A fly angler wading and casting in a clear backcountry river, with friends watching from the rocky shore and snow-capped peaks and native forest behind

Wild Trout · Southern Lakes · Since 1999

Guided Fly Fishing in Queenstown, New Zealand

Henare and his son Jazz guide private fly fishing trips through the wild rivers and lakes of the Lower South Island and Southern Lakes, for first-time and experienced anglers alike.

View Trips Our Story

Reviews

What our anglers say.

Real words from real days on the water.

"Hen is genuinely one of the nicest blokes you'll ever meet… Jazz has an almost supernatural ability to spot fish… we've fished around the world, and this trip was right up there with the very best.

Evan, Paz and Adam

Friends visiting from Perth

25+

Years Guiding

45+

Iconic Rivers & Lakes

100%

Wild Fish

Professional Guides

Oct–May

Season

On the big screen

Our backcountry, on film

Behind the scenes on “Heart of the Beast” — Henare and Jazz (then aged 16) were Brad Pitt's fly casting coaches for the film. A craft Henare began learning in 1999 under Cedar Lodge founder Dick Fraser, honed over 25+ years across 45+ wild rivers and lakes in the Lower South Island and Southern Lakes — passed from father to son, and then on to Hollywood.

Behind-the-scenes still 1 from the filming of Heart of the Beast, with Henare and Jazz coaching fly casting

Behind-the-scenes still 2 from the filming of Heart of the Beast, with Henare and Jazz coaching fly casting

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.

From the river

A glimpse into our seasons

On the water

A wild trout, brought to the net

A moment from a guided day on one of our backcountry rivers.

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 $1,350 NZD for 1–2 anglers

Enquire

2–5 days

Multi-Day Expedition

Probably the best way to experience the wide variety of fishing the Lower South Island and Southern Lakes have 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.

From $1,350 NZD per day, 2–5 days. Ask for a custom quote

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

FAQ

Good to know.

Answers to the questions we hear most often.

Book a Trip

Spaces fill quickly each season.

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

enquiries@maorisamurai.com

Based in

Queenstown, New Zealand

Henare

+64 21 228 3473

Jazz

+64 27 418 7370

WhatsApp Henare WhatsApp Jazz