Your Bucket List Fly Fishing Trip to New Zealand Is Closer Than You Thought

As if New Zealand wasn’t already a far-fetched land of untouched gin clear water, the 2+ year lockdown certainly sealed the deal…well, the borders that is. The country was essentially successful in avoiding the devastating extremities of the pandemic, and now they’re ready to invite foreigners back. Us anglers might be the most excited of them all.

We’ve heard that New Zealand travel restrictions are loosening, but what does that mean, exactly? Reportedly, as of May 2, 2022, fully vaccinated people from Australia or visa waiver countries (that includes the USA, UK, a variety of European nations, among many others) will be able to enter New Zealand once again. After self-testing upon arrival (assuming the positive outcome of a negative test result), visitors may proceed into what is commonly regarded as the most highly coveted fly fishing destination in the world.

Unless you’re a lucky Australian whose travel time is a fraction of that of those coming from the western side of the pond, traveling to New Zealand is likely a bit time consuming, to put it lightly. We’re here to tell you why it’s worth it.

Globally Renowned Fly Fishing

New Zealand is the trophy trout capital of the world. The notorious crystal clear water lends itself wonderfully to sight fishing, a highly sought-after form of stalking trout that tends to make any length of travel entirely worthwhile. The fish, namedly, rainbow and brown trout, are really wild and really big, an inarguably ideal combination in the angling world. Tack on the fact that the fisheries are largely unpressured (New Zealand is similar to Great Britain in size, but with 61 million less populants), and you’ve landed yourself in a prime position to land a whole lot of nice trout.

Best New Zealand fly fishing area (left), oversized trout caught on Eleven Angling fly fishing trip (right).

Unmatched Variety of Outrageous Scenery

The landscapes of New Zealand’s numerous islands are exotic, diverse, and rugged, in large part thanks to the two underlying tectonic plates, the Pacific and Australian, who have a hard time sitting still. The primary islands, the North Island, South Island, and Stewart Island are well-known and well-traveled, that is, relative to their counterparts. The additional otherworldly medley of islets just above Antarctica, though nearly impossible to get to based on human standards, will have you standing on some of the planet’s most remote terrain, surrounded by penguins, and beneath ginormous albatrosses. Rest assured the mainland’s black sands, volcanoes, subtropical forest, glaciers, fjords, and sunken mountains pack a punch, too.

Picturesque New Zealand Scenery Near Cedar Lodge

Carefree Culture and Captivating Cuisine

New Zealanders have been nicknamed “Kiwis” after their national flightless bird, the Kiwi, which is a long-beaked (and highly regarded) version of the domestic chicken. Down to earth, resourceful, and kind, the Kiwi people represent a cultural anomaly composed of indiginous Māori, European, Pacific Island and Asian descents. Their unparalleled warmth and hospitality, traditional greeting called the Hongi, and unique obsession with Rugby are easy to fall in love with. Throw in their vast and fertile farmland that pumps out some of the best dairy and wine in the world, and you’ve got a “right proper” cuisine hub! Crayfish, lamb, and “hangi,” the traditional Māori style of cooking under the ground, are just a few favorites.

Your Eleven Experience at Cedar Lodge

If you’re wondering where to visit in New Zealand, look no further than Eleven Experience’s Cedar Lodge, situated in the South Island’s Makarora Valley. With a reputation that precedes it, Cedar Lodge isn’t shy about delivering the best fly fishing in New Zealand, from heli-assisted access to a world-class guide team that knows the area’s fisheries like the back of their hands. The lodge’s fly-out helicopter concession to Mt. Aspiring National Park allows unrivaled opportunity to fish untouched waters, where the thrill of targeting trophy trout with large dries is uninterrupted. Additional activities can include hiking with top-notch guides, touring the region’s renowned wineries, or simply relaxing at the lodge on the banks of Makarora River indulging in your chef’s creative concoctions.

Cedar Lodge tucked away on New Zealand’s South Island

With New Zealand’s borders opening after over two years, we’re anticipating things to have an extra dose of the wow factor. The trout have all but forgotten what pressure means, so the fly fishing is expected to be unprecedented; the outdoors will have that pristine glow that only years of solitude bring; and our excitement to get back to the land of the Kiwis has only grown and grown over the years, so we’re preparing for a grand return to Cedar Lodge this coming season that’ll be the stuff of legends.