral clothing – bright colours can spook the fish, so go for something that blends in with the surroundings
Drink bottle – we’ll keep you fed, but it’s good to have your own water handy
We’ll provide all the fishing gear and equipment, so no need to worry about that. Just show up ready for a great day on the water!
Where can I stay?
Fairlie has plenty of great accommodation options to suit every budget and style, and we’ve rounded up a few of our favorites below to help you out. Plus, if you feel like venturing a bit further, the stunning Lake Tekapo is just a 30-minute drive away and also has a variety of places to stay.
Here are a few options below.
Feel free to get in touch if you need help deciding.
Motels
Both Fairlie and Tekapo have a great range of motel accommodation. We’ve linked the Fairlie options below for your convenience.
Home/Farm Stay
We have a few great options available in this style. If you're interested, just get in touch and we’ll help connect you with the right place.
Holiday Park
Fairlie and Tekapo both have excellent holiday parks offering a variety of accommodation options. You can check them out below.
There’s more than two of us. Can you still take us out?
Yes. We often work with other guides in the area to guide bigger groups. Get in touch and we will see what we can organise.