Fly fisherman casting in a Queenstown backcountry river at sunrise

Wild Trout · Southern Lakes · Since 1999

Guided Fly Fishing in Queenstown, New Zealand

Henare and his son Jazz specialize in guiding 1 to 1 private fly fishing adventures throughout the Lower South Island and Southern lakes regions wild rivers & lakes - for first time anglers and experienced fishers alike -

View Trips Our Story

Reviews

What our anglers say.

Real words from real days on the water.

Exceptional Guiding from an Amazing Father & Son Team!

"My husband and I had the absolute best day out with Henare and Jazz. As a couple, we couldn't have asked for a better experience. We felt incredibly safe and secure the entire day, thanks to Henare's seasoned experience and Jazz's sharp technical skills. They are a fantastic father-and-son duo who bring the perfect mix of deep cultural knowledge, absolute professionalism, and top-tier guiding. We landed some stunning fish and left with unforgettable memories. Highly recommend having a day on the water with Hen and Jazz to any couples looking for a safe, expert-led adventure!

Michael and Jane

Colorado, USA

The absolute best.

"I had an incredible day out on the water with Henare and Jazz. From start to finish, we felt completely safe, looked after, and expertly guided by this amazing father-and-son team. Their local knowledge, precision, and hospitality are unmatched. These are the only guys I will fish with.

Gerard

Sydney, Australia

25+

Years Guiding

45+

Iconic Rivers & Lakes

100%

Wild Fish

Professional Guides

Oct–May

Season

From the river

A glimpse into our seasons

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Henare and Jazz in a helicopter cockpit over the Queenstown backcountry

Two generations,

one river

Our Story

A father, a son, and the rivers they call home.

With a foundation in hospitality, Henare started his guiding career in November 1999 under the guidance of Dick Fraser, founder of the famous Cedar Lodge — New Zealand's first fly-in fly-out lodge. A family-run business with his wife Robyn and daughter Juliet, Cedar Lodge became a launching pad for many fly fishing guides and helicopter pilots alike. Dick was a mentor to many, and his influence shaped the guide Henare would become.

Henare's passion for skiing took him to Japan to experience the culture and powder snow, and fuelled his ultimate dream of becoming a heli-ski guide based in Queenstown.

Guiding clients who were interested in Queenstown real estate led to a suit-wearing office job for a few years — until meeting and marrying Ikuko from Japan, whom he met in Queenstown in 2006.

Jazz was born in May 2008. From five months old he started in the front pack, moved to the back pack until he hit 15 kg, and then he just kept up. They have fished, hunted and skied together for the last 18 years. You could say he has had no other choice. They will continue to live the dream.

Henare

Head Guide · Founder

Jazz

Guide · Next Generation

Trips

Choose your day on the water.

Every trip is private and tailored to your experience. Gear, flies and 4WD transfers from Queenstown are included as standard.

Full-Day Wilderness

Perfect for absolute beginners and seasoned anglers. Many rivers, streams and lakes are accessible by 4WD as day trips, or included in a multi-day itinerary. No matter what the conditions or the weather, we can always find you fishable water — having regularly produced on days where others will often cancel. A typical day starts with pickup from your accommodation, or meeting at a prearranged location to maximise fishing opportunities. The average day allows for around 7–8 hours fishing time, and travelling times are generally 30–60 minutes each way.

From

$1350 NZD

2–5 days

Multi-Day Expedition

Probably the best way to experience the wide variety of fishing Southland has on offer, counter the ever-changeable weather, and get your eye in. A multi-day trip keeps you close to the water at a selection of cabins, farmstays, country hotels and bed & breakfasts. This reduces travelling time, maximises the time spent fishing, and provides more flexibility for dealing with adverse weather. Ask us about backcountry campouts and car camping experiences.

Enquire

What's Included

Every Trip Includes

From pickup to your last cast — everything is taken care of.

1–2 Anglers, 1–2 Guides — small, private trips only

Door-to-door vehicle transfers

Full day on the water: 8:00am – 5:30pm (Full Day trips)

Professional guiding & tuition for all skill levels

Delicious, healthy riverside lunch & refreshments

Digital images & photography of your day

DOC concessions & full insurances for National Park access

Audited Health & Safety plan

Quality equipment provided, or available for hire

Book a Trip

Spaces fill quickly each season.

The Queenstown season runs October through April. Send us a note with your dates and experience level — we'll reply personally and design a day that suits you.

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Phone

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Based in

Queenstown, New Zealand

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