Fly Fishing on
New Zealand’s South Island
Sight fishing for wild brown & rainbow trout. 30+ pristine rivers, expert guidance, and warm lodge hospitality in the heart of Southland.
Born & Bred on the South Island
Dean Whaanga — Professional Fly Fishing Guide
Dean Whaanga has spent a lifetime reading the rivers of Southland. Born and raised on the South Island, his instinctive understanding of trout behaviour, water conditions, and fly selection is second to none.
His patient, encouraging approach means anglers of all abilities — from first-timers to seasoned veterans — leave the water having learned something new and having had the trip of a lifetime.
Dean’s spotting ability is legendary among his clients, and his deep local knowledge of 30+ rivers and streams means every day on the water is optimised for your best chance at a trophy fish.
Fiona manages the Lodge, welcoming guests with warm hospitality, home-grown meals from the garden, and that rare quality of making every visitor feel like they’ve come home.
Guided Fly Fishing Packages
All packages include professional guiding, transport, tuition, lunch and non-alcoholic beverages. Dates filling fast — book early to secure your preferred 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)
Most Popular
Guiding + Lodge Stay
The complete Mataura experience
- Everything in Guiding Only
- Lodge accommodation
- Healthy home-grown breakfast
- Home-cooked evening dinner
- 5 min from Mataura River
- Country-style comfort & hospitality
- 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 the season
- Custom itineraries available
Where Anglers Come Home
Nestled in Riversdale, Southland, Mataura River Lodge sits just five minutes from the Mataura River — the Brown Trout Capital of the World. 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. Twin share prices are per person.
Voices 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. He is very patient and has 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 with you. The spectacular rivers, scenery, and fish made for a wonderful experience.
Nubs & Carol Fratt · Oro Valley, AZ
30 Rivers, Streams & Spring Creeks Within 30 Minutes
The Lodge’s location in Riversdale places you at the epicentre of the South Island’s most prolific trout fisheries. When conditions are best, Dean knows exactly where to be.
Road trips throughout most of the South Island are also available on request.
Book Your South Island Fly Fishing Adventure
2026/27 season dates are filling fast. Contact Dean or Fiona directly to discuss your ideal trip, availability, and packages tailored to your group.
Endorsed By & Partners
Simms Fishing
Tonic Eyewear
Worldwide Angler
Future Rivers
NZPFGA
Manic Tackle Project
Macaulay Motors
Why New Zealand’s South Island is the World’s Premier Fly Fishing Destination
Gin-clear rivers, wild backcountry streams, and some of the largest sight-fishable brown 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 before they see you. The ultimate test of skill and patience.
Pristine, Uncrowded Rivers
Access 30+ rivers and streams within 30 minutes of the Lodge. Southland’s remote waterways see minimal pressure — fish that are wild, wary, and thrilling to catch.
Trophy Brown Trout
The Mataura is dubbed the Brown Trout Capital of the World. Consistent hatches and abundant food produce large, hard-fighting fish year after year.
Spectacular Landscapes
Fish against a backdrop of snowcapped mountains, tussock valleys, and ancient beech forests. Every day on the water is a visual feast.
Perfect Angling Location
Mataura River Lodge sits just 5 minutes from the Mataura River and within easy reach of the Oreti, Von, Upukerora, and dozens of world-class Southland waterways.
Conservation-First Ethos
Catch-and-release practices, careful fish handling, and respect for the river ecosystem are central to every guided trip. Protecting these waters for future generations.