Christchurch & North Canterbury
Christchurch & North Canterbury
Find A Local Fishing Guide in Christchurch & North Canterbury
Reaching down the East Coast of the South Island from Kaikoura Southwards some large rivers rush towards the ocean from their Southern Alp headwaters. The Waiau, Waimakariri, Hurunui and Rakaia all provide excellent salmon fishing as well as a healthy population of rainbow and brown trout. You can’t talk about the North Canterbury region without mentioning their iconic freestone rivers. The Lewis Pass area has wonderful rivers populated with large trout. The fishing isn’t always easy, but the scenery and opportunity of landing that trophy fish of a lifetime is always there.
The Canterbury region provides some outstanding lake or still-water fishing for Brown, Rainbow and Brook trout. Many of the lakes and high country tarns are located amongst some of the South Island's most stunning scenery.
The Canterbury region is the oasis of salmon fishing in New Zealand. Salmon continue to run throughout the fishing season until the end of April. Clusters of silhouetted fisherman are a common sight in the early morning light along Canterbury’s braided rivers, all casting their spinning rods or swinging flies in hope of hooking one of these highly prized freshwater fish.
All the members listed on this website have the following vital accreditations:
- Current first aid certificate
- DOC Concession to guide on the DOC estate
- Audited Health & Safety Plan
- Public liability insurance
Jason Shortland
Born and raised in Canterbury I was always drawn to water. In fact dad always thought I was part fish. I grew up on the banks of a local river where my grandparents owned a family batch. As a young fella I would often watch grandad and his mates casting dry flies to large brown trout. Grandad’s love and respect for rivers was infectious and fly fishing soon became an obsession for me too.
Over 35 years I have gained extensive knowledge of local streams, rivers and lakes. The Canterbury region offers a multitude of angling opportunities from stalking mountain streams to streamer fishing for sea run trout. I have been guiding professionally since 1999 and I feel privileged and proud to every time I take people into the New Zealand backcountry and hunt out fine brown and rainbow trout.
Contact me via email or Cell-phone : +64 27 340 7812
Paul van de Loo
Enjoy great days of fishing with a professional guide committed to making your fishing expectations a REALITY! Paul is a passionate, highly experienced professional fly fishing guide, since 1990, fishing in New Zealand, Alaska, British Columbia, USA, Europe, Scandinavia, and Australia. Being based in the Murchison area allows Paul to plan your Brown Trout fly fishing experience in the Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast, and North Canterbury fish and game regions with ease. As a professional fly fishing guide Paul can give you every assurance that your fishing experience will be conducted in a professional manner at all times, honouring our fishing etiquette, working with respect for you and the environment. His craft has been developed over the years by spending time with both novice and seasoned fly fishers, listening to their expectations, observing their techniques, and working with them to achieve the most rewarding fly fishing experience.
Jonathan Greensmith
Fly fishing and fly tying since 1985, Jonathan became a professional guide in 1996. Known as an easy going guide he specializes in sight fishing for big browns in the small mountain streams and larger freestone rivers in the Hanmer Springs/North Canterbury area. As well as fly fishing, guided salmon trips are available during the summer runs.
Phone +64 3 319 5888
Post 1548 Inland Road, RD 3, Kaikoura 7373
Ben Haywood
Let New Zealand Fly Fishing Escapes take you on a truly remote, authentic and memorable fly fishing adventure of a lifetime. Sight‑fish for large, wild trout in the crystal‑clear rivers of the Canterbury High Country and the dramatic West Coast, regions renowned globally for their breathtaking landscapes and exceptional fly fishing.
New Zealand Fly Fishing Escapes will take you off the ‘beaten track’ to access more remote and secluded waters and experience some of New Zealand’s wild and unspoilt wilderness fly fishing. Choose from tailored single‑day or multi‑day road trips, immersive back‑country walk‑ins, or premium heli‑fishing experiences that place you on the finest water each day. Top quality fishing and camping equipment is provided to ensure an enjoyable wilderness adventure.
Whether you are a beginner requiring tuition or a seasoned angler, every fishing trip is individually tailored and personalised to clients’ needs, abilities and preferences by Ben Haywood, your experienced and knowledgeable fishing guide. Ben is known for his patient demeanour, jovial sense of humour and reputation for going above and beyond to help his clients achieve their angling dreams. He utilises his vast knowledge of the local rivers and weather patterns to carefully plan each trip to maximise success and ensure your time on the water is both effortless and unforgettable.
Contact Ben at New Zealand Fly Fishing Escapes by phoning +64 22 32 33 966 or clicking the link below
Tony Hawker
Tony is the proud owner and operator of Riverview Lodge; a premium fishing retreat nestled near the alpine village of Hanmer Springs—right in the heart of New Zealand’s renowned South Island brown trout country. Riverview Lodge enjoys an exceptional location, offering prime access to the iconic rivers surrounding Hanmer Springs, along with convenient routes to the remote West Coast backcountry waters. With over 30 years of fishing and hunting experience in the region, Tony brings deep local insight to every expedition. His career with Fish and Game and the Department of Conservation adds a wealth of expertise in fisheries and wildlife management, making him an invaluable guide for any outdoor enthusiast.
Tony is an expert in sight fishing for trophy-sized brown trout in remote backcountry rivers. Riverview Lodge offers immersive multi-day fishing and accommodation experiences, along with flexible day trip options. Guests are transported in comfort via 4WD, or for a truly elevated adventure, helicopter access can be arranged to reach secluded fishing spots and make the most of your time on the river. Every package includes a delicious lunch and all necessary fly-fishing equipment, ensuring an effortless and memorable experience. With access to an extensive range of rivers and landscapes, each trip can be customised to suit your preferences—whether you’re new to fly-fishing or a seasoned angler chasing the quintessential New Zealand adventure.
To plan your unforgettable fishing experience, reach out to Tony directly at +64 021 221 8325, or click below.
Dustin Zirbel
Fly fishing in New Zealand isn't just a hobby for me; it's my calling. There's something magical about sight fishing for big trout in those crystal-clear waters—seeing the take and feeling the rod bend is pure exhilaration. I find so much joy in this pursuit that sharing it with others, and seeing their excitement, fuels my passion. That's why I became a guide. Achieving success in New Zealand's fly fishing demands both expertise and dedication. I continuously strive to expand my knowledge by exploring new waters and refining various techniques. Over the years, I've acquired a wealth of experience that I'm eager to leverage for your benefit.
If you seek an opportunity to sight fish in breathtaking surroundings with maximum chances of success, I am the guide you need. At Sight and Stalk Fly Fishing NZ, I offer personalized single-day and multi-day trips starting from Christchurch, covering Canterbury and the stunning West Coast. Whether it's utilizing helicopters for remote access or organizing backcountry camping expeditions, I ensure a premium experience that is not only affordable but also immensely rewarding.
Dean Harrison
I love fishing. And I have fished many parts of the world over my 63 years on this blue spinning globe. I know how I like to be treated. For my own fishing, sometimes I like to start early… or fish late. Walk hard… or just cruise quietly because ‘that’s how I feel today’. I appreciate a guide who will share information, and understand what my goals are when I fish. Help me fish hard when I want… or back off and give me space if that’s what I need. That’s what I will do for you. I will look after you, in the way I like to be looked after when I engage a guide. I want you to have the trip I want to have when I travel to fish. Sometimes it comes down to one guide, one day, one river.. and the best outcome… That is what I want for you.I love 3-5 day adventures with clients that want to go 'back-country' in a hut/s.. or travel to a handful of rivers over several days in a region. I spend my guiding time between North Canterbury and the mid reaches of the South Island's West Coast where I have my own base/fishing retreat with a log burner, dartboard and a cold beverage on hand. Dean +64 21 324 229
Chris Bell
Chris owns and operates Christchurch based “South Island Adventure Fly Fishing”, specialising in sight fishing for large Brown and Rainbow trout in the beautiful Canterbury and Westland regions of the South Island of New Zealand (NZ).
He loves adding the element of adventure to his trips by accessing more remote waters, often by utilising his 4WD vehicle. Chris guides a wide range of waters from small streams and spring creeks to the larger freestone rivers, and offers exciting still-water sight fishing opportunities for cruising Brown trout in shallow lake margin habitats. He additionally caters for single or multi-day backcountry heli-fishing trips, into the remote headwaters of both Canterbury and Westland.
Chris offers a combination of different package options, and if necessary, he is prepared to travel between regions to access the best sight fishing conditions in the often highly variable weather conditions that the South Island can seasonally experience.
Chris wants a day out on the water with him to not only to be a successful days fishing but also to be an interesting and educational kiwi outdoor experience, as he likes to incorporate information about NZ wildlife, natural history and ecology into a day on the water chasing trout. You will see his passion for the NZ outdoors come alive in his easy going, humorous and friendly attitude towards helping others to achieve their goal of catching some beautiful NZ trout.
Chris’s guiding business consistently practices "Careful Catch and Release” to help to protect existing wild fish populations. Telephone: + 64 272 286 064
Martin Langlands
Martin has been a full time fly fishing guide since 1991 and has been involved in fly fishing as a career since 1985. It's this extensive experience I draw upon to make your guided trip the best it can be. The knowledge gained from my experience helps overcome the challenges from the South Island’s ever changing weather and water conditions. My friendly, respectful, highly innovative and informative approach aims to efficiently maximize your fly fishing experience and enjoyment .
A wide range of waters are chosen to suit your requests, experience and fitness level. Specialising in sight fishing for larger Rainbow and Brown Trout, some of the best quality in the South Island. Importantly all levels of anglers are catered for with a real focus on customization to suit your angling preferences. Trips are often based in small country towns that are well serviced and strategically placed near great waters to give you the best possible fishing at the time.
Sharing my deep passion for NZ ("Kiwi") ecology, culture, and natural history with clients adds interest and fun to the guide day. As a lifelong professional trout fly designer you will be using some cutting edge, unique and effective patterns along with innovative rigs and approaches that you can take forward in your angling path. As a guide, I take pride on being highly organized, paying attention to detail, achieving the best possible result for every guide day. Telephone:+64 21 201 7049
Serge Bonnafoux
Serge, known as The Sight Fly Fishing Expert, has been a member of the New Zealand Professional Fishing Guides Association (NZPFGA) for 22 years. With over 45 years of international fly-fishing experience, he has developed a deep understanding of trout behaviour, spawning patterns, changing river conditions through a lifetime spent fishing some of the world’s finest waters.
Based in Hanmer Springs, North Canterbury, Serge specialises in guiding anglers to trophy brown and rainbow trout in New Zealand’s renowned sight-fishing waters. His extensive knowledge of local rivers, lakes, weather patterns, and water conditions enables him to carefully plan each trip to maximise success while providing a memorable outdoor experience.
Serge guides on more than 40 rivers within easy reach of Hanmer Springs.
Whether you are seeking a single day or a customised multi-day expedition of up to 15 days, every trip is tailored to your experience, interests, and goals.
Fishing with Serge is about more than catching trout—it is an authentic Kiwi adventure through some of New Zealand’s most spectacular landscapes. Anglers can explore crystal-clear alpine streams, freestone rivers, spring creeks, coastal waters, while enjoying opportunities to stalk large brown trout in challenging sight-fishing conditions.
To ensure a seamless experience, Serge offers Christchurch Airport transfers, quality fishing equipment , camping gear for wilderness adventures, and heli-fishing opportunities in remote backcountry locations.
Join Serge for an unforgettable fly-fishing experience and discover why anglers from around the world return to fish New Zealand’s legendary waters.
Telephone: +64 21 211 3462
Quentin Forster
Quentin Forster owns and operates Christchurch based "Troutseekers Guiding New Zealand". He started guided professionally in 2015 on the diverse freshwater fisheries of Canterbury and West Coast, South Island. Small streams, spring creeks, braided freestone rivers and the spectacular headwaters that flow from our Southern Alps mountain range. He ties all of his own flies and takes pride in their effectiveness. His approach to guiding focuses on sharing the skills and techniques needed to be consistently successful in a wide variety of situations. Above all he likes to spend time with like minded people and help them to achieve their own fly fishing goals and aspirations while in New Zealand. He offers trips for beginners and advanced anglers alike and works hard to get you onto those big hard to catch Brown Trout that New Zealand is famous for. Please contact Quentin for more information. +64 22 676 3435
Hannah Clement
Hannah is a South Island based fishing guide who owns and operates She’s On The Fly guiding. While she is based in Canterbury she guides from Nelson region across to the West Coast region and all the way down to Queenstown area.
She provides both single and multi day trips right across the South Island including Heli or hike in trips into the back country and loves to specialise in camping out where you can feel the real NZ outdoor experience.
Hannah is a knowledgeable fly fishing guide who has an infectious enthusiasm and deep understanding about all things fly fishing and adventure. With 10 years experience in the guiding realm Hannah will take you to some of the most stunning surroundings the South Island has to offer while sight fishing to our world class brown and rainbow trout.
Hannah loves to see your fishing dreams become reality while enjoying the New Zealand fly fishing at its finest. She strives to provide the best in both the fishing and your over all enjoyment and will always try to cater the trip best suited to your needs and ability.
To get in contact with Hannah and start planning your fly fishing experience of a lifetime please click on the link below or phone +64 21 192 0442
Available on WhatsApp, cellphone, and on the link below.
Instagram: Shes_on_the_fly
Neil Goldie
Neil Goldie is a trout and salmon fishing guide based in Christchurch which is located in the central South Island of New Zealand. Neil has been hunting, fishing and exploring the Canterbury and Westland wilderness since the mid 1970's and has an intimate knowledge of the wilderness fisheries and the East Coast sea-run trout and salmon fisheries. While Neil is a specialist fly fishing guide, he also has a high degree of expertise in spin fishing and jigging for both trout and salmon. He specialises in sight fishing to large brown and rainbow trout in the rivers and lakes of Canterbury and Westland and caters for all experience levels of anglers, be they beginners or experts. Neil provides licenses, lunches, light refreshments, 4-wheel drive transport and can provide quality equipment such as G Loomis rods, Shimano reels, Simms waders and wading boots should clients require them. Fishing is available during the main season which starts on 1 October and ends on 30 April and the winter season which start on 1 June and ends on 30 September each year. Telephone: +64 27 210 2438
