7 Days 608 km

Highlights

  • Famous Mataura River
  • World heritage site
  • Glacial valley rivers

Proximity

CAR-FREE TRAVEL OPTIONS

Starting with the famous Mataura River, known for its ‘rising fish’ and ‘may-fly’ hatch, this 7-day fly-fishing itinerary takes you to some of the best fly-fishing locations in New Zealand.

From Southland's lush rural areas to the majestic waterways of Fiordland, this is a journey of stunning mountain landscapes, picturesque river valleys and plenty of secluded fishing spots. 

Day 1: Spend the day in Invercargill

Southland
Oreti Beach, Invercargill, Southland
southland

SOUTHLAND

A land of rugged coast and rolling plains

Highlights

  • Bluff oysters and blue cod
  • Around the Mountains cycle trail
  • Southland Museum and tuatara house

TOP EXPERIENCES IN SOUTHLAND

Discover native wildlife, motoring history and stand out local produce.

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Spend your first day exploring Invercargill, Southland's largest city. 

Invercargill is known for its elegant old department stores and wide, easy-to-navigate streets. Local food specialities include Bluff oysters and blue cod. The Southland Museum and Gallery has a tuatara house and an excellent exhibition about New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands. Transport World is another must-see attraction, with its huge range of automotive and motorcycles.

Day 2 - 3: Invercargill to Gore

Southland
Trout Fishing, Mataura, Southland

Highlights

  • Capital of Brown Trout
  • May-fly and Rising fish
  • Hokonui Moonshine Museum

Proximity

MORE ABOUT GORE

Known for country music and fantastic fly-fishing.

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Gore is a fly-fisher’s paradise. The self-proclaimed ‘Capital of Brown Trout’ even has a giant leaping brown trout monument in the town centre. Anglers travel from all over to experience the famous ‘May-fly’ hatch or ‘Rising fish’ on the Mataura River. Spend a couple of days exploring the best fishing spots around Gore. Fly Fish Mataura offer guided tours or visit the local iSITE for more information on the best fishing spots.

Non-fishers can visit the Hokonui Moonshine Museum to learn about the history of illicit whisky distilling, pop across to the Eastern Southland Gallery or travel further afield to The Catlins, for its rugged coastline and abundant wildlife.

Day 4 - 5: Gore to Te Anau

Travel to Fiordland, one of the most dramatic and stunning parts of New Zealand. The region encompasses Fiordland National Park (a world heritage site) and also includes the famous Milford, Dusky and Doubtful Sounds.

Set aside a day for fly-fishing. There are plenty of options for guided fishing in this area. If you're going alone, some of the best rivers in the region are Eglington and Routeburn. 

For non-fishing members, there are a number of activities on offer so you can get up close and personal with the stunning scenery. Hike, fly, kayak or cruise around Fiordland. 

Day 6: Day trip to Doubtful or Milford Sound

Fiordland
Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruises - Real Journeys, Fiordland

Highlights

  • Majestic waterfalls
  • Stunning fiords
  • Walking & hiking trails

Proximity

  • by car:

    3 h 30 min | 236 km (Milford Sound rtn.)

  • Driving times may vary during winter

  • by bus:

    Visit the local iSITE for scenic tour options

MILFORD SOUND

A fusion of spectacular natural features and unique wildlife.

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Explore the majestic fiords in the area. Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound provide great day trips from Te Anau. While Milford Sound is the more famous of the two, Doubtful Sound has the advantage of being the less crowded option. In either case, you'll enjoy spectacular scenery, beautiful waterfalls and plenty of wildlife.

Day 7: Te Anau to Queenstown

Queenstown
Fly Fishing, Glenorchy, Queenstown
queenstown

QUEENSTOWN

Home to the ultimate adventure bucket list

Highlights

  • Pristine rivers and lakes
  • Adventure activities of all kinds
  • Spectacular golf courses

Proximity

Spend the last day of your journey exploring Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand. Take a break from fishing and experience one of the many activities on offer from kayaking and cycling to jet boating and bungy jumping

Queenstown is also home to spectacular golf courses such as Millbrook, Jack's Point and The Hills. Or travel to the Gibbston Valley to sample the region's world famous wines.

View the route below

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