COME FLY WITH ME

We believe your time is precious and any time spent with us on the water should be an experience to remember.

Helicopter Fly-fishing Adventure

The Helicopter Adventure is an exciting package designed for those anglers who want to expedite access to remote waters where often very large catchable trout can be encountered.

SKIP THE WHEELS & REDUCE THE WALK!

Some of the best fishing in the South Island of New Zealand occurs in the often very scenic headwater rivers and streams.

Impressive sized trout inhabit these often less fished, and sometimes more stable sections of water, as in this environment they can grow to a larger than average size compared to other more accessible waters. Most fishing locations accessed by Helicopter in Canterbury and Westland contain large Brown Trout of usually 4 – 7lb’s (2 – 3.2kg) in size, however some waters can contain a combination of both trout species. Occassional 8 – 10lb+ (over 4.5kg) specimens inhabit these rivers and streams and can often prove to be more catchable than fish located in other areas, mainly due to reduced angler pressure.

In many of these fly fishing locations we will be surrounded by native vegetation which is not only extremely beautiful, but will often contain interesting NZ wildlife. Your guide will endeavor to point out this NZ native flora and fauna plus gain sightings of amazing native birds that inhabit the area. The often eerie and beautiful bird song radiating from some areas of bush can be enchanting!

Tussock clad Canterbury High Country areas are very unique and scenic in their own right, despite sometimes lacking native bush. No matter what surroundings you find yourself in, the clear water and big fish prevalent in such areas are often well worth the extra cost associated with using a helicopter for access.

Headwater Rivers and streams to be fished are the types of water which you would most likely see featured in magazines such as “NZ Fish & Game” and “Flylife” and which truly represent what fly fishing the South Island is really all about.

-Chris Bell

This is an ideal option to consider when time constraints or physical ability limits an angler spending a lot of time walking into such locations.

A walk in/fly out option is also available for those anglers with more time on their hands, who simply want to save some money on chopper flight time.

PACKAGE PRICING

  • Prices are current for the 2026/2027 fishing season and are listed in New Zealand dollars (NZD).

  • Prices listed are available starting prices. Actual price will depend on Helicopter company available for desired time and location of trip.
  • A maximum capacity in the helicopter at any one time will apply and may differ by operator.
  • See Pricing page for full list of what is included.
  • Please note that we consistently practice “Catch and Release” (refer “Key Fishing Information“)

  • We drive by air-conditioned 4WD to the commercial helicopter operator nearest the river, which keeps flight time and cost down
  • Fly in and out, or walk in and fly out
  • Multi-day trips can stay overnight in a Department of Conservation hut in some remote valleys
  • Not included: Your New Zealand fishing licence.

Chopper both ways

1 Day Fly-In/Fly-Out

$2,995+ Single Angler
  • From $3,095 (2 Angler)
  • P.O.A (3 Angler)

Multi Day Fly-In/Fly-Out

$4,795+ Single Angler
  • From $4,895 (2 Angler)
  • P.O.A (3 Angler)

A walk in/fly out option is also available for those anglers with more time on their hands, who would like to save some money on chopper time.

Chopper one way only

1 Day Walk-In/Fly-Out

$2,295+ Single Angler
  • From $2,395 (2 Angler)
  • P.O.A (3 Angler)

Multi Day Walk-In/Fly-Out

$3,795+ Single Angler
  • From $3,895 (2 Angler)
  • P.O.A (3 Angler)

LOGISTICAL BITS

~ 5:30AM
~ 2hrs
7-10hrs
~8PM

A Personal Locator Beacon (P.L.B.) is always carried by the guide when traveling to remote locations.

CHOICES

Multi-day trips have the following accommodation types available

  • Camping
  • Luxury log cabin style lodge located in a private isolated valley
  • Private hut with gas and electricity
  • Department of Conservation (DOC) public hut

WEST COAST FISHING DESTINATION

Much of the same scenery seen on the world famous “Trans-Alpine Train” journey can be seen on our journey from Canterbury to the West Coast.

EAST COAST FISHING DESTINATION

This route may take us past the famous town of Hanmer Springs where the natural thermal therapeutic hot pools are located. It can easily be arranged to have a meal and a relaxing swim in the pools on the way home if desired by the client.

Lake Margin Fishing
Lake Margin Fishing

Abundant native bird wildlife can be encountered if fishing a Western location. A highlight would have to be a likely encounter with the cheeky and highly intelligent Kea, New Zealand’s largest and very beautiful flying parrot. Other favorite birds to also encounter would be the native Bush Robin or the Fantail which are usually quite inquisitive of anglers, and will venture very close and sometimes land on your fly rod. A rare glimpse of the New Zealand Falcon may be possible in eastern regions but generally abundant sheep, cattle, deer and dairy farms are the norm to be seen.​

Add a Little Something Kiwi to your Experience

As some of the areas we fish are located near to many uniquely New Zealand ‘non-trout’ related activities, detours can be added to the trip to enhance the kiwi experience. Just send us an email or give us a call and we can help you start the planning of your kiwi fishing adventure with us.

With a focus on safety, and client satisfaction we strive to impress with our service and kiwi style hospitality; from first contact, to angling to final drop off… and repeat!

On booking your trip if your guide thinks there may be a better option based on time of day, year, weather or any other factor you will have the option of altering your choice either at the time of booking, or in some cases even on the day if you so choose. For example if you are very interested in ecology and local scenery the trip duration and time of year may mean that the West Coast or High Country lakes will provide you with a more “kiwi nature” focused experience.

Just tell us what you want from the trip and we can tweak a standard package or when desired make it totally custom.

Like what you see and want to book or simply want more information? Just contact us via our online enquiry form, phone or email we are here to help!

Contact Us
Contact Us