Fly Fishing on
New Zealand’s South Island
Sight fishing for wild brown & rainbow trout on 30+ pristine rivers with expert guide Dean Whaanga.
The Mataura River — dubbed the Brown Trout Capital of the World — sits just five minutes from the Lodge. With 30+ rivers and streams within reach and a guide who has spent a lifetime reading these waters, every day is your best day’s fishing.
Plan Your Trip →World-Class Fly Fishing in Southland
Gin-clear rivers, sight-fishing to wild trout, and landscapes that stop you mid-cast. This is what anglers travel to the other side of the world for.
Dean Whaanga
Professional Fly Fishing Guide · Southland, NZ
Born and raised on the South Island, Dean has spent a lifetime reading the rivers of Southland. His instinctive understanding of trout behaviour, water conditions, and fly selection is second to none.
Patient, encouraging, and deeply knowledgeable — anglers of all abilities leave the water having learned something new and had the trip of a lifetime. Dean’s spotting ability is legendary among his clients.
Fiona manages the Lodge with warmth — home-grown meals, genuine hospitality, and that rare quality of making every guest feel they’ve come home.
The Brown Trout Capital of the World
The Mataura River and its tributaries produce some of the most consistent dry fly and nymph fishing on the planet. Big fish, clear water, wild country.
Book a Guided DayGuided Fishing Packages
All packages include professional guiding, transport, tuition, lunch and non-alcoholic drinks. Dates are filling fast — book early to secure your weeks.
Guiding Only
Full day guided experience
- 1 or 2 anglers, 1 guide
- 8:30am – 5:30pm full day
- Professional guiding & tuition
- All river transport included
- Lunch & non-alcoholic drinks
- Latest Orvis rods & lines
- Gear hire available (+$60/day)
Guiding + Lodge Stay
The complete Mataura experience
- Everything in Guiding Only
- Lodge accommodation included
- Healthy home-grown breakfast
- Home-cooked evening dinner
- 5 min from the Mataura River
- Country-style comfort & care
- 1 Angler & 1 Nights accommodation
South Island Road Trips
Explore multiple river systems
- Multi-day South Island itineraries
- Access to remote river systems
- Professional guiding throughout
- Guide’s accommodation & meals
- Tailored to your skill level
- Best conditions across season
- Custom itineraries available
Where Anglers Come Home
Nestled in Riversdale, Southland — just five minutes from the Mataura River. Dean and Fiona have created a genuine country retreat where tired anglers are restored by warm hospitality, home-grown vegetables, and Fiona’s acclaimed home-cooked meals.
Extensive vegetable and flower gardens supply the kitchen. There’s a real peace here — the kind that only comes from being close to water and far from the noise of the world.
| Configuration | Per Night (NZD) |
|---|---|
| 1 guest, 1 room | $400 |
| 2 guests, 1 room | $500 |
| 2 guests, 2 rooms | $600 |
| 3 guests, 2 rooms | $700 |
| 4 guests, 2 rooms | $800 |
Rates include healthy breakfast & home-cooked dinner.
Check AvailabilityVoices from the River
★★★★★Dean is the most knowledgeable, conscientious, and understanding guide I have ever fished with. His spotting ability is amazing.
Doe Schirmer
★★★★★Dean has been a great fishing guide for me for the past 20 years. Very patient, with an amazing ability at reading water and spotting trout.
Robert Main
★★★★★When it comes to fly fishing, there is no place like New Zealand… being able to do this with a guide of the highest degree… it doesn’t get any better.
Simon Perkins · Manchester, VT
★★★★★When you fish with Dean Whaanga, you become so immersed into the area and culture that you begin to believe that you live there, not just visiting.
Kay L. Kontour
★★★★★I learned more about trout than I have in 65 years of fishing. How I wish I had met you many years ago — you would have changed my whole fishing life.
John Campbell
★★★★★We look forward to many more “priceless” moments. The spectacular rivers, scenery, and fish made for a wonderful experience.
Nubs & Carol Fratt · Oro Valley, AZ
Why New Zealand’s South Island
Gin-clear rivers, wild backcountry streams, and some of the largest sight-fishable trout on the planet — the South Island is in a class of its own.
World-Class Sight Fishing
Crystal-clear water lets you spot and cast to large, individual wild trout. The ultimate test of skill and patience.
Pristine, Uncrowded Rivers
30+ rivers within 30 minutes of the Lodge. Minimal pressure — fish that are wild, wary, and thrilling to catch.
Trophy Brown Trout
The Mataura is the Brown Trout Capital of the World. Consistent hatches produce large, hard-fighting fish year after year.
Spectacular Landscapes
Snowcapped mountains, tussock valleys, ancient beech forests. Every day on the water is a visual feast.
Perfect Location
5 minutes from the Mataura River and within easy reach of the Oreti, Von, Upukerora and dozens more world-class waterways.
Conservation First
Catch-and-release practices and deep respect for the river ecosystem — protecting these waters for future generations.
30 Rivers Within 30 Minutes
Riversdale, Southland places you at the epicentre of the South Island’s most prolific trout fisheries. When conditions are best, Dean knows exactly where to be.
South Island road trips also available on request — from Nelson to Fiordland.
Book Your South Island Fly Fishing Adventure
Dates are filling fast. Contact Dean or Fiona directly to discuss your ideal trip, availability, and packages tailored to your group.
Book Now — Email Dean